Gloves serve a number of purposes, and can be worn to provide protection to the hand or as a fashionable accessory. The glove has had its fair share of spotlight throughout pop culture history. Below is a look at some of the most famous gloves throughout pop culture.
1. O.J. Simpson
“If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” Beginning in November of 1994 and a verdict being decided upon nearly a year later in October of 1995, the O.J. Simpson trial was one of the most controversial trials ever watched on television. A pair of leather gloves was presented to a judge and jury as evidence against O.J. Simpson in an attempt to prove him guilty of his wife’s murder. In October of 1995, the jury finally reached a verdict of not guilty. The ill-fitting gloves were the savior of O.J. Simpson.
2. Mickey Mouse
Since 1928, Disney’s famous Mouse has been a pop culture icon for children across the globe. The beloved mouse can always be found in his red shorts, yellow shoes, and white gloves. Originally added to contrast his hands from the rest of his body, Mickey’s gloves have become some of the most famous in the world, and are sold as part of costume sets, memorabilia, and park souvenirs the world around.
3. Michael Jackson
The King of Pop has been forever immortalized by his rhinestone glove. This element was introduced while performing at the Emmy’s. Michael debuted the moonwalk, which would become his signature dance move, in a sequined jacket and his white rhinestone glove, which would become his signature outfit. It is said MJ’s obsession with the white glove began when he saw a film editor combing over rolls of film, checking for yellow crayon wax, which indicated that portion of the film needed editing. Other sources say that MJ started wearing the glove to cover his Vitiligo, a disorder that affects the pigment of skin color. Either way,
4. Freddy Krueger
This terrifying clawed glove left many people tossing and turning through sleepless nights when the first Nightmare on Elm Street was released in 1984. The film’s star stalks his victims by entering their dreams, and attacks them with his heavy-duty claw glove. The film has since turned into a major horror movie franchise, and has inspired a number of Halloween costumes each year. Equipped with razor sharp claws, Freddy Krueger’s glove is yet another notable accessory.
5. Willie Mays
Baseball hall-of-famer Willie Mays could not have completed his time as a center fielder without the help of his baseball glove. Mays has been the recipient of 12 Gold Glove Awards , awarded to him for having exceptional performance in his fielding position. During the 1954 World Series, Willie Mays made one of the most memorable catches known to the world of baseball, creatively named “The Catch.” Now on display in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Willie Mays glove will forever be remembered as a game changer.
6. Muhammad Ali
One of the greatest heavy weights in boxing history, Muhammad Ali was known first for his boxing ability, and second for his religious beliefs and opposition to the United State’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Ali was involved in some of the most memorable boxing matches known to man, and would not have been so successful without his excellent reflexes, constant movement, and bright red boxing gloves.
Gloves have played a major role in a number of people’s lives, whether friend or foe, fictional or factual.
