Fans are devouring every teaser and trailer released in anticipation of the film adaptation of Wicked, which will premiere on November 27, 2024. The expectation is at an all-time high, with a star-studded cast featuring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. While the performances promise to dazzle, it’s the costumes that are truly captivating our imaginations.
The acclaimed Paul Tazewell designed the new film’s costumes, which seek to revitalize the classic designs of Susan Hilferty’s beloved costumes. Tazewell’s designs in Wicked differ from Hilferty’s Edwardian-inspired work, emphasizing modest forms and simplicity over detailed ornamentation.
The costumes as character narratives in Wicked
The costumes worn by Glinda and Elphaba are more than garments; they illustrate the identity journeys that the characters take in Wicked. Each costume tells a story based on the elements they represent: Glinda’s link to the sky and Elphaba’s connection to the earth and its raw beauty.
Glinda’s ethereal elegance
In the realm of Wicked, Glinda’s new film costume is a gorgeous, contemporary depiction of her persona. It features a strapless pink ballgown, a corseted bodice, and a voluminous ruffled skirt. This design exudes an ethereal quality, highlighting her purity and optimism. It also represents her early ignorance in a morally complicated world. The prominent pink tones help visually contrast her persona with Elphaba, establishing the tone for their dynamic relationship.
In the Wicked musical, Glinda’s blue dress epitomizes her connection to the sky. Inspired by the wedding gowns of iconic figures like Lady Diana and Queen Elizabeth II, the gown showcases a regal aesthetic that resonates with Edwardian fashion. Designer Susan Hilferty cleverly incorporated elements from the classic Dior ‘Junon’ Gown from 1949, resulting in a breathtaking dress that reflects the spirit of Glinda’s glamorous yet playful personality.
However, one Reddit user remarked, “Glinda’s bubble dress should be blue in the movie. The fact that they’ve changed almost all of her outfits to pink has annoyed me. Her bubble dress reveals her most statuesque self, being a spokesperson and figurehead for the Ozians.” This perspective emphasizes the significance of her attire in conveying her character arc.
Elphaba’s grounded grandeur
In sharp contrast, Elphaba’s outfit features a more somber color scheme, centering her connection to the soil. While Hilferty’s original design for Elphaba’s Wicked Witch musical garment was colorful and intricately layered, Tazewell’s rendition retains similar characteristics.
Elphaba’s gown in the Wicked musical features 40 layers of fabric, each sewn to capture the natural gemstones and minerals connected to her character, such as coal and mica. This elaborate structure anchors her aesthetic in the heart and symbolizes her strength and intricacy. The varied textures and colors highlight her resilience against societal judgments and her growth as she embraces her true self.
In the film adaptation of Wicked, Elphaba’s gown displays her character and relationship to the Earth. Stripped of vivid colors and dazzling embellishments, the dress adopts a more subdued palette that evokes the hues of the Earth.
Additionally, the movie’s costumes and the musical’s costumes visually underscore the key themes of the struggle between light and darkness. The musical fashion similarly encourages audiences to contemplate the deeper meanings of the enchanting tale.
Character backstories: foundations of costume design
Understanding Glinda and Elphaba’s backstories is essential to appreciate their costumes in Wicked. These narratives cultivate their identities and guide their stylistic choices.
Glinda: The icon of privilege
Glinda, born Galinda, grows up in Emerald City with a wealthy family. This privilege influences her optimistic and naive view. In the Wicked film, Glinda’s pink costumes correlate with her upbeat demeanor. Tazewell’s designs include costumes filled with frills to encapsulate her lightness and purity.
As Glinda faces moral challenges, her costumes shift. The vivid pinks move to more elegant tones. This transition shows her more evolved understanding of life’s intricacies. It speaks to her internal conflicts and growing maturity throughout the production.
Elphaba: Resilience and rebellion
In contrast, Elphaba’s story is filled with struggle. Born with green skin, she continually faces discrimination and isolation. Her attire in Wicked parallels her relationship with the land. Consequently, Tazewell’s gown adopts a more subdued color palette.
Each layer of Elphaba’s garment depicts her transformation, both as an outcast who learns to embrace her identity and as a potent force challenging societal norms. Her journey concludes with a meditation on her transformation from a misunderstood girl to a powerful figure defying oppression, showing that even in darkness, she possesses strength and beauty.
The cultural phenomenon of Wicked
Since its musical debut on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre in October 2003, Wicked has grabbed audiences with its captivating plot, compelling music, and striking visuals. It has been one of the longest-running productions in Broadway history, maintaining success for nearly two decades. Many important aspects contribute to the musical’s ongoing popularity and cultural relevance.
In addition to its captivating narrative, Wicked is renowned for its stunning and imaginative costumes, which help bring Oz’s enchanting realm to life. The costumes, filled with symbolism, allow the audience to grasp the characters and themes. Glinda’s delicate dresses exemplify her early image as the ultimate “good” figure. However, as the story unfolds, her attire changes in tandem with her conflicts and complexities.
The cutting-edge designs contribute to Wicked‘s overall magical mood. The garments’ brilliant colors and whimsical details combine to craft a visual feast that suits Oz’s fantasy backdrop. For instance, the delightful and playful costumes of the citizens of the Emerald City, along with the elaborate outfit worn by the Ozians, form a rich tapestry of visual storytelling. Each ensemble enhances the sense of musical magic, suspending disbelief and immersing audiences in the world of Oz.
