Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

Fashionable Witches: A Sartorial Journey of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the 2021 dot mini dress by Saint Laurent, worn at the World Premiere of Wicked in Australia.


If you’ve always wanted to see the Emerald City and meet its inhabitants, look no further.

Paul Tazewell, a talented costume designer, provided TopMob News with an exclusive glimpse into the intriguing realm of Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, the Wizard, and other characters from “By Design”.

In an interview with TopMob News, Tazewell explained their approach to adapting the musical from the Broadway stage to the big screen: “To make the film more immersive, we’re broadening our perspective of the world by showcasing various parts of it. This includes designing costumes that reflect and honor diverse communities within Oz.

Tazewell maintained Ariana Grande’s iconic color scheme (pink) for her portrayal of Glinda the “good” witch, while also creating modern and stylish outfits for the character.

Tazewell mentioned that many of Glinda’s outfits were reminiscent of the 1950s, to which he added a touch of Dior-inspired charm. He found an elegance in this style that resonated well with the character of Glinda and appreciated it greatly.

At a pivotal point in the movie, Glinda’s stunning gown shaped like a rose stands out during the dance at the Oz Dust Ballroom.

He explained, “We designed a dress inspired by delicate flower petals, which became one of Ariana’s cherished outfits. This enchanting dress offers an irresistible touch of romance alongside modern and bold aesthetics.

For Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, Tazewell took a different approach, focusing on a darker palette.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

“She’s almost in mourning for her mother,” Tazewell said, “who she lost at an early age.”

And he, of course, made sure to incorporate Elphie’s signature accessory.

Tazewell remarked about Cynthia, the seasoned Broadway performer, “She undeniably knows how to style a hat. When she puts on that hat, Elphaba transforms it into a powerful scene, and she turns it into her signature image.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to Jonathan Bailey’s captivating portrayal of Fiyero. It’s only natural that when it comes to dressing this heartthrob, I wanted each piece to embody his essence perfectly.

Tazewell clarified that Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, should embody both his royal status and heroic qualities. The intricate tribal-inspired embroidery on his Oz Dust Ballroom suit adds an extra touch of edge, with a North African or Southern Spanish feel, further emphasized by the military-style gold buttons, reflecting Fiyero’s character development and noble background in the first film and his future role in the second.

Wicked hits theaters nationwide Nov. 22.  

For some of Cynthia and Ariana’s real-life Wicked fashion, read on. 

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At the 2024 Oscars in March, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have hinted at what we can expect from the initial release of “Wicked,” scheduled for theaters on November 22.

In a stylish display, Erivo, the actress portraying the green-tinged “villainous” witch Elphaba, seemed prepared for both the glamour of the red carpet and combat in her Louis Vuitton leather outfit, adorned with reptile-like frills running along the back. Conversely, Grande, who stars as the “good” witch Glinda, evoked old Hollywood elegance in a Giambattista Valli Haute Couture ball gown, enchanted by an abundance of fabric that provided a peplum, a cape, a rump-ruffle, and a train simultaneously.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At CinemaCon in April, the “Wicked” train arrived, with Grande on board wearing a mini dress by Oscar de la Renta, which looked like a blossoming flower in white and pink, while Erivo donned a green and silver Versace outfit accessorized with striking satin thigh-high boots.

Not the colors of dear old Shiz, but she has an open invitation to play Quidditch for Slytherin.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the award for best-dressed team was given to Wicked. Members of this group were seen attending various events throughout the games.

Initially, they commenced the Games during the Opening Ceremony on July 26th. Erivo wore a strapless green gown by Louis Vuitton with an impressive silhouette, while Grande donned a drop-waist powder-pink dress by Thom Browne, a style that would have certainly pleased Audrey Hepburn.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At the 2024 Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 4th Annual Gala held on October 19, Cynthia Erivo, who had also sung “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during the event, appeared exceptionally stunning in a shimmering emerald dress designed by Naeem Khan, exuding an enchanting air.

Another popular choice: Grande’s leather-trimmed polka dot ball gown courtesy of Balmain.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At a screening of Wicked on October 28, held at the DGA Theater in New York, Cynthia Erivo paired her T-shirt and cropped jeans with vibrant green heels and a Louis Vuitton coat featuring an intricate pattern.

With an Atelier Versace cream-colored button-down vest and coordinating skirt, Grande appeared well-prepared for her debut at the witching academy.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

There’s some doubt about whether Ariana Grande arrived at the 2024 WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards enclosed in a mystical bubble, but her exquisitely embellished white Vivienne Westwood dress seemed fitting for such an extraordinary trip.

Simultaneously, Erivo wore an Erdem dress that was a blend of the Land of Oz and Wall Street; it had gray pinstripes underlain with adorned green silk.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At the November 3 Australian premiere of Wicked, Grande donned a grandiose ballgown by Vivienne Westwood, reminiscent of Glinda’s style.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At the premiere, Erivo accentuated Elphaba’s sinister destiny by donning a sleek, strapless black dress from Louis Vuitton, adorned with an imposing lion-head choker and a sparkling emerald nail art.

As a lifestyle aficionado, I can’t help but adore this ensemble wholeheartedly. It resonates deeply with who I am, as if it were a reflection of my spirit. Heading towards the (yellow brick road, or in this instance, the red carpet), I find myself reminiscing about wings and the thrill of overcoming gravity.

Wicked’s Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Shares Magical Film Secrets

At the November 5 Wicked photocall in Australia, Cynthia Erivo enchanted once more, donning an emerald and black Marc Jacobs top that complemented a black embellished skirt.

Lastly, she divided the spectator’s gaze, with one part captivated by her delicate headpiece, a fascinator, and the other part drawn upwards by her high Mary Jane shoes, which boosted her already tall stature of 5 feet 1 inches.

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2024-11-22 19:53