The excitement surrounding the movie adaptation of Wicked has reached dizzying heights, especially with Cynthia Erivo at the forefront as she takes on the role of Elphaba. The film's promotional events have showcased not just the dazzling performances but also the stunning visuals—none more captivating than Erivo's nail designs. Erivo's transformation to the iconic Wicked Witch of the West is not just skin-deep; every detail of her character’s look is intentional, right down to her nails, which have become symbols of confidence and creativity.
During the London premiere of Wicked, which turned the city's Southbank area metaphorically green to celebrate the event, Erivo's long, dramatic nails caught everyone's attention. They were adorned with black and green ombré designs, perfectly matching her character's ethereal look. Each set of nails not only reflects the whimsical nature of the film but also tells the story of Elphaba's evolution from the timid young woman to the powerful witch she becomes.
Shea Osei, the nail artist responsible for creating these jaw-dropping designs, has poured her heart and soul over the last two years finalizing the nail looks for Erivo. Known for her artistic approach to nail design, Osei has been friends with Erivo for over 15 years. Their deep-rooted friendship made the collaboration feel more personal. "Cynthia outside of Elphaba is someone who enjoys getting her nails done... It was important to us to maintain her authentic self and match the character's evolution through her nails," Osei explained.
Osei took on the monumental task of designing more than thirty-five different sets of nails for the film, ensuring consistency across all designs. Each set took approximately 90 minutes to craft, reflecting Erivo’s personality, confidence, and her character arc. Osei remarked on their artistic collaboration, saying, "When Elphaba arrives at the Emerald City, she’s transformed. The daring design of her nails mirrored her newfound confidence—this is her identity; this is who she is. She was ready to embrace herself fully, and her nails represented just part of this bold transition."
Attendees at the green carpet event shared their monumental appreciation for the eye-catching nails. A nail artist and fan, who witnessed the premiere, tearfully expressed, "I cried. There are many bits where I had to pause and let it all sink in." Such reactions from fans are common, emphasizing the genuine connection audiences feel with the presentation and significance of the character's style.
Cynthia Erivo herself expressed pride and excitement at showcasing Osei's creations to the world: "I'm incredibly joyful to see the nuances of Elphaba's character come to life, even through the detail of our nails. They reflect struggles, strength, and the beauty of transformation, and I'm thrilled to share this with everyone." This synergy of art and character builds the anticipation not just for the performance but for the movie’s overall aesthetic approach as well.
The excitement doesn't end with the premiere, as the duo’s partnership has spurred immense interest on social media platforms. Fans diligently expressed their adoration for the show's nail art, sharing snippets of their favorite designs and engaging with behind-the-scenes posts. Osei noted the impact of their collaboration, stating, “I’ve received so much love since working on Wicked. It’s heartwarming to see people appreciate the details as they did. My hope is to inspire future nail technicians and artists to never underestimate the power of creativity.”
Reactions continued to flood after Erivo and Grande attended the Australian premiere of the film, where their nail looks captured hearts yet again. Grande, playing Glinda, showcased her chic, glittering nails, complementing Erivo’s aesthetic to form one of the most praised on-screen partnerships of the year—one where style and storytelling go hand in hand.
Highlighting the cast’s collective glitz and glamour, fans also appreciated the way their manicures tied back to the overarching themes of loyalty and friendship explored throughout the film's narrative. Each cast member has not only brought their character to life but embedded facets of themselves within the production. This intertwining of personal identities with mythical personas serves to craft rich storytelling through every aspect—from performances to the wardrobe and, of course, to the manicures.
Erivo's nails have emerged as one of the most talked-about aesthetic decisions leading up to the film’s release. The deliberate choices made by her stylist also point to the growing trend of fashion as part of storytelling in cinema. More than just decoration, nails today have the potential to relay narratives, encapsulating character journeys through creative design. It moves beyond mere appearance; it drives through to the heart of identity and self-expression.
This year's Golden Globe nominations had Erivo recognized for her outstanding performance as Elphaba, marking the actress's growing influence within the film industry. Her glowing reviews are seen as evidence of her extraordinary range and dedication to the craft. Critics and audiences alike have praised the emotional depth she brings, allowing viewers to connect with the layered character of Elphaba.
With two significant award nominations under her belt for Wicked, it's evident Howell and Osei's collaborative efforts are gaining the spotlight. The film also became a symbol of progress within Hollywood, demonstrating the ever-evolving standards of what is deemed worthy of recognition, both aesthetically and narratively.
Overall, the premiere of Wicked showcased not just the anticipated musical transformation of the beloved story but also the power of personal storytelling, permeated through every detail. Amidst its magical elements, the film reminds us all of the meaning behind embracing our identities—no matter how painted our nails might be. With fans hyped for the subsequent showings and nail trends sure to follow, Erivo, Grande, and the Wicked team are poised for additional recognition and impact as they bring their vibrant characters to audiences around the world.