Cynthia Erivo
Actor & Singer
The Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning actress and singer uses fashion as character-driven storytelling, from her ‘method dressing’ on the “Wicked” press tour to 11 costume changes at the 2025 Tonys.
Cynthia Erivo is an Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning actress and singer. The British artist is best known for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked (2024), the highly anticipated first installment of the two-part film adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical. Her powerful performance earned her Best Actress nominations at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, SAG Awards and Oscars, making her only the second Black actress after Viola Davis to receive multiple Best Actress Academy Award nods.
During the Wicked press tour and 2025 awards season, Erivo became a fashion phenomenon, embracing “method dressing.” Her red carpet looks echoed Elphaba’s spirit — frequently featuring emerald tones, dramatic silhouettes and avant-garde couture from Louis Vuitton, Schiaparelli, Givenchy and Thom Browne. Her fearless style earned her fashion magazine covers including Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair and W, where she was hailed as a “singular red carpet risk taker.”
In June 2025, Erivo hosted the Tony Awards with a commanding presence and 11 outfit changes that included Schiaparelli Haute Couture, Valentino and Marc Jacobs, cementing her status as both a fashion icon and a creative force. With her unmistakable talent, boundary-pushing style, and dedication to storytelling, Cynthia Erivo continues to redefine what it means to be a modern performer — and a singular presence on and off the screen.
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What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
