Georgette McGriff has always had a passion for gloves. As a child, she used to play dress-up with her mom's collection, pretending to be a grownup. "My mother was and still is an avid hat-and-glove lady," says McGriff, 31. So after thorough research, as well as some helpful tips and connections from friends, she launched Primoluxe, a high-end line of Italian gloves, last year. The collection is inspired by her mother's and grandmother's style, as well as images of Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren wearing head scarves and gloves while driving in convertibles.

The designer hopes to revive that classic glamour with her year-round line of luxe pieces, which wholesale from $85 to $250, done in calfskin teamed with python, snakeskin or alligator, sometimes with delicate buttons or contrasting cuffs. She expects the staples to be the driving gloves, in vibrant lime green and orange. The collection is sold through Primoluxe's Web site.