There’s a reason Paul Tazewell took home the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Wicked (2024) – and we wouldn’t be surprised if he got another nomination with all the glimpses we’ve seen of the stunning ‘fits in Wicked: For Good so far.
With the conclusion to Wicked releasing in just a few days on Friday, 21st November, we are holding space for some of the best looks in Wicked. Book on to the Cineworld double bill and you can relive all of them, along with the best Wicked scenes.
From Glinda’s Ozdust Ballroom scandalocious dress to Elphaba’s iconic pointy black hat and swirly glasses, these are our picks of the best Wicked costumes.
It’s always good to see Glinda’s bubble dress, isn’t it?
As first impressions go, whether you’re new to the world of Wicked or you’re a seasoned theatre goer, Glinda’s bubble dress in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked (2024) is a pretty dazzling way to make an entrance. Floating through the sky, Glinda initially appears as just a bubble before it becomes apparent this is in fact the Good Witch’s preferred mode of transport. And once the bubble pops (by her perfectly pink, sparkly wand, of course), Glinda’s ethereal pink gown is revealed.
A multi-layered gown using silk organza, nylon organza, and crinoline, look closer and bubble motives are decorated into the folders using foil, beads, and sequins. The silhouette looks almost weightless, which compliments Glinda’s airy persona.
It's so iconic, we had to have a go at our own bubble moment.
Biq…Baq…whatever – Boq’s Shiz sweatervest (and the Shiz uniform generally)
We love the fantastical uniforms the students wear at Dear Old Shiz. A blue and pale orange combination, each student has a slightly different stamp on silhouettes and accessories to represent their character, none quite as chic as munchkin Boq’s sweatervest, which features a button-up design with a groovy orange with blue swirly stripe-like design.
It perfectly mirrors Boq as the straight edge, timid munchkin that he is, often sidelined for the more hunky, heroic types. And with Jonathan Bailey playing Fiyero, we really can’t blame Glinda – sorry Boq!
A suit worthy of a Winkie prince
We’d like to pen a formal letter of thanks to Paul Tazewell for Fiyero’s navy suit, which he wears to stroll into Shiz – and continues to flaunt around in throughout “Dancing Through Life”. Honestly, we’re ascending – just like Fiyero seems to be when he and Elphaba sing “As Long As You’re Mine”.
Said to be inspired by Spanish Equestrian, Jonathan Bailey looks simply gorgeous in it, the golden accents bringing out the blonde highlights in his hair. And we have to say the cut is very complimentary, if you know what we mean. Great for all the acrobatics he effortlessly serves as he corrupts the students of Shiz, and charms a librarian into putting down her sh’ing finger and escaping into a daydream where it’s just her and Fiyero – girl, we get it.
Elphaba’s bringing power dressing to Oz
Okay, this kind of goes with the Shiz uniform, but also…not. Elphaba makes her own rules. No orange or blue in sight, Elphaba has a strict colour scheme – and it’s all black.
Through different textures and materials, though, Paul Tazewell manages to create such interesting pieces for Elphaba that are both visually beautiful and practical for all the flying about Cynthia Erivo was doing while delivering standout vocals, taking inspiration from the OG Wicked Witch, Margaret Hamilton in The Wizard of Oz. And, of course, there are shoulder pads aplenty.
A dress that’ll make you look like “the most scandalocious fish in the sea”
Yes, we have to talk about Glinda’s dress that she wears to a forbidden night at the Ozdust Ballroom. Look, Ariana Grande really lucked out with her wardrobe. Filled with tulle, lace, and so, so much pink, she got to be a fairy, sugarplum princess witch, and our favourite look (if we were held at broom point by Elphaba) would have to be her Ozdust dress. She looks like a pink rose captured during golden hour – or, as Glinda puts it, “the most scandalocious fish in the sea”. We’ve never seen coral more beautiful.
Forget what Edna Mode says, Paul Tazewell said “Yes, capes!”
Elphaba’s cape is iconic for anyone familiar with the stage show. “Defying Gravity” marks the end of Act 1 in both the stage production and the movie, and is the moment Elphaba first uses her magic to animate a broom and fly. In the stage show, the way in which this is done is so effective (we won’t give any spoilers – you should go and see it), and her cape plays a significant role in it. So we don’t care what Edna Mode of The Incredibles fame says, it’s a hell yes to capes.
In the film, Glinda notices Elphaba tremble and finds what appears to be a dusty blanket to tie around her. In fact, the cape in question was crafted from silk velvet with an undulating pattern that could sweep and flare to create some magnificent movements.
Talking about the designing of the cape, Tazewell commended Cynthia’s ability to wear and utilise her clothing to further her embodiment of Elphaba. “Cynthia is a master of operating with her clothing, and she can work a cape like no one else. All those things together make it a magical moment when we see her flying.”
We could go on and talk forever about the best Wicked costumes. Really, we want this wardrobe to be our wardrobe. But it's almost time for Wicked: For Good and, before long, we'll need to talk about all the new costumes we're obssessulated with! Sat and ready...
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