Ariana Grande surprised fans in London by stepping out in a dramatic black couture gown instead of her signature pink Glinda look while promoting Wicked: For Good.
The singer arrived in a vintage piece that instantly turned heads, blending Old Hollywood elegance with a modern edge.
Her gown, designed in 1952 by legendary costume creator Gilbert Adrian, made the moment even more special.
The late designer, best known for shaping the look of the 1939 The Wizard of Oz, worked on more than 200 films during his MGM years and helped craft the iconic styles of stars like Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, and Judy Garland.
Wearing an archival Adrian design felt like a thoughtful nod to the original story that inspired Wicked.
The dress itself carried a striking asymmetrical silhouette.
One side featured a puffed sleeve with a cascading skirt, while the other remained strapless, leading into a tiered ballgown-style shape. Its soft, princess-like structure contrasted beautifully with its deep black color, almost bridging the visual worlds of Glinda and Elphaba in a single look.
Grande shared the outfit on Instagram with the caption, “♡ Gilbert Adrian 1952 ♡ hello London, i love you”.
The styling, done alongside Law Roach, continues her recent streak of archival Adrian fashion. Just weeks ago, she wore a sleek black gown from the designer’s 1940s work, hinting at an ongoing appreciation for his legacy.
This moment also aligns with a growing trend of stars leaning into their on-screen personas through fashion, often blending costume spirit with couture sensibility.
While method dressing has been seen across premieres from Wicked to Wednesday, Grande’s current tour look feels noticeably elevated, with thoughtful custom choices and subtle nods to classic Hollywood craftsmanship.
Her swap from Glinda’s signature pink to bold black instantly set a new tone, offering a refined take on the character while honouring the roots of the story in a stylish and meaningful way.
