Second Life
The Who What Wear Podcast: Wicked Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Talks Glinda’s Bubble Dress, Elphaba’s Style Evolution, and the Visual Language of Oz
Nov 27, 2024
Paul Tazewell, a celebrated costume designer known for his Tony Award-winning work on Hamilton and Emmy-winning designs for The Wiz Live!, joins the show for an engaging discussion. He shares insights into the creation of Glinda's iconic bubble dress, blending homage with innovation. Tazewell also delves into Elphaba’s emotional transformation through costume choices, and the unique school uniforms at Shiz University that foster individual expression. From whimsical trends to vintage shopping, his perspective on the visual language of Wicked is both enlightening and entertaining.
24:39
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Quick takeaways
- Paul Tazewell discusses how the costume designs in Wicked blend nostalgia with innovation, respecting legacy while appealing to modern audiences.
- The evolution of Elphaba and Glinda's costumes serves as a powerful storytelling device, reflecting their character arcs and emotional transformations throughout the narrative.
Deep dives
The Vision Behind Wicked's Costumes
The costume designer aimed to create a distinct visual language for the film adaptation of Wicked, balancing homage to past interpretations with fresh creativity. Influenced by the original illustrations and the iconic 1939 film, he aimed to articulate the characters' identities through their looks. His work involved extensive collaboration with both the director and the original Broadway designer to ensure that the new designs respect the legacy while also innovating. This dual approach allowed the costumes to evoke nostalgia while remaining relevant and expressive for the film's contemporary audience.
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