A piece of leather history in Peterborough, Ontario

You may not know it, but Peterborough, Ontario, has its very own leather-related claim to fame!

 Benjamin Franklin Ackerman was born in 1850 on Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada, and was employed as a saddler by the year 1875. Ackerman started his family business in the late 1890s in Peterborough, Ontario. This historic, enterprising family business was housed in a large warehouse, and manufactured leather goods, harnesses, saddles, boots, and footwear trucks. At this time, horse and buggy was still the only means of travel, lending itself to the success of Mr Ackerman.

Just like Benjamin Ackerman, Ines Gloves began as a small, family-owned business that has developed into a beacon of the European fashion industry. Even Timmins, Ontario's own Shania Twain recently entered her Las Vegas show on horseback, wearing a pair of classic glace leather gloves.

The Ackerman building still stands within the downtown core of Peterborough, Ontario, although leather production has stopped. However, the tradition is carried forth by leather designers such as Ines herself, and even those right here in Canada.

Leather ruffles in Canada... then and again?

Ruffled leather skirts were all the rage back in 2004, but do they persist now? Leather is everywhere in Canada... from pants to skirts to leggings... Canadians seem to have a renewed interest in leather as an article of clothing, and I could not be happier.

These ruffled skirts exploded onto the fashion scene in 2004 as part of the flowy movement of Toronto Fashion Week, and were typically paired with polo shirts, skater shoes, or boots for a casual look.

Now, though ruffled leather skirts are still being worn in Canada, they have taken on a more indulgent, elegant appearance, and are paired with special leather gloves and crisp blouses. Might I recommend a pair of my sensual almost elbow high gloves to match? These beautiful, high quality gloves will launch your ruffled leather skirt from 2004 into 2015 in an instant!

Celebrate summer in Canada with a leather necklace

One of the most common misconceptions about leather fashion in Canada is that this fabric is strictly worn by bikers and rock stars. Think again! Leather is oh-so-versatile and can be worn all year long, and in any season. And right now, leather is perhaps one of the favourite trends for summer in Canada!

Canadians are very creative, and I have done some research in my native land to find some new and unique ways to incorporate leather into our daily lives. The leather feather necklace is very unique, feminine, and elegant, all of which are qualities found in an Ines Glove.

And saving the best for last...

Personally, I cannot be more excited about my favourite fashion trend this spring in Canada... leather!!! Perhaps the most versatile material ever discovered, leather is practical, yet fashionable and oh-so-much fun.

This spring, Canadian designers are using leather in more subtle ways. Though jackets and pants will ensure forever, we are seeing more leather gloves a la Ines...

Two spring trends come together in a single ensemble, with florals and my sensual shoulder high gloves combining forces to create a beautiful spring outfit. So very feminine and elegant...

Though black is timeless, don't be timid when it comes to using colour this spring. My short every day glace gloves are available in so many happy colours, that it should be easy to enhance your elegance and chose a colour to match your personality.

Explore all of the styles trending in Canada this spring, and visit the Ines Gloves' gloveshop to make leather gloves part of it all!

Merry Christmas from Ines Gloves Canada!

We wish at Ines Gloves would like to wish all of our Canadian Friends of Elegance the merriest of Christmases.

We thank each and every one of you for your leather love over the past year, and look forward to enhancing your elegance in 2015...

Merry Christmas!

The elegance of Ines... made casual in Canada

The year is 2004, and Paris Hilton is setting the stage for a new fashion trend... graphic tees! This trend originally reached popularity in the United States, and then rapidly spread into Toronto, the fashion hub of Canada. But are these tees still popular? Has Paris made a lasting impression on the fashion scene?

The answer is... absolutely! Now, however, graphic tees are being paired with leather accessories for the ultimate in rocker chic looks! Take the above ensemble, for example... a unique band t-shirt perhaps, that is made elegant with my sensual indulging gloves bolero.

Or choose a t-shirt with your favourite saying, and pair it with a pair of my glossy fashion fingerless driving gloves and a floral skirt. The combination of several seasonal trends is brought together with a touch of leather elegance.

Summer leather trends in Canada: apply the polish!

One of the latest, greatest, and most inexpensive way to indulge in the summer leather trends in Canada is to pick up a bottle of leather nail polish! This is a unique nail polish that gives the illusion of leather on your finger nails... a high fashion textured finish.

