Hollywood once again became the epicenter of glamour and excitement as the Los Angeles premiere of the much-anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked” took place over the weekend. Amidst the flashing lights and eager fans, Ariana Grande, known for her powerful vocal prowess and striking presence, captivated onlookers not just with her performance but also with her breathtaking fashion choices. As she graced the red carpet, it was clear that every element of her look was meticulously crafted to pay homage to the iconic characters that have captivated audiences for generations.
Grande, who steps into the role of Glinda, embraced the “Shiz University” theme of the event in a custom creation by designer Thom Browne. Her gown, featuring a delicate strapless silhouette in shimmering white duchess satin, was an avant-garde nod to classic film references, particularly Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.” The dress stood out not simply for its elegance but for the intricate details that transformed it into a dazzling spectacle. Adorned with pink gingham crystals and embellishments, the gown was a contemporary interpretation of Dorothy’s legendary blue checked dress, reflecting Grande’s strong sense of style while also making a statement about the film’s connection to the beloved story.
In what could only be described as an ode to craftsmanship, Thom Browne’s team employed meticulous attention to detail in bringing this look to life. A stunning 600,000 three-cut beads and 50,000 pink crystals were painstakingly applied to this ensemble, taking over 6,000 hours of combined effort from a talented team of 50 artisans to create the final imagery. Such dedication to quality not only reflects the commitment of the designer but also highlights the significant shift in fashion where storytelling and visuals come together to create impactful wearable art. Grande was noticeably smitten with the gown, expressing her admiration during discussions with Vogue, emphasizing her love for the asymmetrical design reminiscent of fairytales.
In addition to her ethereal gown, Grande’s choice of shoes further solidified her homage to the character of Glinda, while simultaneously calling back to L. Frank Baum’s original depiction of Dorothy’s footwear. With 4,000 Swarovski crystals embellishing her shoes, she paid tribute to the essence of these iconic characters while still maintaining a fresh, modern twist. Such thoughtful considerations in styling denote a growth in celebrity appearances where personal narratives intertwine with professional roles.
Completing her ensemble, Grande opted for a whimsical wicker bag sculpted in the shape of the beloved dog Toto, subtly nodding to the narrative that first introduced audiences to themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. Additionally, her hairstyle—a neatly tied bun accentuated with a matching bow—secured the look with a sense of polished playfulness. The inclusion of gloves was yet another stunning detail, enhancing her overall aesthetic while allowing her to carry forward the vintage charm harking back to classic Hollywood.
In a wider context, this is not the first instance where Grande has infused her appearances with retro influences. Previous premieres have seen her elegantly personify characters from various timelines in cinematic history, most notably when she donned a voluminous Vivienne Westwood gown reminiscent of the enchanting attire worn by Billie Burke’s Good Witch during the premiere in Sydney. Grande continues to enthrall her audience not only through her musical talents but also through her profound appreciation of fashion as a narrative vessel.
While Grande dazzled in shades of white and pink, her co-stars embraced complementary palettes, each echoing the film’s themes while also resonating with their characters. Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, adorned herself in a vivid green latex gown, embodying the character’s fierce identity. Her look, punctuated by a breathtaking diamond-and-emerald necklace, firmly established her as a fashion presence in her own right, paralleling Grande’s iconic status. Meanwhile, Jonathan Bailey, playing Fiyero, complemented this trio’s energy with a silver sequined shirt and ruby loafers, demonstrating camaraderie and thematic synergy among the cast.
Together, they created a visual narrative that would surely leave an indelible mark on both fashion history and the hearts of fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release. The Hollywood premiere of “Wicked” was not just an event; it was a showcase of artistic expression where fashion, film, and performance merged into a singular breathtaking experience.