Costume Designer Stands Up for Elphaba’s ‘Sex Cardigan’ in Romantic Moment with Fiyero
Paul Tazewell (left); Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (right).
Credit :
JC Olivera/WWD via Getty; Cynthia Erivo/Instagram
Costume Designer Defends "Sex Cardigan" Choice in Wicked: For Good
Paul Tazewell, the Oscar-winning costume designer behind the Wicked films, has addressed the buzz surrounding Cynthia Erivo’s woolly cardigan featured in the film’s intimate “As Long as You’re Mine” scene. The cardigan, described by some fans as a “sex cardigan,” has sparked heated discussions online since the film’s release.
During a recent interview, Tazewell discussed the motivations behind the cardigan’s design. "I see my work as a costume designer to be one of a storyteller, and I’m telling a silent story," he articulated, highlighting the necessity of conveying Elphaba’s character through her attire.
The cardigan’s choice emerged organically from the character’s circumstances. “What does Elphaba have access to?” Tazewell asked. “Living alone, what choice would she make when she’s looking for a robe, some way to be protective and warm?” He explained that the garment functions as a robe in that moment, aligning with Elphaba’s character development.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked For Good.
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
Tazewell noted that a more glamorous option, like a “black, slinky peignoir,” would not be suitable, emphasizing that the cardigan reflects Elphaba’s essential characteristics and values. "It’s operating as her robe for that moment," he reiterated, explaining how Elphaba’s environment influences her choices.
Tazewell underscored the importance of wardrobe in defining characters, saying, “After all, each of the intricate wardrobe that Erivo and her costar Ariana Grande wear throughout the film is a symbol of their characters at that specific moment.” This includes not only Elphaba’s cardigan but also Grande’s extravagant bubble dress and Fiyero’s stylish hairstyle.
Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked: For Good’.
Universal Pictures
Reflecting on his role, Tazewell stated, “It reveals itself adjacent to the performances of the characters.” His commitment to storytelling through costume design is evidenced by the extensive efforts of his team, which created over 1,000 costumes for the Wicked films. These intricately crafted wardrobes are an integral part of the narrative, as seen in the painstaking work put into Glinda’s iconic bubble dress.
"When I think of the iconic Glinda, it is Billie Burke as Glinda [in The Wizard of Oz] in that pink dress and how she arrives in the bubble," Tazewell explained. "I was intent on creating a similar quality of silhouette.” This dedication to detail ensures that the costumes not only resonate with the audience but also enhance the characters’ portrayals throughout the story.