This nail polish goes on glossy, but quickly dries to give a chic leather look without the need for a top coat. And if you want to combine this trend with your Ines Gloves, use my fingerless half scoop leather gloves to indulge in leather gloves and show of those polished tips!

Summer leather weather in Canada

With every new season, the fashion runways seem to flood our senses with the latest and greatest micro-trends, which can make it very difficult for women to prepare their wardrobes to last the season. The most important thing to consider when revamping your closet is whether or not each new trend is worth it.

One piece of advice that I would like to share with all of our Friends of Elegance is that the leather trend is not only here to stay, but that investing in several staple leather pieces will keep your wardrobe fresh season after season.

I've searched the racks in Canadian leather retailers to find the most basic, flattering, and fun leather pieces in which to invest.

Jumpsuits have made a splash on the runways again, so why not combine 2 trends into 1? The leather jumpsuit will make for a cool look in summer, but can be recycled in winter with a long-sleeved shirt or blouse underneath. Throw in a unique pair of my fashion scoop half gloves and you have a summer look fit for the runway!

Whether you choose leather shorts, skirts, or blazers, an investment in leather is an investment in your own personal style...

Unique leather artistry hits Vancouver's Xixo Apparel

We all know that leather fashion is huge, and it is because of the unique style brought about by leather that Vancouver-based clothing retailer XiXo Apparel has decided to invest in Cuadra leather products.

Carlos and Mar Ramirez are the husband-and-wife owners of Xixo (pronounced "shee-sho" Apparel, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Meaning "well done" in the native Aztec language of Nahuatl, it is perhaps an understatement, considering the superior quality of the products they carry. Similar to Ines Gloves, Xixo Apparel is known for its unique leather artistry and design.

The brand name of Cuadra was originally founded in Mexico by Augustin Cuadra 22 years ago, but Xixo Apparel is the first Canadian distributor of their leather products. And just like Ines van den Born of Ines Gloves, each article created for the Cuadra line is completely handmade with painstaking detail. This means that each Cuadra piece and each Ines glove is made entirely exclusively - each piece is like no other of its kind.

The fashions of the Cuadra line pair beautifully with the artistry of Ines Gloves...

Handmade genuine leather boots, jackets, and vests... the perfect match for my where are my fingers gloves for her and my man black driving gloves for him. Style for style...

The elbow-length sleeves of this sheer top demand an artistic Ines glove to complement the beautiful embroidery of the Cuadra leather bag and belt. Might I suggest the elegant my pearl shorty gloves? Entirely visible at the wrist, the sweet pearl matches the delicacy of the handbag embroidery. A perfect match!

This brown is such a warm, comforting color... why not wear your Cuadra leather jacket with a pair of my short every day glace gloves or my man silk lined elk leather gloves.

With Cuadra, you have already treated yourself to something beautiful... why not treat yourself to something elegant with Ines Gloves?

Leather trends for fall 2013 - an overview of what's to come!

As much as I don't like to admit it, the cool gusts of autumn are starting to blow in. Fortunately with that comes the ability to dust off your leather gloves, hats, jackets, and pants! Before heading out to watch the leaves change color, take a look at the latest and newest fashion trends for fall...

Once again, leather remains huge on the runways and in the minds of our favorite fashion designers. This season, leather has become more than simply accessories - gloves remain very much a large part of our fall wardrobe, but they are now accompanied by pants, skirts, and vintage-style jackets.

~ popular design label Mulberry has decided to make leather their go-to material for fall.  

Feel free to dress head-to-toe in leather! If you dare to do this, be careful not to mix too many colors. The model pictured above looks beautiful in cranberry leather, which includes a pair of my sensual past elbow gloves in my wine. Wearing long gloves in this way will give you an accessory to show off once you remove your coat! Delightful!

We all have leather accessories in our closets - gloves, boots, and the staple leather coat. However, designers have really capitalized on the total leather look for fall...

~ Chanel looks very cozy in a fashionable pleated leather skirt, offset by icy white my where are my fingers gloves.

We have lots of new trends in store, so stay tuned for future posts that explore each new leathery trend in detail.

Did you know???

The traditional gift for the third wedding anniversary is leather!!

The third year of marriage is most often when a couple first becomes aware of the durability of their relationship. Being one of the most durable materials, leather has traditionally been the gift of choice for this celebration.

