The much-anticipated movie adaptation of “Wicked” is finally hitting the screens, and with its arrival comes a flurry of excitement both on and off the stage. At the recent premiere in Sydney, Australia, pop sensation Ariana Grande stole the spotlight, embodying her character Galinda with an enchanting presence that captivated fans and fashionistas alike. With its splendid setting and star-studded cast, the premiere shone a spotlight not only on the film but also on the dazzling fashion choices that characterized the event.
Ariana Grande’s choice of attire was nothing short of a homage to the beloved fantasy world of Oz. Draped in a stunning, bubblegum pink Vivienne Westwood ballgown featuring puffy sleeves, Grande channeled the spirit of her character, the Good Witch. This design choice was particularly noteworthy as it drew inspiration from the original Galinda gown worn by Billie Burke in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” The pink palette and voluminous silhouette captured the whimsical charm associated with Galinda, making Grande the embodiment of her character for the evening.
The essence of Grande’s gown was enhanced by the meticulous detail and craftsmanship involved in its creation. The dress wasn’t just a fashion statement but rather a reflection of the character’s magical aura. Grande articulated her love for the outfit, mentioning not only how it made her feel but also the artistic thought that went into each aspect of the design. The starbursts on the sleeves and corset were particularly significant, symbolizing Glinda’s wand and adding yet another layer of illustrative magic to the ensemble.
No iconic look is complete without the right accessories, and Ariana’s jewelry was a sight to behold. The singer adorned herself with an impressive showcase of custom jewelry crafted by renowned designer Lorraine Schwartz. The eye-catching accessories included a butterfly-shaped necklace and earrings, collectively weighing over 100 carats—the ultimate expression of opulence and whimsy that Galinda would undoubtedly endorse.
The centerpiece of this collection, a stunning choker designed with a blend of rose-cut and full-cut diamonds, was a nod to the exquisite extravagance associated with the character. Schwartz noted, “The butterfly was ethereal. We thought it was perfect.” This captivating centerpiece, weighing an astonishing 90 carats, beautifully framed Grande’s neck and added a luminous quality that echoed the sparkling world of “Wicked.”
Completing her enchanting look, Ariana opted for a soft and glamorous makeup style inspired by her own beauty line, R.E.M. Beauty. The coordinated all-pink makeup mirrored the enchanting elements of her gown and further solidified her transformation into Galinda. By showcasing her talent for both music and beauty, Grande demonstrated her commitment to embodying her character on and off the stage.
During an interview with Vogue Australia, Ariana stated that the premiere offered her a valuable opportunity to reconnect with the whimsical persona of Galinda—one that she had been eagerly exploring through various facets of fashion throughout the press tour. Grande expressed her enthusiasm for delving deeper into the lore of Oz, stating, “The fun of playing with the Ozian lore and bringing her to life in new ways with my brilliant stylist is just such a lovely thing.”
The premiere not only celebrated Grande but also showcased her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba. Erivo’s choice of attire—a dramatic black Louis Vuitton gown—struck a powerful contrast to Grande’s delicate look. By pairing her ensemble with striking Roberto Coin jewelry and a bold green manicure, Erivo showcased the multifaceted narrative of “Wicked” and introduced her own dynamic interpretation of the character.
As the first installment of “Wicked” prepares to grace theaters on November 21, audiences anticipate a captivating blend of imaginative storytelling and stunning fashion. The appearance of Grande and Erivo at the premiere has undoubtedly set a high bar for what fans can expect both on and off the screen, making it a cinematic event not to be missed. As they continue to showcase their character transformations, one can only wonder what other extraordinary ensembles await in the enchanting world of Oz.