Unveiling a Spellbinding Presence
Erivo's appearance at the Golden Globes was nothing short of magical. She donned a custom Louis Vuitton black halter gown adorned with silver floral embellishments and a striking waist structure. This ensemble, while not emerald green, cleverly referenced Elphaba’s signature style. During an interview with E! News, Erivo shared insights into her fashion choices, emphasizing the importance of keeping everyone guessing. “Green is Elphaba’s skin color, but what she wears a lot is black,” she explained, showcasing her innovative approach to blending character and personal style.
Beyond the dress, it was Erivo’s nails that truly stole the show. Decorated with large gemstones, intricate art, and bold colors like purple and green, these manicures were a work of art in themselves. Each design took approximately five hours to complete, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship involved. Erivo revealed that her manicurist, Rose Hackle, had been instrumental in creating these enchanting looks throughout the Wicked press circuit.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Collaboration
Erivo’s stunning red carpet moments did not happen in isolation. Working closely with celebrity stylist Jason Bolden, she meticulously crafted each look to align with her portrayal of Elphaba. From the Australia premiere where she wore an inky Vivienne Westwood Couture corset gown to the neon green Louis Vuitton dress in Los Angeles, every outfit was a deliberate nod to her character. These ensembles were often complemented by lavish jewelry pieces, including more than 100 carats of Lorraine Schwartz jewels and Roberto Coin gems worth over $370K.
The collaboration extended beyond clothing to include makeup and hair. Makeup and hair designer Frances Hannon revealed that Erivo wanted to incorporate her own style into the character. “I noticed that the original Wicked Witch had nails,” Erivo said in a behind-the-scenes video. “I wanted a progression. How she grows as a witch and a woman.” This desire for authenticity led to the inclusion of micro-braids and elaborate manicures, which became hallmarks of her transformation both on and off screen.
An Unbreakable Bond with Co-Star Ariana Grande
One of the most touching aspects of Erivo’s Golden Globes appearance was her relationship with co-star Ariana Grande. Off-camera, the two share a friendship that goes beyond their on-screen roles. Erivo spoke fondly of their private conversations and how they communicate without words. “It’s our conversations that we have without anyone listening, and how we are together after the cameras shut down,” she explained. Their bond was evident when both received Golden Globe nominations, leading to emotional moments of celebration.
Grande echoed these sentiments, describing the experience as surreal. “We were just crying together and screaming, and we sent each other flowers immediately,” she shared at the Academy Women’s Luncheon. The mutual support between the two actresses underscores the depth of their connection and adds another layer of significance to their public appearances.
Celebrating Achievements and Looking Forward
Erivo’s performance as Elphaba has earned her a nomination for best female actor in a motion picture musical or comedy. The movie musical itself is nominated for three additional awards, including best motion picture for a musical or comedy, cinematic box office achievement, and best performance by a female actor in a supporting role for Grande. The recognition highlights the impact of their work and sets the stage for future endeavors.
As the red carpet events continue, Erivo’s presence remains a highlight. Her ability to seamlessly blend character and personal style has left an indelible mark on audiences. Whether through her choice of attire, her elaborate manicures, or her genuine connection with co-stars, Cynthia Erivo continues to captivate and inspire. The journey through Oz may be over, but the magic lives on in every appearance she makes.