Ariana Grande just debuted a truly show-stopping cinematic look in London.
While on tour to promote “Wicked: For Good,” Grande traded in her traditional pink Glinda wardrobe for something perhaps more befitting her counterpart Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba.
Grande’s sparkling one-shoulder black gown, created by Gilbert Adrian in 1952, is very Old Hollywood couture.
Adrian was the costume designer for the original 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz, making this archival piece a fitting homage to the story that started it all.
The late designer was under contract to MGM from 1928 to 1941, during which time he worked on 200 films, including “The Wizard of Oz.” This era saw the rise of Hollywood stars such as Judy Garland, the original Dorothy from Oz, as well as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and Katharine Hepburn.
Grande shared the look on Instagram, writing, “♡Gilbert Adrian 1952♡Hello London, I love you🫧.”
Gowns from several decades ago feature asymmetrical designs that were very ahead of their time. The right side of the gown with a structured bodice has puff sleeves and a cascading skirt. The right side remains strapless, flowing into a flowy tiered ballgown-like skirt below.
In fact, the princess-ness of its silhouette stands in stark contrast to the deep black hue, perhaps integrating the dissonant characters of Glinda and Elphaba with a bit of fashion history.
This isn’t the first time Grande has accessed Adrian’s archives. Working with stylist Law Roach, the performer wore a sophisticated black dress with 1940s embellishments that was gifted to her by the designer just a few weeks earlier.
From last year’s “Wicked” (and this year’s “Wicked: For Good”) to Netflix’s “Wednesday” and beyond, method dressing has been extremely popular with those playing unique and stylish characters.
But this latest “Wicked” tour feels more like high-fashion, artful haute couture than most, from the custom looks to the subtle archival nods to past greats.
And the results are magical.
