Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell is once again shining a spotlight on the land of Oz, this time with even richer visual storytelling and deeper character evolution through his wardrobe designs.

Glinda the Good

One of the most notable transformations comes through Glinda (Ariana Grande). 

In Wicked For Good, her costumes evolve to reflect her character’s maturation. Tazewell and Grande collaborated closely on her wedding look, arriving at a clean, full-skirted gown with an asymmetrical neckline. 

In an interview, Tazewell says the design is imbued with butterfly embroidery, with dimensional butterflies that “swirl around the hem” — a powerful metaphor for Glinda’s transformation. 

The gown is finished with a 25-meter-long veil and a delicate butterfly tiara that symbolize both her fragility and strength. 

Wicked Witch of the West

For Elphaba, Tazewell’s designs take on a more grounded but equally powerful tone. 

He outfits her in new boots and trousers, paired with a striking black coat with a large collar and a taller, wider-brimmed hat. 

According to Tazewell, every piece is deeply intentional, reflecting where Elphaba is emotionally — owning her power and presence as she grows more self-assured. 

The Wizard and Madame Morrible

Tazewell doesn’t stop with the leads. He dressed Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) in deep emerald velvet embroidered with meteorological motifs — clouds, smoke, and even lightning bolts in silver and gold bullion thread. This design links her magical authority, directly controlling over the Emerald City.

The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) embraces theatricality: dramatic wide-lapel coats, top hats, and bold patterns reminiscent of circus showmanship. 

Ensemble, Ozian Army

Beyond the principal characters, Tazewell has also crafted a rich tapestry of costumes for the army of Ozian characters. Each look is designed to be distinctive, with its own mood and narrative. 

Notably, he designed for Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) with a sense of dashing charm, and even for Pfannee (Bowen Yang), ensuring the world of Oz feels alive.

Technical mastery

Tazewell’s work on Wicked: For Good reflects both artistic ambition and technical mastery. His costumes are narrative devices, visually charting the characters’ emotional arcs. 

His design process for the first Wicked film already involved highly complex craftsmanship — micro-pleated hats for Elphaba, laser-cut butterflies, and thousands of beads hand-sewn for Glinda’s gowns. That same commitment to detail continues in the sequel, helping to bring the emotional stakes of For Good to life through fabric, color and silhouette.

Legacy, recognition

Tazewell’s work on Wicked has not gone unnoticed: earlier in 2025, he made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design. He has described that recognition as a “North Star,” and continues to reflect on his journey, saying that his goal has always been to touch hearts and change lives through costume design. 

With Wicked: For Good upon us, Tazewell’s costumes are poised to be among the film’s most celebrated elements. It won’t be surprising that award-giving bodies would recognize them, again.