Wicked Fashion Trends: Beyond Pink and Green
With the highly anticipated premiere of the "Wicked" movie this past weekend, theater fashion is experiencing a renaissance, led by stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film debuted with impressive box office numbers, grossing approximately $164.2 million globally, reflecting its widespread appeal. As they bring their characters Glinda and Elphaba to life, their method of dressing during the press tour is redefining style trends and making theater cool again.
Moving beyond the expected pink and green palette, expect a resurgence of chiffon, tulle, and layered pieces that emphasize dramatic silhouettes and playful contrasts. The film's costume designer, Paul Tazewell, has crafted distinct looks that reflect each character's personality—Elphaba's angular shapes and rich textures contrast beautifully with Glinda's softer, more whimsical styles. From dresses that cinch the waist to wider skirts creating that coveted tiny silhouette, the fashion world is ready to embrace these new trends. This film is set to inspire upcoming fashion predictions that blend fantasy with high fashion, much like the recent "Barbiecore" trend, but with a focus on theatrical glamour and character-inspired outfits.
Photo via TZR
Method Dressing: A New Era of Character-Inspired Fashion
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are taking method dressing to gravity-defying heights with high-fashion collaborations that modernize their characters' looks. From Louis Vuitton to Thom Browne, these stars are blending fantasy elements with high fashion, creating a ripple effect in the fashion world. It’s not just about dressing like Glinda or Elphaba; it’s about embodying their essence in a thoroughly modern way. Stylists Jason Bolden and Mimi Cutrell have curated outfits for the press tour that not only pay homage to the characters but also resonate with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Photo: @Katiatemkin
The Wicked Silhouette: Bringing Fantasy to Everyday Fashion
The movie's influence is reviving classic silhouettes with a whimsical twist. We're seeing a resurgence of chiffon and tulle, layered pieces that create dramatic contrasts, featuring designs that sculpt the waist and billow out into fuller skirts, creating a refined, shapely look. Even peplum-style dresses are making a comeback, offering that perfect high-low contrast that screams theatrical glamour with a modern edge. As designers draw inspiration from Tazewell’s creations, expect to see these elements reflected in upcoming collections.
Photo via @Instagram
Emerging Trends: The Rise of "Ozcore"
As "Wicked" continues to influence fashion beyond its release period, we can anticipate the emergence of a new trend dubbed "Ozcore." This aesthetic blends Gilded Age elegance with ethereal drama influences and is characterized by:
Aesthetic Fusion: A mix of historical elegance and whimsical elements.
Color Palette: Expanding green tones including emerald, turquoise, and lime.
Texture and Structure:Asymmetrical designs, layered pieces, and luxurious fabrics like chiffon and tulle.
Mood: Decadent yet slightly unraveled, capturing a sense of theatrical drama
Ozcore represents a shift in personal style that encourages individuals to embrace complexity and storytelling through their clothing. Unlike Barbiecore, which focuses on playful maximalism and vibrant pinks, Ozcore emphasizes self-expression and depth, aiming for a more lasting impact on fashion. This aesthetic invites a thoughtful approach to personal style, where the focus is on interpreting mood and character rather than simply replicating looks. It validates the idea that personal style can be dramatic and evolving, allowing wearers to express their individuality authentically. As the fashion industry moves away from rapid consumption, Ozcore offers a sustainable path that values emotional depth and personal expression, making it a lasting influence on how we approach style.
As we celebrate the release of “Wicked,” its impact on fashion will be felt for years to come, inspiring a resurgence of aesthetics that the industry has longed to revive. Whether you relate more to Elphaba or Glinda’s style, there’s never been a better time to defy gravity with your fashion choices and embrace this new theater and method dressing resurgence.
