no rest for the wicked

Wicked

since 2003, the musical wicked has delighted audiences all around the world. this production, which is based on the novel wicked: the life and times of the wicked witch of the west written by gregory maguire, is the 'untold story' of the witches of oz. wicked is well known for its music and lyrics by renowned composer stephen schwartz and for its colorful and innovative costume designs by award-winning costume designer susan hilferty. 

Elphaba

elphaba wears several costumes in the musical and they expertly portray her transformation from a humble schoolgirl to the misunderstood, not-truly 'wicked witch of the west.' early in act one, elphaba wears a plain navy uniform while attending shiz university but eventually elphaba’s schoolgirl outfit is exchanged for the more familiar witch motif — a black victorian-type dress and a pointed black hat. 

Elphaba and Glinda

Glinda's closet

Glinda

glinda’s costume for her period of schooling is cream in color, which hints at her later title of the 'good witch of the north.' glinda’s appreciation for color really shines through in her pink ballgown and the yellow outfit she wears while visiting the emerald city later in the musical. later, her silver and green politician’s outfit and white dress worn as the good witch help to conceal from the citizens of Oz the fact that glinda may not be as kind and selfless as she seems.

residents of Emerald City

the residents of emerald city wear a lot of green, of course. most of these costumes are haute couture, designed with expensive fabrics exclusively for the characters that wear them. regular motifs include billowing skirts and a fantastical appearance that suits the residents of the capital city of the fantasy land of oz.

Madame Morrible

madame morrible is the headmistress of the hall where glinda and elphaba live at shiz university. in the musical she tends to wear long flowing gowns that combine elegance with a look that implies a sinister mind.

Nessarose

nessarose, elphaba’s sister and eventual 'wicked witch of the east', transforms from a paralyzed schoolgirl to one who can walk with the aid of the ruby slippers over the course of the musical. as such, her initial schoolgirl outfit gives way to a black dress that, while not unlike Elphaba’s costume, helps distinguish her from her sister.

Fiyero Tiggular

fiyero tiggular, a prince who meets elphaba and glinda at shiz university, is eventually transformed into the famous scarecrow. his princely attire gives way to the more ragged scarecrow look as he concocts a plan to help save elphaba from death. this is portrayed appropriately in hilferty’s costume designs, with the scarecrow having a fitting, ragged appearance to match all the trauma he endures in the musical.

love the clothes? here's my favourite song from the musical.

fash'on... BAM!