Paul Tazewell's Universe: His Devious Path, Collaborating with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and What He Appreciates About...

      Enter the realm of the most innovative creatives in the fashion world with our series My World, where readers can explore how prominent stylists, designers, and tastemakers forged their careers; their favorite dining spots, cherished albums, and fashion discoveries; the etiquette guidelines they adhere to; and much more. Green or pink? The two hues raced through my mind just moments before I began my conversation with esteemed costume designer Paul Tazewell. I understood that I couldn't just wear any color while discussing style with the visionary who brought the Wicked universe to life on screen. "You've chosen your pink sweater, I see," Tazewell remarked as we started our exchange. Perfect—I made the right choice. Honestly, I felt a bit of nervous anticipation leading up to this discussion. After all, Tazewell is one of the most acclaimed costume designers, boasting an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, two Tony Awards, and a British Film Academy Award. He truly embodies the titles of icon, legend, and luminary… you get the idea.

      For many, watching The Wizard of Oz was a life-changing experience. "One of the most magical moments in film is when Dorothy moves from black-and-white into Technicolor," Tazewell said about the film that inspired me to dream beyond the rainbow when I first saw it at age three. "That moment—the notion of film magic being transportive—will always resonate with me. It's definitely an influence in my designs and how to evoke that kind of emotional response from an audience." And that is precisely what he achieved with his work on Wicked and the upcoming, eagerly anticipated Wicked: For Good. Tazewell further explores the enchanting Land of Oz and his own world below. Ahead, he shares insights into his career path that led to his Oscar-winning work on Wicked (fingers crossed for another Oscar for Wicked: For Good, releasing on November 21), his collaborations with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, his favorite pastimes when he’s not crafting magic, and much more. Step inside Tazewell's world.

      You boast a remarkable career across both stage and screen. What do you consider your "big break" in the industry? I think my early significant breakthrough was Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk. That was my first Broadway production and it initiated a long stretch of extensive designing—both across the country and on Broadway. The first time I gained public visibility was with Hamilton due to its global reception. There were notable Broadway productions in between, and I wouldn’t have been able to design Hamilton the way I did without the experience from those prior works. All of that led to my film projects, starting with Harriet, followed by West Side Story, and then on to Wicked.

      How much did The Wizard of Oz and the stage version of Wicked influence your designs for the two films? I was always conscious of the existing imagery out there and pondered, "How does this relate to what has come before? What does the audience expect? How will they connect with what I'm creating compared to the original? How can I encapsulate the energy of their experiences in previous productions and breathe new life into it?" For that reason, Glinda wears the pink she does—it connects back to Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, originally portrayed by Billie Burke.

      What was your experience like collaborating with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande? Working with both was one of the most rewarding collaborations I've had with performers, as they are both deeply in tune with fashion and style, as well as their craft and character interpretations. I aimed to fully engage them and ensure they understood the entire clothing arc I envisioned for their characters. They needed to grasp their starting point and the direction in which it would evolve. I would say about 80% of the design was my original idea, while 20% was influenced by their input.

      What has been your favorite moment on the red carpet? The Met Gala stands out as my favorite moment. It was such a fantastic experience with Janelle [Monáe] and our attire, especially when the cape came off, turning it into a theatrical event on its own. I feel incredibly honored to have been part of it. The Dolce & Gabbana outfit I wore to the Oscars would probably come in second, and I won while wearing it.

      What brands do you incorporate into your daily wardrobe? I frequently wear Issey Miyake, Ami, and Sandro for everyday looks. I also have a penchant for Dries Van Noten.

      What do you consider when assembling your outfits? I aim for looks that are comfortable, well-tailored, and feature classic lines. Being seen as a designer means I must be intentional about how I present myself. I'm constantly considering, "How will people perceive me?" This question parallels my approach to character design. The assumptions made about me and my work, including my vision for design, largely inform what I choose to wear.

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