Congratulations to all our leather lovers celebrating their third wedding anniversary this year!

Glovey elegance in Ancient Egypt...

 

The climate in Ancient Egypt may have been sweltering, but it was not enough to stop pharaohs and Egyptian women from enjoying a lovely pair of gloves.

As you might expect, Egyptian men wore gloves to protect their hands in battle or when working. However, the great pharaohs (such as King Tutankhamun) wore them as a symbol of their station.

~ a preserved glove belonging to King Tutankhamun

Ancient Egyptian women had it best, though, when it came to wearing gloves. Similar to our Ines Gloves, women used their gloves to beautify their hands! They would begin their beauty regime by rubbing their hands with honey and fragrant oils, and would them place their treated hands in a thin pair of silk gloves!

Canadian superstar Celine Dion loves Ines style!!!

Quebec, Canada, native Celine Dion has one of the most powerful, emotional, and evocative voices in modern music today. And she loves Ines' style...



... singing in Dubai, UAE, in my sensual indulging gloves bolero...

... celebrating a Grammy nomination in a pair of stunning black leather pants...

... greeting her extensive fan base in a pair of my sensual shoulder high gloves...

... preparing to make a grand entrance on the Caesar's Palace stage in Las Vegas wearing a pair of my sensual oh-la-la leg gloves...

... and posing for her Taking Chances album in a delightful pair of leather pants...

As you can see, the Ines style is unique, diverse, and absolutely beautiful!

Avoid a glove faux-pas: the etiquette of Ines Gloves



For many years, both men and women were expected to wear a pair of gloves when seen in public. To be seen without a pair of gloves was a huge social faux-pas, even considered to be indecent! Unfortunately, our modern use of gloves is dwindling - social norms are relaxing. This laissez-faire attitude has affected our wardrobe for far too long, so let us don our favorite pair of Ines Gloves and look at the rules of etiquette surrounding this must-have accessory for both men and women...

For men, it is essential to own at least 2 pairs of leather gloves: one in black and the other brown. May I suggest my man cognac driving gloves (pictured above) and my man special glace gloves? These gloves will not only keep your hands warm, but they will also add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe. Classic accessories that are always in style...

Black gloves have a more formal appeal, so your brown gloves can be worn when in a casual setting. White gloves were once a mandatory accessory when a gentleman stepped out for the evening, but the modern era has all but made such gloves obsolete.

 



For women, it is important that our gloves complement our bag and shoes in color. While we are granted more liberty and creativity in fashion, a few simple rules of etiquette apply:

~ though men must remove their gloves to shake someone's hand, a women can greet while wearing her gloves.

~ men should remove their gloves when inside.

~ past-elbow, and shoulder-high leather gloves are removed prior to eating. Remember, it is bad form to soil our Ines gloves!

~ for both men and women, gloves are properly removed one finger at a time.

Newest Cover Girl Janelle Monae wears my fashion fingerless driving gloves!!

CoverGirl's newest model, R & B performer Janelle Monae, wears gloves very similar to my fashion fingerless driving gloves in their latest advertisement!

But the leather doesn't stop there... Janelle's back-up dancer wears a delightful black leather vest, and Janelle herself is even wearing leather suspenders!

How to wear my sensual indulging gloves bolero

Congratulations on purchasing my sensual indulging gloves bolero! This is a unique, elegant, sensual glove experience... imagine combining the feeling of wrapping your body in soft kidskin leather of highest quality and the feeling of slipping your hands into a luxurious pair of gloves...

Ines has introduced a new design of her gloves bolero, which includes a graceful mock collar, and leather ties in the front to allow for creativity in wearing your bolero. But how do you make it work with your wardrobe? The answer is easy... be creative!

If you're like me, then you'll look for any excuse to wear leather, regardless of the season. A bolero jacket is the perfect accessory, as it provides an elegant finish to any ensemble. Worn day or night, a bolero with gloves is special in itself!

Gloves bolero in the sun...

A daytime bolero is generally open at the front, and should provide an easy-to-wear style and a bit of extra coverage. If you happen to find a dress that you simply can't live without, but it's slightly more revealing than you're used to, try Ines' original design of my sensual indulging gloves bolero. This fabulous body glove can be worn in a variety of ways: you can opt to cover your arms and shoulders and put the front away, or you can close the bolero at the front.

