The recent NBC special, "Wicked: One Wonderful Night," transformed into a grand showcase of sartorial elegance, highlighting the artistic collaborations between celebrities and renowned designers. This event, dedicated to celebrating the beloved musical "Wicked" and anticipating its future film installment, "Wicked: For Good," captivated audiences not only with stellar performances but also with an array of high-fashion statements. The evening featured prominent figures such as Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, and Kristin Chenoweth, whose diverse and intricate outfits became a central talking point, illustrating a fusion of theatrical charm and contemporary style. The spectacle was a vibrant tribute to the enduring appeal of "Wicked," underscoring how fashion can enhance storytelling and character portrayal on a grand stage.
Ariana Grande, under the styling expertise of Law Roach, exemplified method dressing by embracing garments that echoed her character Glinda. Her choices, alongside Cynthia Erivo's eclectic mix of avant-garde and meticulously tailored pieces, demonstrated a deep appreciation for fashion as an art form. Erivo's costumes, ranging from ethereal gowns to powerful structured designs, reflected her character's journey with both grace and intensity. The fashion narrative of the night was further enriched by appearances from other cast members, all contributing to a visually stunning experience that perfectly complemented the musical's magical essence. Each ensemble was carefully selected to not only fit the individual's persona but also to contribute to the overarching aesthetic of the "Wicked" universe.
Ariana Grande's Glinda-Inspired Wardrobe
Ariana Grande made a significant impact at the "Wicked: One Wonderful Night" event, showcasing a series of glamorous outfits that perfectly embodied the spirit of Glinda, her character from the musical. Her fashion choices, meticulously curated by stylist Law Roach, included a magnificent champagne-colored Bob Mackie gown from the designer's Fall 1997 collection. This vintage piece, originally worn by Fran Drescher in the film "The Beautician and the Beast," featured a glittering sweetheart neckline, a voluminous bubbled waist, and a flowing A-line tulle skirt. Grande complemented this ethereal look with a ballerina bun and a sparkling Swarovski diamond choker, adding a touch of contemporary elegance while honoring the costume's classic roots. Beyond this iconic gown, Grande also explored other stunning creations, including a shimmering silver cocktail dress from Alexander McQueen's 2005 collection and a vibrant pink Tanner Fletcher dress, each contributing to her radiant Glinda persona.
Further diversifying her Glinda-inspired collection, Ariana Grande also donned a sculptured pink Sophie Couture gown, designed to emulate Glinda's iconic bubble, floating gracefully around her. For moments stepping outside the typical Glinda palette, she impressed in a sleek Christian Dior couture Ligne Profilee cocktail dress from the Fall Winter 1952 collection, adorned with elegant bows. During a duet with Cynthia Erivo, Grande chose a sophisticated 1940s Gilbert Adrian black crepe gown, featuring a dramatic caped back, a nod to the legendary MGM costume designer responsible for "The Wizard of Oz." Her ensembles were completed with tasteful accessories like custom sparkly silver Bloch shoes and Nana Jacqueline Audrina bow heels, all enhanced with Swarovski diamonds. Her finale look was a custom Robert Wun gown in a sweet pink hue, its expansive ball gown skirt intricately embellished with butterflies, paired with matching insect earrings, symbolizing transformation and beauty.
Cynthia Erivo's Striking Style Evolution
Cynthia Erivo's fashion presentation at "Wicked: One Wonderful Night" was a powerful testament to her bold and sophisticated style, meticulously curated by stylist Jason Bolden. Her wardrobe journey through the evening began with a luxurious silk and velvet dress from Marni's Fall 2025 collection, which she wore for a duet with Ariana Grande. This piece, with its striking panels of silver, black, and yellow, along with feathery cuffs, beautifully set the stage for her subsequent appearances. Erivo then transitioned into a structurally daring ensemble by Danielle Frankel, featuring a fluted white bustier and a tiered black rope skirt, accessorized with opulent Marli Cleo jewelry. Her selection also included an almost clerical, yet undeniably high-fashion, coat dress from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2025 collection, distinguished by its medieval gothic lines, heavy stacked collar, and golden leaf adornments, projecting an aura of mystical authority.
Continuing her impressive display, Cynthia Erivo embraced impeccably tailored pieces, such as a navy Vivienne Westwood suit with rounded shoulders and a gathered waistline, showcasing her versatility. She also sported a sleek black Mugler corset and a Sergio Hudson tuxedo-style waistcoat, adorned with a floral brooch and sparkling collar pins, which spoke volumes about her refined taste. For her more 'witchy' portrayals, Erivo stunned in a silky black Yves Saint Laurent dress from the Fall 2024 collection, featuring a Victorian-esque tie neckline that cascaded into a bewitching, fur-hemmed skirt. Another Mugler creation, a body-hugging, hooded black sleeveless gown, exuded a modern, edgy charm. Her most Elphaba-coded look was a velvet Alex Perry gown paired with a matching coat, distinguished by brilliant green feathered arms and a dramatic black feather-pocked neckpiece, culminating in a series of looks that were both thematic and exquisitely fashionable.