The enchanting allure of Hollywood was palpable on Saturday as Ariana Grande and her fellow cast members from the eagerly awaited film adaptation of “Wicked” graced the red carpet for its Los Angeles premiere. A celebration of both the musical’s magic and the iconic legacy of “The Wizard of Oz,” the event was nothing short of a dazzling spectacle. Gradually, Ariana Grande—the actress who embodies the character of Glinda—captivated audiences with a look that fused contemporary fashion and classic Hollywood charm, all while echoing the themes of the beloved tales that inspired her character.
Ariana’s attire was a testament to her deep understanding of fashion as an extension of narrative. She stepped out in a breathtaking custom gown designed by Thom Browne, meticulously crafted to align with the “Shiz University” theme that busy photographers buzzed around. The actress wore a strapless duchess satin gown that radiated elegance, complemented further by a capelet adorned with intricate pink gingham crystals and silk thread embroidery. This design cleverly alluded to Dorothy’s classic blue checked dress, encapsulating the spirit of the timeless story while emphasizing Grande’s role as Glinda.
A representation from Thom Browne shared astounding details about the gown’s creation—over 600,000 meticulously arranged three-cut beads and an astonishing 50,000 sparkling pink crystals decorated the piece, polished through the dedicated efforts of an impressive 50 artisans over 6,000 labor-intensive hours. Such details underscored the extravagance and artistic dedication involved in the dress, revealing how couture can decisively influence narrative storytelling.
Adding further layers to her ensemble, Ariana donned shoes inspired by the fabled red slippers—though, as a nod to literary authenticity, her footwear was silver, reminiscent of L. Frank Baum’s original vision from the literary work. Adorned with 4,000 Swarovski crystals, these shoes not only showcased extravagant craftsmanship but were also a clever tribute to the original source material of “The Wizard of Oz.” Grande echoed this sentiment during her conversation with Vogue, emphasizing how her character’s fashion should honor both Glinda and Dorothy, connecting the worlds of film and literature in an intelligent and stylish manner.
What made Ariana’s look particularly resonate was the quirky touch she added to the ensemble by carrying a wicker bag designed to look like a miniature version of the brand’s signature Hector dog. The finishing touches were the gloves and a delicate bun adorned by a matching bow, which elevated her look from extraordinary to iconic. This meticulous attention to detail spoke volumes about how Ariana approaches her fashion—each element serves a narrative purpose, enriching her character and enhancing the visual storytelling of the event.
Never one to shy away from making a statement, co-star Cynthia Erivo made sure to match Grande’s energy with a striking green latex gown by Louis Vuitton, accentuated by a dramatic fringed cape. Grande’s other co-star, Jonathan Bailey, complete the trio’s theme by sporting a flashy silver sequined shirt and ruby loafers, echoing the eye-catching aesthetics of both leading ladies. Their coordinated efforts on the carpet not only highlighted the film’s themes but also showcased the synergy between the characters they portray.
Grande’s red carpet appearances consistently serve to establish her as a modern-day trendsetter. This event was just the latest in a series of occasions where she embraced the characters of yesteryear, expertly infusing glamour with nostalgia. Whether wearing a poofy pink Vivienne Westwood gown in Sydney or embodying Glinda’s ethereal grace at the “Wicked” premiere, her fashion choices aim to transcend mere aesthetics, telling stories that resonate deeply with fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Ultimately, Grande’s captivating appearance at the “Wicked” premiere is a shining reminder of how fashion, theater, and cinema intersect, crafting narratives that underline their cultural significance. By honoring both classic and contemporary influences, Ariana Grand remains a defining force at the intersection of pop culture and high fashion.