The global press tour for Wicked: For Good has become a spectacle almost as dramatic as the film itself, with stars crisscrossing the globe from London to Singapore in a whirlwind of premieres and screenings.
While the highly-anticipated finale to the two-part movie adaptation has generated buzz, the cast's fashion choices have sparked almost as much conversation as the production. Millions have scrutinised every red carpet appearance, particularly the sartorial statements of leads Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Fashion Fails That Missed the Mark
The tour has seen its fair share of dramatic style missteps. Ariana Grande, 32, kicked things off with a perplexing pink ensemble at a New York City screening on October 27. The look, featuring a strangely-shaped top and an oversized puffy skirt in clashing pink shades, was deemed an eyesore by fashion critics.
Her sartorial struggles continued in London on November 10 following the premiere, where she changed into a bold black dinner gown. The dress was overwhelmed by enormous flower embellishments on the chest, a tiered skirt, and sheer sleeves, creating a look that simply had too much going on.
Cynthia Erivo, 38, also found herself on the worst-dressed list for two standout appearances. At the New York premiere on November 17, her eye-popping Balenciaga gown featured leather detailing, hanging feathers, and built-in gloves, completed with statement eyewear. Earlier, at the November 4 Sao Paulo premiere, she wore a bizarrely-shaped matching set that barely covered her assets, paired with enormous metallic platform heels.
Michelle Yeoh, 63, suffered two notable fashion misfires. Her puffy yellow tulle gown at the New York premiere was brutally mocked online, with fans comparing it to a cupcake and calling it downright comical. Days earlier in Singapore on November 13, she opted for a brown strapless gown with an awkward skirt that stuck out on both sides, resembling a paper lantern.
Other cast members also missed the mark. Marissa Bode, 25, arrived at the London premiere in a black gown with peculiar puffy sleeves and sporadic red tassels that created a sartorial nightmare. Veteran actor Jeff Goldblum, 73, consistently opted for over-the-top ensembles, from bright turquoise pants with a purple shirt in New York to a patterned cape in Singapore that looked more like a living room throw blanket.
Style Successes That Stole the Show
Fortunately, the press tour also delivered numerous fashion triumphs. Ariana Grande demonstrated her style prowess at the New York premiere in a perfect combination of dramatic and classy—a strapless Schiaparelli gown with a black bodice and tan skirt featuring delicate lace embellishment.
She continued her winning streak in London, dazzling in a vintage black sequined gown from iconic costume designer Gilbert Adrian, who created outfits for The Wizard Of Oz in 1939. The actress also looked sensational in Paris on November 7 in a chic black gown with pink floral embellishments, completed with a strategically draped coat.
In Singapore, Grande looked whimsical in a Thom Browne off-the-shoulder white dress with a floral blue pattern, while her costar Cynthia Erivo opted for a stunning sheer Vivienne Westwood gown with a corseted bodice and flowing black skirt.
Erivo's bold style shone through in London with an edgy navy blue gown featuring PVC leather detailing and a bustier neckline. Her street style also impressed, particularly her fashionable all-black double denim ensemble from Loewe with colorful doodle drawings, worn when arriving at BBC Radio on November 10.
Michelle Yeoh scored a fashion win at the London premiere in a chic custom black velvet gown by Han Chong of Self-Portrait, which showcased her figure perfectly with its dramatic lace detailing and elegant tail.
Supporting cast members also delivered standout looks. Marissa Bode stunned at the New York premiere in a deep green dress with a dramatic pointy neckline, while Jonathan Bailey, 37, proved that less is more with his simple but chic ensembles in both London and Sao Paulo. Ethan Slater, 33, looked equally dapper in sleek black and grey suits at various premieres.
The Verdict on Wicked Style
The Wicked: For Good press tour has provided a masterclass in how fashion can both elevate and undermine a major film promotion. From feather-adorned gowns to cupcake-resembling dresses, the cast's style choices have generated as much social media attention as their on-screen performances.
As the film prepares for its highly-anticipated release, one thing is certain: the fashion spectacle surrounding this global tour has cemented its place in red carpet history, demonstrating that in the world of Hollywood promotions, what you wear off-screen can be just as important as your performance on-screen.
