Even in a cinematic landscape filled with jaw-dropping examples ofvisuals and effects, few movies in recent memory have dazzled audiences as much asJon M. Chu’sWicked. FollowingCynthia Erivo’sElphaba as she befriends the giggly good witch, Glinda (Ariana Grande), the film is a story of triumph and truth as these young women discover so much about not only themselves but the flawed world they reside in. It’s a truly dynamic narrative that has persisted for years on both the stage and screen, meaning that high standards were set before it even premiered; fans were nervous about how the whole new cast and crew would handle their beloved story. Luckily for all, itmanaged toseamlessly merge every aspect of its narrative, reminding audiences why they love this tale and emphasizing the vital aspects of its core themes —and so much of that success wouldn’t be possible without the outfits.
It’s often forgotten how much a character’s fashion says about them. This is the way a person presents themselves to the world, a daily yet vital part of people’s lives, asthey work up the courage to offer their genuine personality to those around them.Wicked’scostumingrecognizes this significance and turns clothing into an integral aspect of its storytelling, with characters' fashion choices evolving throughout the plot and showing the multi-faceted journeys they undergo throughout the film. This process introduces audiencesto some of the best outfits they’ve ever seen, with many people wishing they could own some for themselves in the real world. Well, as it turns out, they can — all they need is a “wicked” amount of money. If you’re determined to bring the magic of the film into your daily life, now you may, because we’re here to tell you how much theseWickedoutfits would cost in real life!
The story of how a green-skinned woman framed by the Wizard of Oz becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The first of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
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6Elphaba’s Power Hat
Estimated Cost: $6,000 - $9,000
There’s not a headpiece in cinematic history as iconic as Elphaba’s ‘Power Hat’ fromWicked. The film knew it had huge shoes to fill with the way it has been portrayed countless times both inThe Wizard of Ozand onstage, and it did not disappoint; the movie version is a combination of multiple asymmetrical pieces of stiff fabric molded into just the right shapes before being placed on top of one another.
There’s not a headpiece in cinematic history as iconic as Elphaba’s ‘Power Hat’ fromWicked.
Creating it was a precarious processthat required designers to create (and scrap) dozens of hatsbefore finally landing on the one the audience sees onscreen. But it was all worth it to create somethingthat has become synonymous with the movie,with this hat serving as a small yet immensely impactful part ofWicked’sstory— it’s no wonder it would cost somewhere between $6,000 - $9,000 in the real world. Everyone, go thank Glinda’s grandma for giving Elphaba such a good deal!
5Elphaba’s Emerald City Dress
Estimated Cost: $4,000 - $6,000
True clothing connoisseurs know that the color black will never go out of style, something that is exemplified throughoutWickedwith Elphaba’s signature fashion sense. Yet while the young witch debuts many iconic outfits throughout the film, few are as striking as the multi-textured dress she wears when she first goes to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
Botany buffs will recognize the overlapping patterns of the garment as inspired by mushroom gills, delicate aspects of nature that were created using micro-pleated chiffon and are meantto symbolizeElphaba’s connection to the natural world around her. Working this kind of fragile fabric into an outfit is no easy task, so it makes sense that this would cost $4,000-$6,000 in the real world. Though, let’s be honest:we’d all pay this and more to defy gravity like Elphaba does in this scene!
4Glinda’s Munchkinland Entrance Gown
Estimated Cost: $25,000
It’s hard not to be glad (and grateful) when viewersare first introduced to Ariana Grande’s Glindaas she descendsintoWickedwearing an enormous, frilly, and perfectly pink gown. A re-design of the classic dress thatBillie Burkewore in 1939’sThe Wizard of Oz, this massive garment cost $25,000 to make, and it’s easy to see why!
The entire piece is decked out in thousands of crystals and sequins, with iridescent fabric overlaid on top of each spiralto ensure that it shines as brightly as the woman wearing it.Even more, the creators put a lot of focus— 225 hours, to be exact— into layering the many complex parts of this garment to create a floating effect as she drifts down from the sky. This dress is a true marvel of modern design, and has been featured in most of the movie’s marketing, so it’s no wonder it would come with such a hefty price tag in real life!
3Glinda’s Crown
Estimated Cost: $9,000 - $12,000
Every Queen needs her crown, and the same is true forWicked’s"Good Witch," Glinda. While audiences may be rightfully distracted bythe gorgeous gown she wears when entering Munchkinland, it’d be hard to miss the magnificent headpiece that not only caps off this ensemble but signifies Glinda’s status among the people of Oz.
It carries through the iridescent designs of her dress with every inch being adorned with minuscule crystals and gemstones. Its constant loops and swirls are the perfect complement to the spirals and bubbles of the main garment, with these elements making the substantial headpieceappear as weightless as the person wearing it(and reflecting the superficial behaviors she’ll be called out for later in the plot). This crown is one ofWicked’strue masterpieces, meaning that it earns the $9,000 - $12,000 price tag it would carry in real life.
2Nessarose’s Slippers
Estimated Cost: $6,000 - $8,000
While they may not receive as much attention as some of the other pieces on this list, Nessarose’s (Marissa Bode) slippers are one of the most important parts ofWicked’soverall story. A gift to the young Shiz student from her father, the shoes' crystalline appearance is taken from the original story rather than the 1939 movie that swapped them out for a pair of Ruby slippers. And that’s not the only waythese slippers pay homage to the original story!
A gift to the young Shiz student from her father, the shoes' crystalline appearance is taken from the original story rather than the 1939 movie that swapped them out for a pair of Ruby slippers.
Eagle-eyed fashion lovers will recognize the twists of its heel as the twister that will eventually bring Dorothy to Oz in Act Two,Wicked: For Good, with the many swirls further representing the tumultuous storm that sets off the original film’s story.It’s an ingenious aspect of design that,when paired with the stunning silver and jewels that make up the shoe, makes it understandable why the pair would cost $6,000-$8,000!
1Glinda’s Peignoir
Estimated Cost: $19,000
Last but absolutely not least is one ofWicked’smost stunning, delicate, and utterly iconic pieces: Glinda’s Peignor. The bubbly student wears it when she sings"Popular," a musical number all about presenting your best self to the world— so of course she’s wearing a gorgeous piece like this during it!
It’s a perfect visual representation of these characters' differences as well as Glinda’s flighty nature.
Audiences may balk at this sleeping gown’s steep $19,000 price tag in real life, but its intricate designs easily explain the cost. It carries over the spiral imagery of Glinda’s Munchkinland gown while simplifying as it descends, allowing her the space toleap and play throughout her numberwhile serving as a perfect mirror to the straightforward “froat” (a frock-coat, of course) that Elphaba dons throughout this scene. It’s a perfect visual representation of these characters' differences as well as Glinda’s flighty nature. With the dancing and chandelier-swinging that Grande does while wearing it,it will go down as one of the most iconic pajamas ever!
