Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo Defends Elphaba’s “Sex Cardigan”

by

Cynthia Erivo knows fans across Oz were curious about her attire. 

A specific costume piece became a popular topic of conversation after the release of Wicked: For Good. It appeared in a romantic scene with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and viewers quickly created memes about it, calling it the “sex cardigan.” However, as the Wicked star explained, the costume wasn’t just for looks – it had a deliberate purpose within the story.

Cynthia recently told fans that she wanted to show a different side of the Wicked Witch – one where she’s vulnerable and independent, rather than just a powerful fighter. She explained that she aimed to briefly remove the character’s tough exterior and reveal a more intimate and sensual side.

The 38-year-old explained that the cardigan Elphaba wore during the song “As Long As You’re Mine” while in hiding wasn’t intended to make her character seem sexualized.

Cynthia explained that the goal was to help her become a kind and loving person, someone capable of connecting with another person on a deep and intimate level. She added, “That’s a wonderful thing.”

The cardigan wasn’t just about softening Elphaba’s intimidating look; costume designer Paul Tazewell explained it was about dressing her in something she’d realistically wear in a place where she felt at ease.

He explained on NPR’s Fresh Air on December 1st that the decision about Elphaba’s robe came naturally from considering her circumstances. Living alone, what practical choice would she make to stay warm and feel safe?

As someone who loves a good detail, I always found it fascinating that Elphaba, in the Wicked story, actually makes her own clothes! She has this whole setup in her treehouse – a loom, specifically – where she weaves everything herself. It really adds to her character, you know? It shows her resourcefulness and independence.

He explained that she’s creating positive outcomes by utilizing the resources and energy around her, and the sweater simply reflects that approach.

Paul knew many people would wonder why the character wasn’t dressed in something more conventionally alluring, like a classic black slip.

He wondered where she’d obtain such a thing, and why she’d even need it in the first place. He believed it simply made sense given her personality and values – it was a natural consequence of who she was and what she cared about.

Fans loved Cynthia’s style both on and off screen! Read on to see a detailed look at her and Ariana Grande’s amazing outfits inspired by the movie Wicked on the red carpet.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who co-presented at the 2024 Oscars in March, hinted at what audiences can expect from the first Wicked movie, set to release in theaters on November 22nd.

Cynthia Erivo, playing the green-skinned Elphaba, arrived looking ready for anything in a leather Louis Vuitton outfit featuring striking, scale-like ruffles. Ariana Grande, as the “good” witch Glinda, evoked classic Hollywood style in a pale pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown, complete with layers of fabric that created a peplum, stole, bustle, and train all in one dramatic effect.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo arrived at CinemaCon in April with stunning style. Grande wore a short, floral-inspired white and pink Oscar de la Renta dress, and Erivo chose a striking green and silver Versace outfit complete with bold, satin thigh-high boots.

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

The cast of Wicked won the award for best dressed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and were seen attending several events together.

The Games officially began with the Opening Ceremony on July 26th, where Cynthia Erivo wore a stunning, sculptural green gown by Louis Vuitton, and Ariana Grande chose a delicate, vintage-inspired pink dress by Thom Browne – a look that evoked the style of Audrey Hepburn.

Cynthia Erivo stunned in a sparkling green Naeem Khan gown at the 2024 Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala on October 19th. She also performed a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during the event.

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

In October 2024, Cynthia Erivo paired a T-shirt and cropped jeans with eye-catching bright-green heels and a Louis Vuitton patterned coat at a screening of Wicked held at the DGA Theater in New York City.

Ariana Grande appeared prepared for her first day at witching school, wearing a cream-colored vest and skirt designed by Atelier Versace.

Whether Ariana Grande arrived at the 2024 WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards in a bubble is unknown, but her beautiful white Vivienne Westwood gown, covered in delicate embroidery, certainly looked like something a magical traveler would wear.

Cynthia Erivo’s dress was a striking combination of styles: a gray pinstripe base layered with beautifully decorated green silk, giving it a feel that blended the magical world of Oz with the power dressing of Wall Street.

Ariana Grande embraced the role of Glinda, wearing a stunning pink Vivienne Westwood ball gown at the Australian premiere of Wicked in November 2024.

Cynthia Erivo embraced the darker side of her character, Elphaba, at the premiere, wearing a black, strapless Louis Vuitton gown. She completed the look with a bold lion head choker and a sparkling green manicure.

The British actress told Vogue Australia she loves the outfit because it reflects who she is. She described it as reminiscent of wings and the feeling of overcoming limitations, just before walking the red carpet – or, as she playfully put it, the ‘yellow brick road’.

Cynthia Erivo captivated everyone once again at the November 2024 Wicked photo call in Australia. She wore a stunning emerald and black Marc Jacobs blouse with a beautifully embroidered black skirt.

She cleverly drew attention to herself with a charming fascinator and incredibly high shoes – platforms that added six inches to her already petite height.

Grande was the gift in bow-trimmed Bode at the Australian photo call.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked in November 2024, Cynthia Erivo wore a stunning green outfit by Louis Vuitton, while Ariana Grande opted for a delicate gingham look designed by Thom Browne.

Cynthia Erivo, embracing the green associated with her character Elphaba, wore Dior to a November 2024 screening of Wicked hosted by Vogue at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Ariana Grande also chose pink, but went with a vibrant, hot pink Louis Vuitton look.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo both shone at the London premiere of Wicked in November 2024. Grande looked bright and cheerful in a beautiful Ralph Lauren gown, while Erivo perfectly blended edgy and elegant styles in a Schiaparelli outfit.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo embraced their magical sides to celebrate the NBC broadcast of Wicked: One Wonderful Night in November 2025.

When the Broadway star appeared at the 2025 Oscars, she wore a stunning outfit that captured the strength and confidence of her famous character, Elphaba.

Okay, let’s talk Oscars fashion! Cynthia really went for a striking, modern look with strong angles and shapes. Ariana, on the other hand, totally embraced a whimsical, glamorous vibe – she absolutely nailed the look of Glinda the Good Witch, like she stepped right out of a bubble! It was all about softness and sparkle with her.

Read More

2025-12-10 01:18