Cynthia Erivo Reveals Emotional Meaning Behind Elphaba’s Viral ‘Wicked’ Cardigan

Cynthia Erivo is addressing the now-viral reaction to Elphaba’s cozy cardigan in Wicked: For Good, explaining the emotional purpose behind the costume piece that has stirred intense discussion across social media.

Speaking at Elphaba’s Wicked Retreat Airbnb Originals Experience in Los Angeles on Dec. 3, the 38-year-old star reflected on the wool cardigan worn during the film’s intimate musical moment, “As Long as You’re Mine,” performed with Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero. Fans have dubbed the outfit the “sex cardigan,” sparking a mix of humor, confusion, and admiration online.

A Softer, More Vulnerable Elphaba

Erivo said that the moment and costume were designed to reveal a new layer of the character beyond the fierce, guarded identity audiences traditionally associate with the Wicked Witch.

“I just wanted something that removed the armor for a second,” Erivo explained. “It shows a more sensual, more connected side of her.”

The actress emphasized that the intention was emotional—not sexual:

“The aim is not to turn her into a sexual object. It’s to make her a soft human being who could be worthy of being loved and having an intimate moment with someone.”

Why the Cardigan Matters

Costume designer Paul Tazewell previously told NPR that the cardigan choice came from thinking realistically about what Elphaba—isolated in a treehouse, crafting what she needs—would have access to.

“It’s operating as her robe,” he said. “She’s weaving her own clothing. The sweater reflects her environment and priorities.”

Tazewell added that choosing a glamorous piece for such a raw moment would have felt artificial:

“A black, slinky peignoir would be unrealistic for her circumstances.”

The Oscar-winning designer explained that the costume is a form of storytelling on its own—nonverbal, but deeply expressive.

The Art Behind Wicked’s Wardrobe

The cardigan is one piece within an unprecedented 1,000-costume project across the Wicked films, including 25 looks for Glinda and 24 for Elphaba. Some costumes took hundreds of hours to construct, such as Glinda’s iconic bubble dress, which features 225 hours of hand beading.

Tazewell said his goal was to honor visual traditions while reinventing them:

“There’s a fairy-princess quality in Ariana [Grande] as Glinda, but it is re-envisioned for today.”

As Wicked: For Good continues to dominate conversations online, fans are praising Erivo’s thoughtful interpretation and the film’s deeper emotional themes.