When Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took to the red carpet for the European premiere of Wicked: For Good, they did more than simply debut their roles as Glinda and Elphaba. They embraced full‑on gothic glamour, turning the event into a stylish nod to the darker side of Oz.
Spellbinding Silhouettes
At the premiere, Ariana and Cynthia appeared hand‑in‑hand, embodying sister witches in black gowns that strayed from the usual pastel or metallic red‑carpet fare and entered the realm of “witch‑core” couture.
Cynthia Erivo delivered a commanding presence: a custom black gown, with its dramatic elements evoking the emerald‑haunted world of Elphaba, with a sweeping silhouette and cape‑like detail. At the same time, Ariana Grande added a gothic twist of her own to Glinda’s lightness by utilizing a darker color palette that goes against expectations and acknowledges the tone of the evening. By choosing black, textures, and theatrical shapes, this designer shows a confident risk away from the expected “heroine in white” cultural trope.
Touches of Dark Elegance
For Cynthia, the gown’s structure and styling create an aura of dark majesty. The drop‑waist skirt, the dramatic cape, and the feathery trim (as seen at the New York premiere) all contribute to a vision of Elphaba that doesn’t shy from power or presence.
Ariana’s approach, while gothic, retained a playful sensitivity. By selecting black but incorporating couture bows, sequins, or subtly glimmering fabrics (as mentioned in other premieres), she kept the Glinda spirit alive, with a grown‑up twist.
Both actresses also demonstrated the art of balance in gothic fashion. Cynthia favored strong, commanding lines that exuded gravitas and mystery, while Ariana softened her look with more delicate textures and whimsical touches, allowing the pairing to demonstrate a dialogue between strength and charm. Both of their outfits showcased stylistic interpretations of black that contrast—structured versus playful, dramatic versus ethereal—together on the red carpet. Gothic glamour can be both versatile and dramatic.
Red Carpet Drama, Perfected
Red‑carpet events often rely on safe, familiar looks such as glittering gowns, bright hues, and sleek silhouettes. What makes this moment stand out is the shared aesthetic between the two actresses: a united vision that reflects their characters’ intertwined destinies. It isn’t just about each individual look but about the synergy of style between Glinda and Elphaba manifested in their gowns.
Moreover, embracing gothic high fashion in a mainstream premiere is significant. It challenges the idea that red‑carpet glamour must always be light, shiny, or minimalistic. Instead, Ariana and Cynthia show that drama, darkness, and daring design can coexist with elegance. The effect: memorable, storytelling fashion that amplifies the film’s themes.
Style Insights from the Premiere
For style‑savvy readers, this premiere offers a few key takeaways:
- Narrative dressing: Their gowns don’t just look good; they echo the characters and the world of Oz, adding narrative depth to the clothing.
- Monochrome with texture: Using black as the base color allows for dramatic texture, volume, and accessories to shine.
- Dual styling: When two stars coordinate (intentionally or not) in a shared mood, the overall visual impact multiplies.
- Risk paying off: Choosing a less‑predictable palette (gothic versus pastels) can actually make the red‑carpet moment more memorable.
The red carpet for Wicked: For Good reimagined glamour through a darker lens. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo proved that elegance doesn’t require lightness of color or minimalism; it can thrive in strong silhouettes, rich textures, and thematic resonance. Their looks aren’t just about “what to wear for a premiere,” but about how to bring character, story, and couture together. For the fashion‑minded, it’s a masterclass in mood‑driven dressing.
