In the big lead-up to the film, Grande says she’s built an unbreakable bond with her co-star Erivo, who also shined at the opening ceremony in an emerald Louis Vuitton look. “It’s a very special moment in our lives, and I’m so thankful I get to share it with Cynthia,” says Grande. “I think my favorite thing about working with Cyn, other than her being such a brilliant and remarkable performer and scene partner, would just be how fully loving, open, and honest we are able to be with each other. I think the thing that made every single day on this set together so beautiful was the space we were able to hold for each other. We laughed, we cried, we learned so much together, from one another and also from these characters we were fortunate enough to play.”
For Grande’s Glinda-inspired look, she looked to Thom Browne for a custom creation that channeled the iconic Good Witch. It resulted in a pink duchess silk-satin drop-waist dress, featuring a bow detail at the waist—complete with marching hair bows and white silk opera gloves. “For this look, it was really an ode to the history of French fashion and culture of the haute couture houses in Paris,” says Grande, who was styled by Mimi Cuttrell. “We worked closely with the Thom Browne team on this, who were such a dream to work with. Mimi and I drew inspiration from the beloved Audrey Hepburn and classic 1950s silhouettes to emulate an everlasting look.”
Photo: Katia Temkin
Her favorite details from the finished design? “Don’t make me choose! Every detail is so important and integral to the look,” she says. “The beautiful pink duchess satin fabric, the drop waist, the bow details, the shoes, and I also really loved my hair and makeup with it. The vision came together so beautifully, and I am so lucky to work with my incredible glam team.”
She teases that you can expect to see many more flawlessly executed Glinda looks to come ahead of Wicked’s November release. “The press-tour looks will be simply magical,” Grande says. “Mimi and I have been having so much fun brainstorming together, we can’t wait. Plenty of pink to look forward to, of course! But there are so many gorgeous Ozian elements to play off of. We will make Glinda proud. [Cynthia and I] are going to stay as present as possible and grateful every step of the way—and very caffeinated.”
Below, see how Grande got ready for the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.