Ariana Grande Expresses Desire for Glinda’s Wedding Dress to Embrace Vulnerability
Ariana Grande envisioned Glinda’s wedding gown in Wicked: For Good.
Costume designer Paul Tazewell shared insights with Bustle regarding the creation of Glinda and Elphaba’s costumes in Wicked: For Good during an interview published on Thursday, November 20.
As Tazewell began designing Glinda’s wedding dress, he collaborated closely with Grande, 32, to determine her character’s attire.
“Initially, there was a lot happening in the upper section of the wedding dress,” he noted. “Through fittings and conversations with Ari, it became evident that she preferred a more vulnerable aesthetic for that moment.”
To reflect this, Tazewell simplified Glinda’s look compared to her usual lavish outfits. She donned a strapless A-line gown featuring an asymmetrical plunging sweetheart neckline—revealing just the right amount of skin for Glinda to feel “vulnerable”—and a delicate crystal neckline. The bodice flowed into a pleated ballgown with a sweeping train.
To complete her look, Glinda accessorized with a gold choker and a crystal crown paired with a long veil while carrying pink flowers as she made her way down the aisle.
In Wicked: For Good, Glinda is set to marry Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), marking a departure from the musical where she is only engaged to him. In the trailer, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) visits Glinda on her wedding day, leading fans to theorize that she could interrupt her ceremony with Fiyero, who is truly in love with the Wicked Witch.
Tazewell also highlighted the costume that brought Grande the most emotions during filming.
“Her blue and lavender bubble dress,” he stated. “This design reflected both the Billie Burke Glinda from the 1939 film and the Wicked Broadway production, making it a deeply resonant moment for her.”
Tazewell remarked, “The moment we wrapped, she felt very touched as she had to part with that character. It was beautiful to share in that moment through my design, as I seek genuine human connections in my work.”
Erivo’s most significant look appeared at the film’s conclusion, according to Tazewell. “It’s her final outfit. We worked tirelessly to shape Elphaba’s realization by the story’s end, at least as we know it,” he reminisced.
Ariana Grande made a dramatic statement at the premiere of Wicked: For Good. Grande, 32, showcased her figure in a stunning black beaded gown during the London event on Monday, November 10. Her glamorous outfit featured a one-shoulder neckline with a puffed sleeve, leading into a cascading bodice.
“It had to resonate with Elphaba’s character while differentiating it from her previous appearances. Those moments felt profoundly intimate, making it a very touching experience for Cynthia,” he exclaimed.
According to the official plot, Wicked: For Good depicts Elphaba after being “demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West.”
The synopsis elaborates, “Glinda lives at the palace in Emerald City, enjoying the benefits of fame and popularity. As a wrathful mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she must reunite with Glinda to transform herself—and all of Oz— for good.”
Wicked: For Good premieres in theaters on Friday, November 21.
