Ariana Grande made a striking departure from her colorful Oz-inspired wardrobe during the London premiere of Wicked For Good, opting for a dramatic black gown that carried deep emotional significance for the Oscar-nominated star.
Surprise Style Shift Reflects Film's Mature Tone
After showcasing an array of vibrant, Oz-themed outfits throughout the press tour for the first Wicked film, Grande surprised attendees at Monday night's sequel premiere with her floor-length black ensemble. The singer and actress posed alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo and other cast members at the London screening, marking a deliberate stylistic shift from the hyper-colorful world she typically embodies for the franchise.
In an interview with British Vogue, Grande explained her intentional choice, noting that the sophisticated black gown reflected the "more mature" and "more emotional" tone of Wicked For Good. She emphasized that despite the dramatic color change, the outfit still represented "an extension of Glinda's story arc" as the film explores different aspects of her character's journey.
Historic Costume Connection to Wizard of Oz
The emotional significance of Grande's premiere look extended beyond color symbolism. Her stylist, Law Roach, revealed to British Vogue that the gown was an original creation by Gilbert Adrian, the legendary costume designer responsible for the iconic looks in the classic 1939 Wizard of Oz film.
Grande expressed profound connection to the historical garment, stating: "To now have it in our personal vintage collection, and to wear something made by him on this carpet, feels so emotional and meaningful." She confessed that both she and Roach "cried many times during this fitting" due to the powerful connection to cinematic history.
Evolving Beyond the Glinda Persona
When questioned about whether her darker premiere look signaled a departure from the blonde Glinda character that has defined her public image in recent years, Grande offered thoughtful reflection on her personal and professional evolution.
"I don't think I'll ever have to fully say goodbye to Glinda," she shared. "I think she will always be a part of my heart and a part of my life." However, the singer clarified that she doesn't view her current transformation as returning to her previous identity, but rather as continuous growth: "I have been here this whole time, learning and evolving, as we all do and are supposed to."
Grande credited her work on the Wicked films with helping her reconnect with herself, noting that "Glinda helped me feel more connected to myself than I had in a long time." She humorously downplayed her current hair color change, commenting that her light brown hair "is washing out quite rapidly."
The actress is already generating significant Oscar buzz for her supporting performance as Glinda in Wicked For Good, where she appears alongside Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Ethan Slater - her real-life partner whom she met during filming.
Wicked For Good premieres in theaters on Friday, November 21, featuring several adaptations from the original stage musical including new songs for Elphaba and Glinda, updated storylines for contemporary relevance, and expanded roles for classic characters like Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion.
