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.
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Landing the Wicked Gig
- Paul Tazewell was approached for Wicked via a meeting with director Jon M. Chu.
- His presentation, reflecting his vision for Wicked's world, secured him the role.
Balancing Homage and Originality
- Designing for Wicked required balancing homage with newness, considering its rich history across various adaptations.
- Tazewell drew inspiration from Baum's book, the 1930s film, and the Broadway musical.
Engineering Glinda's Bubble Dress
- Glinda's bubble dress involved intense engineering, akin to Charles James or Christian Dior gowns.
- Three versions were created: hero, backup, and stunt, ensuring preparedness.
