Cynthia Erivo doesn’t just walk the red carpet; she commands it.
From bold architectural silhouettes to masterfully layered silver jewellery, Cynthia Erivo has delivered an award season of pure fashion storytelling. Her red carpet looks crafted alongside longtime stylist Jason Bolden, blend avant-garde drama and method dressing. Every look is a nod to character, history, or sheer innovation, proving that Cynthia doesn’t just wear fashion, she embodies it.
A crucial part of her red carpet magic is her signature nail artistry. Erivo’s longtime nail technician, Clawzbydior, crafts sculptural stiletto nails that extend the drama of her ensembles, often mirroring the textures, colours, and themes of her gowns. Her accessories are always a big part of the look; her love affair with silver jewellery, a consistent styling element throughout the season. From stacked Foundrae medallions to glittering Messika diamonds, Cynthia’s jewellery choices always serve as the perfect finishing touch for her masterful looks.
Let’s take a deep dive into her most memorable red-carpet moments of 2025
A modern gothic dream at the Golden Globes.
Styled by Jason Bolden, this look followed up her method dressing approach from the “Wicked” press tour. “Green is Elphaba’s colour,” she said, “but she wears a lot of black, so I’ve been playing with that.” She also subtly referenced her character with emerald-studded Foundrae jewellery and gem-topped nail art in green and pink — perfected over five hours by Mychael Clawsby Dior.
The plunging design featured a floating tier that dramatically jutted out from her hips — a clever new take on florals. She completed the look with FoundRae jewellery, winged eyeliner, and a lined lip courtesy of Joanna Simkin for Benefit.
A deep midnight glow at the Grammy Awards
For the 2025 Grammy Awards, Cynthia stunned in an elegant navy gown that offered a refreshing departure from her “Wicked” press tour fits. She perfectly paired the dress — featuring a daring cut-out at the bodice and delicate silver detailing — with her signature sculpted nails. Adorned with luxurious Messika and FOUNDRAE jewellery, she completed the look with Christian Louboutin heels. Makeup artist Joanna Simkin flawlessly executed her glow, using e.l.f and KISS products for an understated yet sophisticated finish.
Dark romance at the Critics’ Choice Awards
The 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards saw Cynthia embracing all-black chic. Nominated for Best Actress for her work in “Wicked,” she opted for a sultry black Giorgio Armani Privé gown with a patent effect. The dress — adorned with crystal micro-edging and hand-embroidered camellias finished in crystals and beading — was accessorised with dangling diamond earrings. Her signature stiletto nails, painted in a crisp white polish for contrast, perfectly complemented the look as she posed solo on the red carpet, exuding confidence and allure.
Architectural elegance at the BAFTAs
At the 2025 BAFTAs in London, Cynthia delivered a sculptural masterpiece in a custom white lace-embroidered Louis Vuitton gown. The dress — with its three-dimensional design — showcased impeccable tailoring, including a short train and tea-length hemline. She further elevated her look with trappy round-toe heels and stunning emerald and diamond jewellery by Tiffany & Co., including vintage earrings, rings, and a matching bracelet. This white wonder was a bold statement of modern femininity and architectural elegance.
Power dressing reimagined at the NAACP Image Awards
Shunning gowns entirely at The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) Image Awards like the unpredictable queen she is, Cynthia opted for a pinstripe Dolce & Gabbana suit. The double-breasted blazer and wide-leg trousers, paired with a white button-up and a black tie, felt like a modern homage to classic menswear. Of course, she added her signature flair: diamond-encrusted Tiffany & Co. brooches, platform heels, stacked rings, and oval-shaped sunglasses. The look exuded power, precision, and an effortless cool factor.
Vintage drama at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards
At the 2025 SAG Awards, Cynthia took a nostalgic yet avant-garde turn by donning a vintage Givenchy gown designed by Alexander McQueen from the fall 1997 couture collection. The dress, crafted from textured metallic fabric with rippled pleating, boasted dramatic fringe details at the neckline and sleeves, as well as a high-neck design and bold bell sleeves. Paired with Tourneau jewellery and impeccably done stiletto nails by Mycah Dior, she kept her makeup clean and understated. This allowed the dress to command the spotlight, perfectly balancing historical influence with modern drama.
A Wicked elegance at the Oscars
At the Oscars 2025 in Los Angeles, Cynthia delivered a stirring tribute to her iconic “Wicked” persona with method dressing at its finest. Arriving in a custom Louis Vuitton gown sculpted from green velvet, she paid homage to Elphaba. The look featured a standing flared collar, off-the-shoulder sleeves that defied gravity, and a voluminous ball skirt. “This dress is for Hattie McDaniel,” her stylist Jason Bolden revealed on Instagram, adding a heartfelt note: “Hope this dress makes you proud. Love, Jason and Cynthia.” She further elevated the look with diamond-encrusted earrings, a dazzling bracelet, and diamond and emerald rings. Her golden nails — inspired by the Oscars statue — took five painstaking hours to perfect, according to nail artist ClawzByDior.
Pearls and playfulness at the Vanity Fair Oscars party
Departing from the dramatic green velvet of the Oscars, Cynthia Erivo embraced a softer yet equally captivating vibe in a frothy tulle gown from Vivienne Westwood. She adored the backless, asymmetrical design with oversized dangling pearls and bold black bows, paired with simple black stilettos and a chic white heart-shaped handbag with pearl straps. This look was the perfect blend of playful sophistication and understated glamour, capturing the essence of a relaxed yet unforgettable after-party.
Cynthia Erivo’s award season has been nothing short of an odyssey — a masterclass in modern red carpet magic that seamlessly blends method dressing with daring design. I love it; her fearless experimentation and exquisite attention to detail continue to inspire and redefine what it means to be a red carpet icon.
