From Bubblegown Pink to Noir Drama: Ariana Grande's London Look at 'Wicked: For Good' Premiere

On 10th November, at the European premiere of 'Wicked: For Good' in London's Leicester Square, pop icon and actress Ariana Grande turned heads by making a statement that went beyond mere red‑carpet glamour. Grande, who is well-known for wearing the iconic bubble-gum pink outfit of her character Glinda, shocked both fans and fashion critics by opting for a dramatic classic black ballgown instead, which suggested a deliberate and potent change in tone. 

The gown, designed in 1952 by Gilbert Adrian—the very designer behind the costume work in 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)—paid tribute to cinematic history and hinted at a deeper evolution in Grande’s portrayal of Glinda. The occasion was a daring sneak peek at the film's darker, more adult tone, with co-star Cynthia Erivo by her side and a full premiere lineup. 

Image Courtesy: People

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A Look That Speaks Volumes

Grande's appearance at the London premiere was truly legendary. She opted a black one-shoulder ballgown for the day that was originally crafted by Gilbert Adrian for the 1952 musical Lovely to Look At, sourced from vintage boutique Lily et Cie in Los Angeles. The dress had a structured bodice, a dramatic puffed sleeve on one side, a voluminous skirt made of cascading layers of tulle, and shimmering polka-dot paillettes that gave it a contemporary feel.

Image Courtesy: People

By ditching the more innocent pink of her Glinda persona and adopting a look that reflected the film's more profound emotional plot, stylist Law Roach assisted Grande in interpreting her clothing change as a representation of the movie itself. Grande herself admitted she and Roach "cried many times during this fitting," reflecting the emotional weight and significance of wearing a dress by a designer tied to the original Oz legacy.

Co-star Cynthia Erivo, meanwhile, showed up wearing a custom-made Prada outfit that emphasized the 'Wicked: For Good' theme of light versus darkness and added a contemporary twist to Grande’s antique couture.

Image Courtesy: British Vogue

Glinda's Evolution, The Cast & What's Ahead

In 'Wicked: For Good,' Ariana Grande reprises her role as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, alongside Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba. By fusing spectacle with character growth and emotional nuance, the follow-up delves into the unseen stories associated with the original 'Wizard of Oz' mythology. A worldwide press tour preceded the film's 21st November theatrical release, which included the London premiere on 10th November. 

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

Grande's transition from Glinda's trademark bright pink to a sophisticated black dress signifies the development of her character and the film's more complex tone. Grande's dedication to "method dressing," which involves selecting ensembles that tell a tale, allude to movie history, and connect to her character's journey, was further strengthened by the fashion moment. 

The film's premiere brought out the full cast and crew in standout fashion, and Grande's bold style shift ensures that while she may still be the Good Witch in the film, she is now doing so on her own terms, and in her own colour.

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