Ariana Grande’s Latest Wicked Look Referenced Dorothy

Wicked day is fast upon us: The highly-anticipated movie musical by Jon M. Chu opens on November 22nd, and ahead of its release, costars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been making the rounds to promote the film. From Australia to Los Angeles, the two leading ladies have been hitting the red carpet in their best Elphaba and Glinda-inspired looks—all while connecting with diehard fans around the world. “It has felt so so incredible and special, and honestly unlike anything I’ve ever felt before in my career,” says Grande, who is a noted longtime fan of the musical. “I think the Wicked fans have been waiting for this as long as we have, so for them to have embraced us the way that they have, and show us such warmth, has been very overwhelming and emotional,” adding: “Yes, emotional—we keep crying, we know it’s annoying, I am so sorry.”

After attending the Los Angeles premiere, Grande and Erivo took time to sign autographs and meet fans, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of their promotional tour. “One of the most special things to hear from them—people who have loved the musical for as long as they have—is that they have loved meeting our Elphie and Glinda, and that they think we kept our promise to take care of them,” says Grande. “It means the most coming from them.” Of course, it was sentimental to be doing this with Erivo, with whom Grande shares a special bond. (The pair have been singing each other’s praises in one sweet interview after another.) “I love laughing with her and holding her hand,“ says Grande of her co-star. “We have worked so, very hard for this, so to be able to take a deep breath together and release this into the world while standing side by side, is such a treat.”

Photo: @katiatemkin

Of course, Grande had to bring her best red carpet look—in Glinda pink, naturally—to the premiere. The star wore a custom blush-and-white gingham cocktail dress by Thom Browne, topped with an elegant shawl cape. “Working with Thom Browne on this has been such a dream come true, as always,” says Grande, who also wore the designer to the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony. “My favorite part about this dress would probably be the asymmetry of the high-to-low skirt, which feels very Ozian to me. [And] the intricate beading of the gingham.” The look may have been Glinda—but the accessories were full-on Dorothy, thanks to a dog-shaped handbag—very Hector meets Toto—and sparkly Swarvoski crystal heels. “We wanted to nod to Glinda, of course, as well as Dorothy, with the original jeweled shoes from the L. Frank Baum books—which in fact, were not Ruby!” Regardless of color, these shoes were indeed magical: “There are 600,000 pieces of three-cut beads, 50,000 pieces of pink crystals, and 50 incredible artists from the Thom Browne team that were involved in creating this piece,” says Grande.

Photo: @katiatemkin

It was yet another winning fashion moment from Grande (not to mention Erivo, who wore a perfectly Elphaba-green gown by Louis Vuitton). And while the two stars have a few more premieres to hit ahead of the film’s release, Grande says she and Erivo’s friendship will be eternal. “When we’re apart, we speak every day anyway, so we don’t have to miss each other too, too much,” says Grande. “I mean, haven’t you heard us sob about this enough already! I think everyone is sick of hearing it by now, and quite frankly, so are my tear ducts!”

Below, see how Grande got ready for the L.A. Wicked premiere.