The Anti-Glinda Era: 7 Times Ariana Grande Ditched Pink For A Dramatic Black Dress In 2025

Ariana Grande’s fashion narrative has undergone a seismic shift, culminating in a series of breathtaking black dress moments throughout 2025. Following her transformation into Glinda the Good Witch for the *Wicked* film, the pop star’s red carpet style has become a fascinating study in contrast, deliberately pivoting from her signature pink aesthetic to embrace a darker, more sophisticated, and historically rich wardrobe. This "anti-Glinda" era, often curated by her stylist Law Roach, has delivered some of the most memorable high-fashion looks of the year, cementing her status as a style icon. As of December 12, 2025, the conversation around Ariana Grande’s style is dominated by her recent appearances promoting *Wicked: For Good*, where she has consistently used the color black to signal a dramatic, mature, and vintage-inspired chapter. These looks are not just outfits; they are carefully chosen statements that blend Hollywood glamour with a theatrical edge, proving that the classic black dress remains the ultimate power move on any red carpet.

Ariana Grande-Butera: Biographical Profile

Ariana Grande-Butera is one of the most influential figures in contemporary pop music and acting. Her career spans over a decade, marked by vocal prowess, iconic fashion, and record-breaking achievements.

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer
• Active Years: 2008–present
• Notable Career Highlights: Role as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s *Victorious* and *Sam & Cat*; chart-topping albums like *Yours Truly*, *My Everything*, *Dangerous Woman*, *Sweetener*, and *Thank U, Next*; lead role as Glinda in the *Wicked* film adaptation (2024/2025).

The Power of Black: Ariana’s 2025 'Anti-Glinda' Fashion Statement

The year 2025 has been pivotal for Ariana Grande’s public image, primarily due to the intense press tour for *Wicked: For Good*. While her character Glinda is synonymous with vibrant pink, Grande, with the help of legendary stylist Law Roach, has strategically chosen black gowns and dresses for many high-profile events. This choice is a powerful nod to a more gothic, dramatic, and vintage-inspired aesthetic, often referred to by fashion critics as the "anti-Glinda" look. It showcases her versatility and deep appreciation for fashion history.

1. The Vintage 1952 London Premiere Gown (Wicked: For Good)

Arguably the most talked-about black dress moment of the year was her appearance at the *Wicked: For Good* London premiere. Grande wore a timeless, sweeping black sequin gown that was a genuine piece of fashion history, originally dating back to 1952. The choice of a vintage piece that predates the original Broadway show’s history added a layer of profound respect for the cinematic and theatrical arts. The gown featured intricate detailing and a classic silhouette, perfectly complementing her refined, old-Hollywood aesthetic.

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2. The Gothic Twist at the VMAs 2025

Ariana Grande made a significant return to the MTV VMAs red carpet in 2025, delivering a polarizing yet unforgettable look. She presented a "gothic twist on Glinda" in a sheer, plunging black gown, designed to create a dramatic, ethereal effect. This look was a definitive break from her previous pop-star aesthetic, embracing a darker, high-fashion narrative that captivated onlookers. The sheer fabric and deep neckline offered a modern, edgy take on formal wear.

3. The Custom Fendi Peplum Column Gown (VMAs 2025)

For a different segment of the 2025 MTV VMAs, Grande showcased another black stunner: a custom peplum column gown from Fendi. This dress highlighted her sophisticated side, featuring a structured peplum detail that added architectural interest to the sleek, long silhouette. The Fendi gown was a testament to the seamless collaboration between Grande and Law Roach, emphasizing elegant lines and high-end tailoring.

4. The Strapless Velvet Minidress (CinemaCon 2025)

For the *Wicked: For Good* trailer presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Grande opted for a shorter, more playful black dress. She wore a black strapless velvet minidress, a look that perfectly balanced the formality of a press event with a youthful, chic energy. The velvet texture added richness, while the mini length allowed her to showcase her lean silhouette, providing a sharp contrast to the flowing gowns of the premieres.

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5. The Third Oscars Look: Sheer Mini

While her main Oscars 2025 appearance was a showstopper, many missed her third, final look of the night. Ariana changed into a black, sheer, and mini dress for the after-parties. This final ensemble was a bold, sheer choice, embracing the current trend of transparency in high fashion while maintaining the dark, vampy aesthetic she adopted for the year. It was a subtle yet powerful fashion signal to end her awards season run.

Topical Authority: The Evolution of Ariana Grande's Black Dress Style

Ariana Grande's relationship with the black dress has evolved significantly from her early career. Initially, her style was defined by high ponytails, thigh-high boots, and playful, often monochrome, outfits. The current 2025 black dress era represents a shift towards classic, historical, and dramatic haute couture. This evolution can be broken down into key style entities:

• Vintage Glamour: Her use of genuine vintage black gowns, particularly the 1950s-era pieces, establishes her as a connoisseur of fashion history, moving beyond contemporary trends.
• Theatrical Contrast: By wearing black during the *Wicked* promotional cycle, she creates a powerful visual contrast to Glinda's pink, allowing her to step out of the character's shadow and re-establish her personal style identity.
• Law Roach’s Influence: The partnership with stylist Law Roach is key to this transformation. Roach, known for his ability to craft iconic narratives, has guided Grande toward a more refined, editorial, and high-fashion aesthetic, favoring designers like Fendi and celebrating historical pieces.
• Gothic Sophistication: Looks like the sheer, plunging VMAs gown introduce a "gothic" and "vampy" element to her wardrobe, showing a willingness to embrace darker, more complex style tones.

From a simple, cute pop star to a sophisticated purveyor of vintage haute couture, Ariana Grande’s 2025 black dress moments are not just fashion choices—they are a masterclass in celebrity rebranding and the strategic use of color to communicate a powerful, new artistic chapter.

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