On a star-studded night in New York City, Blake Lively graced a special screening of the much-anticipated movie musical “Wicked,” charming attendees with her fashion-forward homage to the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” The actress, renowned for her impeccable style and on-screen charisma, captured headlines by sporting an eye-catching pair of rhinestone-encrusted platform shoes that evoke the iconic ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland. Crafted by the esteemed designer Marc Jacobs, these glamorous heels were part of a limited-edition capsule collection celebrating the timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures.
Lively expertly blended contemporary fashion with nostalgic references, letting her dazzling footwear serve as the focal point of her outfit. She donned a sleek white blazer and light-wash jeans, opting for a minimalist look that beautifully accentuated the opulence of her shoes. This understated choice allowed her footwear to truly shine, demonstrating a keen sense of balance in her styling.
While this appearance followed her promotional tour for “It Ends With Us,” where she embraced vibrant floral designs, Lively infused elements of flora into her ensemble for the screening as well. She wore an embroidered button-down shirt and accessorized with stunning statement earrings, alongside a chic Chanel purse. These flower-inspired touches were not merely decorative; they likely referenced the film’s enchanting poppy fields, further showcasing her ability to weave thematic elements into her fashion narrative.
Accompanying Lively was her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who brought a playful twist to the evening with a head-to-toe khaki outfit that humorously nods to the Scarecrow character. The couple’s playful expressions and chemistry drew attention, complementing the whimsical atmosphere of the event.
Interestingly, the iconic ruby slippers, while synonymous with “The Wizard of Oz,” were not originally described as red in L. Frank Baum’s literary work. Costume designer Paul Tazewell, who is collaborating on “Wicked,” clarified in an interview that the original shoes were silver and not the vibrant hue that audiences remember. This colorful alteration was a clever choice by the film’s creators, aimed at taking advantage of the technicolor technology of its time. Tazewell’s own design contributions for the “Wicked” film include elaborate designs inspired by the story’s characters, adding another layer of depth to the cinematic experience.
Blake Lively is not just a fashionista; she is a master of thematic dressing, often drawing connections between her attire and cinematic narratives. For instance, she previously coordinated with her close friend Gigi Hadid in superhero-influenced ensembles for the premiere of Reynolds’ “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This dedication to integrating fashion with storytelling makes Lively stand out not just as an actress but as a cultural icon who revives and reinterprets cherished stories through her style choices.
As we look forward to Lively’s role in “Wicked: Part 2,” one can only hope she continues to innovate within her glamorous fashion realm, perhaps even surprising us further with daring thematic choices that evoke the enchantment of Oz.