In a vibrant display of thematic dressing, Ariana Grande has once again captured the essence of her character from the upcoming film Wicked with her latest wardrobe choice. At CinemaCon 2024, the pop sensation turned heads in a striking Oscar de la Renta minidress that seemed to spring straight from a high-fashion garden.
Grande’s choice of attire for the Las Vegas event was a floral minidress that featured an innovative design of oversized 3-D petals, creating an illusion of blooming on stage. The dress, predominantly pink with white bases and bright pink tips on the petals, included a central yellow stigma that added a touch of realism to the ensemble—so much so that one might half-expect bees to be drawn to it. This outfit perfectly aligned with her role as Glinda Upland, the Good Witch of the North, reflecting a soft, whimsical aesthetic that has become synonymous with her character.
Complementing her floral ensemble, Grande styled her platinum blonde hair in a sleek bun and accessorized with white heels and dainty gold drop earrings, maintaining a balance between elegance and thematic whimsy.
Not to be outdone, Grande’s co-star Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, matched the thematic intensity with an ensemble of her own. Erivo shone in a sparkly silver Versace miniskirt paired with an off-the-shoulder jade-green top and satin thigh-high boots, embodying her character’s dark and mysterious allure.
The coordinated fashion choices of Grande and Erivo at CinemaCon speak volumes about the strategic styling direction taken by their teams. Inspired by Law Roach’s concept of “method dressing,” the actresses have embraced their roles through their sartorial selections, creating a visual narrative that extends beyond their performances.
Ariana Grande’s recent wardrobe choices have consistently highlighted her connection to her Wicked role, using fashion as an extension of her character development. From her February appearance in another enchanting Oscar de la Renta mini dress—a sleeveless design with a sheer nude base and multicolored floral embroidery—to her latest blooming spectacle, Grande’s commitment to her character’s aesthetic is clear.
As the promotion for Wicked continues, it will be intriguing to see how Grande and Erivo further use their wardrobes to bring their characters to life, promising an exciting blend of fashion and film storytelling.