Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Most “Thrillifying” Looks From The Wicked Press Tour
If we could ask the Wizard for one thing, it would be for celebrities to always pay tribute to their characters through their press outfits. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande fully embraced the magic, whimsy, and fanfare of their upcoming film Wicked, especially with their jaw-dropping promotional outfits. Let’s dive into Pop Culture Planet’s favorite looks from the press tour and uncover the heartfelt homages that serve as the actresses’ love letters to the enchanting world of Oz.
Ariana Grande in Vivienne Westwood Couture
The first stop on their worldwide press tour was Australia! Each premiere featured an Ozian theme, and Grande did not disappoint for Australia, which transformed into Munchkinland. Grande dazzled in a custom Vivienne Westwood Couture gown that was a clear callback to the original Glinda, played by Billie Burke. The world first met the Good Witch when she floated gracefully in a bubble to Dorothy in Munchkinland. Grande’s rendition of the iconic gown is flawless, featuring beautiful nods to Burke’s original dress, including the butterfly pendant, the bedazzled stars, and, of course, the puffy — perhaps bubbly — sleeves. Ariana, is it possible to borrow this dress for my wedding, pretty please?
Cythina Erivo in Salon 1884
Erivo delivered a wickedly glamorous look during her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The actress stunned in a striking leather gown by Salon 1884, a clever nod to Margaret Hamilton’s iconic portrayal of the original Wicked Witch of the West. Throughout the press tour, Erivo’s nails have been a clever homage to the Wicked Witch’s terrifying claws — and they’re actually designer! During her appearance on the talk show, her nails were a custom Dior design. The look offered an edgy twist on the classic Wicked Witch aesthetic, elevated by a stunning top hat and a lace-up leather dress. Cynthia, I’d happily take those green Louboutins off your hands!
Ariana Grande in Thom Browne
The Los Angeles premiere embraced a Shiz University theme, honoring Elphaba and Glinda’s alma mater. Grande sparkled in head-to-toe custom Thom Browne, channeling a pink-hued nod to Judy Garland’s beloved character Dorothy. The look was quintessentially Dorothy, with a splash of Glinda the Good Witch. Rather than Dorothy’s iconic blue-and-white gingham, Grande opted for Glinda’s signature color: pink. The pink-and-white gingham, paired with a hair ribbon and an adorable basket-woven Toto bag, made this look the perfect homage to Dorothy. Grande’s sparkling silver heels were a wickedly clever nod to Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, which were gifted to her by Glinda.
Cynthia Erivo in Thom Browne
The Enchanted Forest served as the backdrop for the Wicked premiere in Mexico City. Erivo deserves endless praise for recreating this haunting image of Hamilton, as well as for this drop-dead gorgeous Thom Browne look. The actress wore a stunning beaded black gown paired with a mesmerizing hooded headpiece, featuring its own set of hands — once again evoking Hamilton’s talon-like fingers as she taunted Dorothy throughout the film. This look was the perfect choice for the Enchanted Forest theme, mirroring how Hamilton’s Wicked Witch viciously haunts Dorothy and her friends during their journey through the forest.
Ariana Grande in Atelier Versace
Yes, Glinda does wear colors other than pink, but it’s rare. Grande’s Mexico City gown was a mesmerizing tribute to Glinda’s blue gown from the Broadway musical. At first glance, this pearlescent dress appears to be a gorgeous, milky white, but under different lights, it transforms into a pastel blue and a soft pink, perfectly capturing Glinda’s color palette from the musical. Grande shares a close relationship with Broadway’s original Glinda Kristen Chenoweth who has expressed her sheer elation at Grande taking on the role of the Good Witch. Chenoweth often shares in interviews that she first met Grande when she was a little girl seeing Wicked on Broadway. Grande told her, “I want to be Glinda.” Okay, it’s not just me tearing up at this full circle moment, right?
Cynthia Erivo in Thom Browne
For a press junket day, Erivo and Grande donned Thom Browne once again. This look is reminiscent of Elphaba’s school outfit from the Broadway musical. The green hat immediately reminded us of the beanie Elphaba wears while belting out the iconic tune “The Wizard and I,” originally sung by the musical powerhouse Idina Menzel.
Ariana Grande in Mugler
Grande hosted Saturday Night Live in early October, delivering a performance that was as musical as it was magical. For her monologue, she wore a vintage Mugler dress from the Fall 1982 collection. The gown closely resembled Glinda’s sparkling pink dress from her Broadway performance of the beloved song “Popular.” In true Glinda fashion, Grande broke out into song and dance in the stunning gown.
Cynthia Erivo in Dior
Erivo exuded chic elegance at New York’s Ozdust Ballroom-themed premiere. The actress wowed in a custom black Dior gown, adorned with a stunning headpiece by Stephen Jones. Her long sleeves and sleek cat-eye makeup echoed Elphaba’s signature black gown from the Broadway musical. No matter the attire, Erivo’s confidence and strength truly defy gravity as she embraces one of the most iconic roles of all time.
Ariana Grande in Ralph Lauren
The London premiere featured a glitzy Emerald City theme, and Grande’s look was a spectacular callback to the Broadway musical number “One Short Day,” where Elphaba and Glinda visit the enchanting Emerald City for the first time. Grande’s Ralph Lauren gown perfectly referenced Glinda’s yellow dress she wears as she runs around the Emerald City. The best part of this look? Glinda’s iconic emerald sunglasses were included, completing the ensemble! This subtle nod to the Broadway production shows that Grande is a true fan of the beloved musical.
Grande and Erivo expressed their love for Glinda and Elphaba through their stunning wardrobe, and we at Pop Culture Planet have loved every second of it. We’ve truly been changed for the better by these absolutely magical — or as a true Ozian would say, thrillifying — looks. Stay tuned for more Wicked coverage from Pop Culture Planet!
