The latest cinematic sensation isn't a special effect or dramatic plot twist, but an unexpectedly alluring piece of knitwear. Cynthia Erivo's character Elphaba wears what the internet has christened the 'sex cardigan' in the newly released fantasy film Wicked: For Good, the sequel to last year's hit Wicked Part 1.
The Garment That Broke The Internet
In a pivotal romantic scene, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West played by Erivo, shares an intimate moment with Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey. The scene occurs in her treehouse hideaway, accompanied by the song As Long As You're Mine. While black lingerie features, it's the loose, chunky, holey cardigan worn over it that has captured global attention.
The cardigan itself is a distinctive pinky-grey colour with a straggly, almost net-like appearance. Director Jon M Chu's styling choice has sparked speculation about balancing sensuality with the film's PG rating, potentially aiming for wider audience appeal and box office success.
From Cinematic Moment To Cultural Phenomenon
Social media platforms have erupted with discussions and memes about the unlikely garment. The Instagram account @bravohistorian notably posted an image of Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada wearing a similar cobweb-like knit, captioning it: "Are you wearing the –" "Elphaba's sex cardigan? Yes, I am."
This isn't the first time a chunky cardigan has generated buzz. Kurt Cobain's greyish cardigan sold for $334,000 at auction twenty-five years after his death, proving the enduring appeal of unconventional knitwear when worn by cultural icons.
Beyond Fashion Trends
The 'sex cardigan' stands in stark contrast to Vogue's current seasonal recommendations of primary-coloured jumpers, stripes, and argyle patterns. Its success highlights how cinematic moments can transform ordinary garments into cultural talking points, regardless of conventional fashion wisdom.
The film Wicked: For Good continues the story adapted from the 2003 stage musical, which was itself loosely based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel reimagining L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. With largely positive reviews, including from The Guardian, the film is poised for massive commercial success, now amplified by this unexpected fashion moment.
