November 22 can’t come soon enough. If the press cycle for the insanely popular musical turned blockbuster movie Wicked feels like it’s been going on forever, imagine how Ariana Grande’s and Cynthia Erivo’s stylists feel. For as long as I can remember, the duo (playing Glinda and Elphaba, respectively) have been dressing the part, meaning witchy and bitchy (again, respectively, though these are more interchangeable).
The film has had five official premieres worldwide and an endless number of special screenings and events. Unlike this year’s previous method dresser Zendaya, the star of Dune: Part Two and Challengers, Grande and Erivo are embarking on this sartorial journey together, coordinating outfits every step of the way. To commemorate the end of the “Journey Through Oz,” we’ve done you all a favor and ranked the duo’s premiere looks — a score calculated together, of course — on a scale of 1 to 5 emeralds. The winner gets a full ride to Shiz University.
The Australian Premiere
The first premiere for Wicked takes place in Sydney, Australia, with a Munchkinland theme — think whimsy, color, and charm, something I believe these looks convey. Ariana wears a custom princesslike Vivienne Westwood gown, while Cynthia wears a structured Louis Vuitton dress. I love that they both wear diamond-encrusted necklaces to tie their looks together. Something about this just feels so right.
Rating: 4 out of 5 emeralds
The Los Angeles Premiere
It’s time for school. The next stop for the press tour is Shiz University in Los Angeles. Separately, these looks are top-notch, though Ariana’s Thom Browne look hits the academic theme a little harder. This is the brightest ensemble Cynthia wore the entire tour, and while I love the color on her, it’s jarring next to Ariana’s more muted pink. Alone, Cynthia’s Louis Vuitton look is so fun and unlike the rest of her tour looks.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 emeralds
The Mexico City Premiere
We’re going south to the enchanted forest, via Mexico City. Here, Ariana and Cynthia lean more heavily into the magic of the movie. Cynthia’s Thom Browne look is the most witchy and, well, wicked of her outfits so far. I’m into it. Meanwhile, Ariana’s light-pink Versace gown almost looks as if it has an inflatable skirt, which is very Glinda-core. Still, something’s a little off here, even if it’s just the yellow carpet and background blending together, so points off.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 emeralds
The New York Premiere
Of course, the looks for New York’s special screening at MoMA, featuring a re-creation of the film’s Ozdust Ballroom, are sleek and glamorous. Again, Cynthia and Ariana wear similar jewels and similarly styled gowns for a cohesive look that matches the venue and theme. Cynthia’s custom Christian Dior Couture dress features a deep sweetheart neckline and hooped skirt, while Ariana’s Louis Vuitton gown includes the sweet addition of a peplum bottom. Compared to their other looks, though, it’s all a bit on the subdued side.
Rating: 3 out of 5 emeralds
The European Premiere
The last stop before the movie’s official release? Back to London, where Wicked was filmed. For the finale, the team pull out the most intricate looks of the whole tour. It’s the first time Ariana wears a color that’s not pink. Instead, she opts for a butter-yellow Ralph Lauren gown and some lightly tinted sunglasses, an apparent nod to a scene in the Broadway musical where Glinda wears a similar outfit. Meanwhile, Cynthia wears a divine Schiaparelli Haute Couture dress that nods to Elphaba’s journey in the film, showing off gorgeous, almost robotic-looking tights under all the black tulle.
Rating: 5 out of 5 emeralds
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