Paul Tazewell is responding to fan discussion about Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo)’s “sex cardigan,” as the Internet has deemed her outfit, in Wicked: For Good.
The costume designer for the Wicked films recently spoke out about what inspired the look, which she wears in a scene hinting at a love scene with Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey).
The wooly gray knit swear that Elphaba wears in the scene has generated some mockery online, and he’s not discussing the viral item of clothing.
Keep reading to find out more…
“It came out of very literally an organic decision of what does Elphaba have access to,” he told NPR.
“And living alone, what choice would she make when she’s looking for a robe, some way to be protective and warm?”
“It’s operating as her robe for that moment,” he went on to say.
“She’s got a loom in her treehouse, where she’s weaving her own clothing. She’s manifesting all these things from the elements that are around her, and the sweater is just in keeping with that.”
He added that something like a “black, slinky peignoir” would have been unrealistic, emphasizing that the outfits reveal “who a character is and what is important for them, where their priorities are.”
“I see my work as a costume designer to be one of a storyteller, and I’m telling a silent story. It reveals itself adjacent to the performances of the characters,” he added. Listen above!
Find out why they cut out this passionate kiss from the movie.