Of the many things that the Wicked press tour taught the world to “hold space” for, Cynthia Erivo’s red carpet fashion might be the most important of them all. The Birtish actress, alongside her co-star Ariana Grande, hit the press circuit in delectably themed looks that nodded to her character, Elphaba—think slime green Louis Vuitton dresses, dramatic all-black Dior moments, theatrical Thom Browne looks.
But, before Erivo put on her hat as the Wicked Witch of the West, she was long established as one of the red carpet’s most exciting dressers. While Erivo first started popping up on the big stage in the mid-2010s, her star really began to rise in the year 2020 as she promoted the biopic Harriet (that role earned Erivo her first Oscar nomination).
At that point, fans already knew Erivo for her self-expression; her hair and makeup concepts have always been gorgeously idiosyncratic, and she’s worn a septum ring on the red carpet for years. But quickly, Erivo (with help from her long-time stylist Jason Bolden) brought jaw-dropping gowns—and sometimes even more jaw-dropping beauty moments—to the biggest stages in fashion, film, and music. Now, with her turn as Elphaba, Erivo has amassed a red carpet repertoire that truly defies gravity. Here, see Cynthia Erivo’s best red carpet moments.
2024: Wicked London Premiere
The actress and her stylist pulled this show-stopping Schiaparelli number for the 2024 Wicked London premiere.
2024: Wicked New York Premiere
Erivo’s dramatic Dior ball gown served as the perfect palette to show off her impressive manicure at the New York premiere of Wicked.
2024: Wicked Mexico City Premiere
This theatrical Thom Browne look was one of the highlight’s of Erivo’s Wicked press fashion.
2024: Wicked Los Angeles Premiere
Elphaba was doing Brat green before it was cool.
2024: CFDA Awards
Erivo hosted the 2024 CFDA Awards in this custom Zac Posen dress.
2024: Academy Museum Gala
In ladylike Louis Vuitton at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala.
2024: Met Gala
Erivo’s Thom Browne Met Gala look mixed masculine suiting with feminine florals.
2024: Academy Awards
Erivo (unofficially) kicked off her themed Elphaba streak at the 2024 Oscars, showing up in a deep green Louis Vuitton dress.
2023: BAFTA Awards
Erivo brought the party to the 2023 BAFTAs with this chrome and fringe Louis Vuitton moment.
2022: Met Gala
Erivo paired a lace runway gown from Louis Vuitton with a matching headpiece at the 2022 Met Gala.
2022: Academy Awards
If Erivo’s career required her to go to an office, she might wear something like this Louis Vuitton look.
2021: Venice Film Festival
Erivo’s sheer Oscar de la Renta gown looked like it was plucked from the most idyllic of gardens.
2021: Critics Choice Award
Erivo’s custom Vera Wang gown for the 2021 Critics’ Choice Awards was topped off with hand-cut macrame lace.
2021: Golden Globe Awards
There was no missing Bolden’s “lucky charm” at the Golden Globes in fluorescent green Valentino couture.
2021: Grammy Awards
Good luck finding a 2021 Grammy Awards “best dressed” list that doesn’t include Erivo’s sparkly Louis Vuitton.
2020: Academy Awards
Erivo donned a stunning Versace look at the 2020 Academy Awards.
2020: NAACP Image Awards
According to Bolden, he found Erivo’s mint Prabal Gurung confection just an hour before she arrived to the 51st NAACP Image Awards.
2020: Critics’ Choice Awards
We love that Erivo isn’t afraid to try out a risky pattern. The geometric panels of this Fendi dress would look clown-ish on anyone else, but coupled with her chandelier earrings and blonde, short hair, it’s pure harmony.
2019: Tony Awards
The story on this dress goes that Erivo was getting ready for the 2019 Tony Awards and her stylists added the line of feathers along the slit of the dress at the 11th hour. It was a great decision—the cascade of plumage adds an essential dimension to the look.
2019: LACMA Art + Film Gala
Erivo knows exactly which silhouettes and colors work for her. At LACMA’s Art + Film Gala, which she attended in November 2019, she opted for this purple Gucci gown. The addition of an embroidered corseted accent brings it to the next level.
2018: CFDA Awards
In a very late 2010s shirt-dress hybrid at the 2018 CFDAs.
2018: Met Gala
The actress’s penchant for wild beauty looks is legendary. Erivo wore these rhinestones to the Met Gala, along with standout earrings and that septum ring.
2017: Academy Awards
Erivo slipped into a patterned Paolo Sebastian dress at the 2017 Oscars.
2017: Grammy Awards
This midnight blue Luisa Beccaria number was the perfect foil to Erivo’s bleached hair.
2016: Met Gala
Erivo opted for a patchwork floral design with leather accents at the 2016 Met Gala.