Emerald Elevation: Cynthia Erivo’s Ballet-Inspired Louboutins Cast a Spell at Oscar Nominees Dinner
In a sartorial symphony that echoes her nominated role as the emerald-skinned witch of Oz, Cynthia Erivo continues her chromatic journey through awards season with a spellbinding appearance at the 97th Academy Awards Nominees Dinner in Los Angeles. The Tony-winning powerhouse, whose transformative performance as Elphaba in “Wicked” has earned her a Best Actress nomination, bewitched onlookers with her masterful melding of vintage couture and statement footwear.
Erivo’s archival Givenchy ensemble whispered sweet promises of spring with its buttery yellow-green satin composition. The outerwear piece, a revelation in itself, featured a dramatic floor-sweeping hemline, elegant V-neckline, and authoritative shoulders—all serving as canvas for intricate embroidery depicting flora and fauna in exquisite detail. Fastened centrally and paired with a minimalist skirt, the garment later revealed its prestigious provenance as an Alexander McQueen creation from The Japanese Garden collection, adorned with peacock and butterfly motifs.
Fashion cognoscenti immediately recognized the brilliance in Erivo’s accessories strategy—her signature ultra-long manicure and septum piercing added edge, while an artful constellation of ear jewelry, including substantial gold hoops, provided celestial balance to the look.
However, it was her footwear that truly commanded attention—a likely customized version of Christian Louboutin’s Cassia Lace Up Alta in a mesmerizing peridot hue that perfectly echoed the verdant tones of her ensemble. These ballet-inspired platforms represent Louboutin’s sophisticated reinterpretation of the current pointe-shoe aesthetic, featuring a square toe box, delicate bow embellishment, and lustrous ribbons that encircle the ankle with balletic grace. A grosgrain trim and vertiginous stiletto heel complete this architectural wonder, which retails for $1,295 in its standard incarnation.
The multi-hyphenate artist, whose single “Replay” debuts February 28, has consistently leveraged her “Wicked” press tour to establish herself as a fashion risk-taker worthy of the industry’s attention. Just days before at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Erivo dazzled in another vintage Givenchy creation—this time a silver gown—paired with custom metallic Christian Louboutin Hot Chicks. And who could forget her appearance at the London premiere of “Wicked,” where she donned custom Schiaparelli platforms with an avant-garde Elphaba-inspired ensemble that sent fashion editors into paroxysms of delight?
While some critics question whether the pronounced green hue might overly literalize her connection to the Wicked Witch character, this strategic color story demonstrates Erivo’s willingness to reference her on-screen persona while maintaining her distinct fashion identity. The triple-stacked platforms provide both dramatic elevation and thematic continuity, creating a silhouette that commands attention without sacrificing sophistication.
As the March 2nd Academy Awards ceremony approaches, fashion observers eagerly anticipate Erivo’s red carpet revelation. If her recent sartorial choices indicate her directional path, we can expect a thoughtfully curated look that balances theatrical impact with timeless elegance—further cementing her status as not merely an accomplished performer, but a genuine fashion force.
