The trend of celebrity method dressing—where actors’ fashion choices reflect their on-screen roles—continues to dominate the red carpet, despite some growing skepticism. This style strategy has transformed press tours into theatrical extensions of the projects they promote, with stars often embodying their characters off-screen through carefully curated wardrobes.
Recent examples include Margot Robbie’s “Barbie”-inspired outfits, where vintage doll references were omnipresent, and Zendaya’s tennis-themed wardrobe for the “Challengers” press tour, featuring lime-green and white ensembles adorned with tennis balls. Lady Gaga leaned into her Harley Quinn persona for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” donning an exaggerated puff-sleeve gown paired with bold makeup and striking red-and-black hair.
Now, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are taking method dressing to new heights as they promote Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved musical. For months, the duo has adhered to a strict “green for Elphaba, pink for Glinda” palette, turning every public appearance into a coordinated display of Wicked homage.
At the Los Angeles premiere, Erivo dazzled in a custom green Louis Vuitton vinyl cut-out gown with a tasseled silk stole, while Grande complemented her as Glinda in a baby pink Thom Browne gingham dress embellished with over 50,000 crystals. This is just the latest in their long streak of color-coded looks that began seven months ago at the Academy Awards and continued through events like CinemaCon and even the Olympics.
The designers have played a key role in this sartorial spectacle. Thom Browne has crafted multiple Glinda-inspired looks for Grande, while Louis Vuitton has outfitted Erivo in a series of Elphaba-worthy ensembles. However, the unwavering commitment to these character-themed outfits has sparked some debate. On social media, critics argue that this strategy risks stripping celebrities of their individuality, turning red carpets into elaborate marketing campaigns rather than opportunities for self-expression.
Despite the criticism, method dressing doesn’t seem to be fading. Some hope the trend will evolve, allowing for subtler, more playful nods to characters rather than overtly repetitive costume-like looks. This shift could enable stylists to flex their creativity while letting stars’ personal styles shine through.
One cast member of Wicked appears to be paving the way for a more nuanced approach. Jonathan Bailey, who plays Prince Fiyero, recently turned heads in a silver chainmail shirt, crisp white slacks, and ruby-red loafers—subtly evoking themes of fantasy and magic without sacrificing individuality.
As Erivo and Grande continue their “Wicked” fashion marathon, it raises the question of how far method dressing can go before it feels more like an obligation than an art form. Perhaps a more balanced approach, blending character homage with personal flair, is the next evolution of this red-carpet phenomenon.
