“A Tale of Two Witches: Ariana Grande and Erivo Cast Their Sartorial Spells at Wicked Premiere”
In a spellbinding display of haute couture magic, the “Journey Through Oz” tour reached its crescendo at the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked, where leading ladies Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo transformed the red carpet into a runway of theatrical proportions. The sartorial storytelling continued as both actresses paid homage to their ethereal characters while adding their distinctive contemporary edge to classic silhouettes.
Grande, stepping into Glinda’s glittering shoes quite literally, emerged as a vision in a custom Thom Browne creation that masterfully married whimsy with sophistication. The gingham pattern, traditionally associated with Dorothy’s Kansas roots, received a high-fashion metamorphosis in pink and white. The strapless ball gown, complemented by a perfectly matched bolero jacket and gloves, spoke volumes about Glinda’s journey from finishing school fashionista to beloved witch of the North. Her silver crystallized pumps, catching the spotlight with every step, added that essential touch of magical sparkle – a detail this heel-obsessed fashion editor couldn’t help but notice.
In a dramatic contrast that would make any fashion devotee weak at the knees, Erivo commanded attention in a custom Louis Vuitton masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of avant-garde design. The green vinyl dress, a modern interpretation of Elphaba’s iconic shade, demonstrated how villainous fashion has evolved from simple black garments to statement-making architectural pieces. The addition of a dramatic fringed silk stole created movement that seemed to defy gravity – how appropriate for the future Wicked Witch of the West. But it was her Roberto Coin jewelry, particularly the show-stopping 18K white gold diamond and emerald collar necklace from the Haute Couture Collection (valued at an eye-watering $750,000), that truly crowned this look as legendary.
The Sydney premiere earlier that week set the stage for this fashion face-off, with Grande channeling Billie Burke’s 1939 Good Witch in a baby pink Vivienne Westwood confection. The gown, embellished with silver details and paired with over 100 carats of custom Lorraine Schwartz diamonds, proved that sometimes the best fashion references are the most literal. Erivo, meanwhile, chose to subvert expectations in a structured Louis Vuitton black gown, incorporating her character’s signature green solely through her jewel-encrusted manicure – a subtle detail that fashion insiders are still buzzing about.
