Cynthia Erivo knows fans across Oz were curious about her attire.
One particular costume piece quickly took on a life of its own after the release of Wicked: For Good when it was featured prominently during a romantic scene between Cynthia’s Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero. And while viewers quickly memed what was dubbed the “sex cardigan,” as the Wicked star explained, the costume served a very specific purpose.
“I just wanted to present an opportunity to see this character who everybody at this point has seen as this strong fighting woman, who is the Wicked Witch, as someone who could actually be on her own,” Cynthia shared with fans during a recent Airbnb event. “I just wanted something that removed the armor for a second, while, yes, showing you a more sensual, more connected side of her.”
As the 38-year-old added, the aforementioned cardigan—which Elphaba wore during the song “As Long As You’re Mine” in her hideout—was not meant to turn her character “into a sexual object.”
“The aim is to make her a soft human being that could be worthy of being loved and having an intimate moment with someone,” Cynthia continued. “That's beautiful."
But the cardigan went beyond just removing Elphaba’s armor, with costume designer Paul Tazewell explaining it was also a case of what would the character actually wear in a place she’s meant to feel comfortable in.
“It came out of very literally an organic decision of what does Elphaba have access to?” he explained on Fresh Air Dec. 1. “And living alone, what choice would she make when she's looking for a robe, some way to be protective and warm?”
The Oscar winner pointed out that Elphaba has a loom in her treehouse “where she's weaving her own clothing.”
“She's manifesting all these things from the elements that are around her,” he shared, “and the sweater is just in keeping with that.”
Still, Paul was well aware that many viewers would be curious as to why the character didn’t wear something more traditionally sexy like a black “slinky peignoir.”
“But where would she get ... that?” he mused. “Well why would she even have it? … I think that it just follows through with reasonable choices that define who a character is and what is important for them, where their priorities are.”
But it wasn’t just Cynthia’s onscreen clothing that delighted fans. Keep reading for a deep dive into all of her and costar Ariana Grande’s Wicked-inspired red carpet looks.
Coming Attractions
Presenting together at the 2024 Oscars in March, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were already teasing what was in store from the first installment of Wicked, coming to theaters Nov. 22.
Erivo, who plays green-hued "bad" witch Elphaba, looked ready for both the red carpet and battle in leather Louis Vuitton with reptilian ruffles down the back. And Grande, who costars as "good" witch Glinda, channeled old Hollywood glam in a powder-pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture column gown magically accented with enough fabric to provide a peplum, a stole, a bustle and a train all at once.
They Know About Popular
The Wicked train chugged into CinemaCon in April with Grande all aboard in a white and pink Oscar de la Renta minidress that resembled a blooming flower, while Erivo sported a green and silver Versace ensemble, including fierce thigh-high satin boots.
Not the colors of dear old Shiz, but she has an open invitation to play Quidditch for Slytherin.
Très Chic
Gold for best dressed went to team Wicked at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the costars were spotted at multiple events.
But first, they kicked off the Games at the July 26 Opening Ceremony, Erivo in a strapless green Louis Vuitton gown with a gravity-defying silhouette and Grande in a drop-waist powder-pink Thom Browne dress that would've made Audrey Hepburn proud.
Where Troubles Melt Like Lemon Drops
Erivo, who also performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at the event, looked wickedly good in a glittering emerald gown by Naeem Khan at the 2024 Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 4th Annual Gala on Oct. 19.
Another popular choice: Grande's leather-trimmed polka dot ball gown courtesy of Balmain.
Coat of Many Colors
Erivo accessorized her T-shirt and cropped jeans with bright-green pumps and a patterned Louis Vuitton coat at an Oct. 2024 screening of Wicked at the DGA Theater in New York.
Grande looked ready for her first day of witch university in a cream-colored button-down vest and matching skirt by Atelier Versace.
Peas in a Pod
It's unclear if Grande floated to the WSJ. Magazine 2024 Innovator Awards inside a magical bubble, but her delicately embroidered white Vivienne Westwood gown was fit for such a journey.
Meanwhile, Erivo's Erdem dress—gray pinstripes overlaid with embellished green silk—was Land of Oz meets Wall Street.
Good Witch of the North
Grande went full Glinda at the Nov. 2024 Australian premiere of Wicked in a pink Vivienne Westwood ball gown.
Far From Basic
Erivo leaned into Elphaba's wicked future at the premiere in a black Louis Vuitton strapless gown, accessorized with a massive lion's head choker and another bedazzled green manicure.
"I love this outfit so much because it speaks to my character," the British actress told Vogue Australia before heading to the red carpet (or, in this case, yellow brick road). "It reminds me of wings and defying gravity."
Every Look There Is or Was
Erivo cast yet another spell at the Nov. 2024 Wicked photocall in Australia, this time in an emerald and black Marc Jacobs blouse paired with a black embroidered skirt.
And for her latest trick: Dividing the eye's attention between her dainty fascinator and the towering multistrap Mary Jane platforms that added at least 6 inches to her 5-foot-1 frame.
Ways to Flirt and Flounce
Grande was the gift in bow-trimmed Bode at the Australian photo call.
Changed for Good
Louis Vuitton didn't hold back on the green for Erivo and Thom Browne provided Grande's dainty gingham look at the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked on Nov. 2024.
Because I Knew You
Leaning into Elphaba's eventual preferred color, Erivo wore Dior to a Nov. 2024 Wicked screening hosted by Vogue at New York's Museum of Modern Art, while Grande turned up the pink meter from pastel to hot in Louis Vuitton.
The Chance to Fly
Across the pond for Wicked's London premiere on Nov. 2024, Grande was cheery as a buttercup in a dreamy Ralph Lauren gown and Erivo hit the sweet spot where punk meets princess courtesy of Schiaparelli.
One Wonderful Night
Ariana and Cynthia channeled their inner witch in honor of NBC's WIcked: One Wonderful Night TV special in November 2025.
Wicked Through and Through
Whent the Broadway star arrived at the 2025 Oscars ceremony, she did so in a look that exuded the power only Elphaba can bring.
A Celebration the Glinda Way
Whereas Cynthia's Oscars look was all bold lines and arresting shapes, Ariana's was perfetly Glinda-fied—channeling the softness and glam of the woman who came down in a bubble.