And just like that, the 2025 awards season is officially over. I have to say, the stars really showed up and showed out in 2025 in what feels like the first time in years (TBF, the writers’ strike and Covid certainly didn’t help things), and I’m not gonna lie, it’s kind of healed me. The first two MVPs awards for gagging the fashion world over the past several months must be given to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande (and let’s give the third one to Cynthia’s nail tech while we’re at it).
Like, you can tell these girls are theatre nerds at heart by the way they went full-on overachiever with every single red carpet look and press tour appearance for the past year. I personally can’t and frankly refuse to get over the fact that they’ve been whacking us with slay after slay since those perfectly thematic pink and green Paris Olympics Opening dresses. What was your favorite pink Ari gown, and why was it the LA premiere coquette carriage dress by Thom Browne?
I could keep going about my favorite showstoppers for days (especially Cynthia’s silver situation and Michelle’s watercolor masterpiece at the SAG Awards), but now that the Oscars are finally here, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show. The chances of Wicked taking home Best Picture were always slim to none (sorry), but the entire cast and crew, including Jon Chu, have won Best At Making Grown Adults Kick Their Feet And Giggle With Joy, which is no easy feat in Tr*mp’s America. Straight up, watching Ari and Cynthia’s friendship break the internet over and over again was almost as entertaining as the movie itself! So while they might not know it, they’re getting a standing ovation in my living rn for their contributions to pop culture as we speak. I’m already feeling nostalgic about the Wicked cast’s Oscars outfits.
Ariana Grande
Just when I thought Ari couldn’t turn it any harder, she hits the red carpet with this magical AF ethereal carriage gown. It’s Victorian ghost went to space and partied with Glinda and I freaking LOVE it.
Cynthia Erivo
Dressing up as a giant green velvet bow is sooo Elphaba core, I have to stan. Is it my favorite look from Cynthia’s awards run? Probs not, but she’s set the bar wildly high, TBF. This forest green cape situation is deffo the perfect mix of funky and formal for the occasion, and as Cynthia shared with E!, it was inspired by actress Hattie McDaniel, the first ever Black woman to win an Oscar, IKTR.
Jeff Goldblum
I am a little bit obsessed with how Jeff perfected this 80s wedding singer-chic look with a slutty little scarf to boot. Well done, Wizard (and Prada).
Bowen Yang
Equally wowed by my favorite Wicked man bringing it with this gorg embroidered leather suit. It’s very much crazy, sexy, cool.
Ethan Slater
Okay, I guess all the men didn’t get the memo to not be boring. This simple black tux is fine on Ethan, nothing more, nothing less.
Marissa Bode
I would call this look a ruby red-hot success from head to toe. Marissa Bode was made for this number.
Who designed Ariana Grande’s Oscars dress?
Ariana’s 10/10 unbelievable gown is made by Schiaparelli and is probs custom because, duh. This Glindafied bubble look contains almost 200K crystals and rhinestones (!!!), and yet Ari is gliding across the carpet like she’s walking on air. That’s the power of fashion, baby.
Who designed Cynthia Erivo’s Oscars dress?
Cynthia Erivo has a relationship with Louis Vuitton (whom she wore to the LA premiere and Golden Globes), so it’s only right she chose a custom Louis Vuitton moment that her stylist described as “really wicked” for the Oscars. Agreed, pal! Cynthia’s go-to designers in the past have been avante-garde houses like Alexander McQueen and Armani Prive.