Made from the softest kidskin leather, these gloves bolero can complete your look and provide extra coverage to your upper arms. Plus, the long, sexy gloves are definitely an added bonus! Gloves bolero can replace a jacket or coat on cooler days. Try pairing my sensual indulging gloves bolero with a long white t-shirt and jeans for a casual look with a touch of elegance.

Gloves bolero after dark...

A glamorous evening look provides the best opportunity to make your gloves bolero shine! Ines' newest my sensual indulging gloves bolero design allows for creativity and style.

For a glamorous evening look, wear my sensual indulging gloves bolero with a sexy, form-fitting dress. Since this design is longer in the front, you can either tie it just below the bustline for optimal cleavage, or you can wrap the leather ties around your body and tie them in the back. No matter which way you choose, gloves bolero are the perfect accessory for your wardrobe.

Be creative! Be sexy! Be elegant!

Ines loves everybody in leather!!

Oh the 90s!! The days of funky music, tattoos, ear piercing, and casual wear... oddly enough, it was also the era that GAP introduced the idea of "everybody in leather"! 

 

In my ever-present quest to promote men wearing leather pants, I stumbled upon the original GAP television commercial for "everybody in leather"... enjoy!

 

 

Ines Gloves' glove of the week

This week's glovey feature literally wraps your body in soft, sensual leather! My sensual indulging gloves bolero is a uniquely new design that adds a touch of creativity to your wardrobe.

As you wrap this delightful body glove around yourself, take in the wonderful scent of high quality kidskin leather... soft, supple, fantastic! This bolero glove has an elegant mock collar, and can either tie in the front (as pictured above) or wrap around your body in many creative ways. It's also unlined, which means this soft leather will lie directly against your skin. A must-have for any leather lover!

Ines' gloves bolero is also available in a slightly different design... the original my sensual indulging gloves bolero. Available in my fire (red), this sleek, sexy gloves bolero is first-generation Ines. Be creative, be adventurous, and be elegant.

A glove is never just a glove...

It should not surprise you to learn that gloves aren't just for wearing... gloves speak volumes! The appearance, texture, and style of your glove speaks to your personality, personal style, and even your mood. Beyond that, a mere flick of the wrist or a slight or gentle tap of the finger can spell romance or rejection... you decide!

Here are a few glovey interpretations that have been used throughout history to seduce, summon, and entice. Try them out for yourself!

~ twirling your gloves seductively around your finger: We are being watched.
~ holding the tips of your gloves downward: I wish to be acquainted.
~ gently smoothing your gloves: I wish I were with you; I wish to speak with you.
~ holding gloves loosely in your right hand: Be content.
~ holding gloves loosely in your left hand: I am satisfied.

~ striking gloves over your hand: I am displeased.
~ tossing gloves up gently: I am engaged.
~ tapping your gloves against your chin: I love another.
~ dropping your glove: Yes
~ dropping both gloves: I love you.
~ turning the wrong side of your gloves outward: I dislike you.

Charlize Theron & Ines leather style

Hollywood actress Charlize Theron is no stranger to leather wear. She wore a smashing red leather dress from Dior at the 2011 premiere of her latest feature film Young Adult.

 

However, you don't need a celebrity budget or a fabulous movie premiere to pull off this so-called "fetish trend". Instead, just a few quick tips will allow you to unleash your inner wild child while keeping your leather look classy and practical...

 

 

1. Invest in versatile pieces. If this is your first venture into leather wear, it may help to begin with a few staple pieces, such as gloves, a jacket, or pants, rather than a daring leather dress. You'll be more comfortable, and eventually will work your way up to a stunner. Try a casual, rocker-chick look or use your leather piece as part of a catchy evening ensemble. Experiment... you can't go wrong with leather!

 

 

2. Cover those long legs. Well, in the winter anyway. If you do brave the elements and sport that sexy leather dress, include a pair of nude tights to keep your legs warm.  

 

 

3. Add a uniquely feminine accent. For a touch of class, pair a woven, sleeveless dress with a pair of sensual long leather gloves. Or, try a fitted leather pencil skirt with a crisp white blouse for a distinctive, feminine, classy look.

 

It's pretty clear that Charlize is no stranger to leather, so you shouldn't be either!