The latest cinematic phenomenon isn't a special effect or dramatic plot twist, but an unexpected fashion item that's captured global attention. In Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel to last year's musical blockbuster, Cynthia Erivo's character Elphaba wears what the internet has dubbed the 'sex cardigan' - and it's become an overnight sensation.
The Unexpected Star of Wicked: For Good
While audiences flock to see Jon M. Chu's fantasy film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, social media platforms are buzzing about one particular wardrobe choice. The garment in question appears during a pivotal romantic scene between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West played by Cynthia Erivo) and Fiyero (portrayed by Jonathan Bailey).
The scene features Elphaba taking Fiyero to her treehouse hideaway, where their romance culminates while singing As Long As You're Mine. Though black lingerie forms part of the costume, it's the distinctive cardigan worn over it that's stolen the spotlight.
Defining the 'Sex Cardigan' Phenomenon
Described as a pinky-grey, chunky, holey knit that some compare to a discarded fishing net, the cardigan represents a dramatic departure from conventional sexy attire. Yet when loosely draped around Erivo, the garment achieves what fashion experts might consider impossible - making bulky knitwear strangely alluring.
Industry observers speculate that director Jon M. Chu's choice might have been influenced by the film's PG rating requirements, ensuring broader audience accessibility and potentially greater box office returns. The cardigan serves as a modest covering that maintains the scene's romantic tension while keeping the film family-friendly.
Social Media Embraces the Trend
The 'sex cardigan' has proven particularly memetastic across platforms like Instagram and X. One popular post from account @bravohistorian featured Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada wearing a similarly delicate knit, captioned: "Are you wearing the -" "Elphaba's sex cardigan? Yes, I am."
This isn't the first time unconventional knitwear has captured public imagination. Kurt Cobain's iconic chunky grey cardigan sold for $334,000 at auction twenty-five years after his death, demonstrating the enduring appeal of distinctive knitted garments in popular culture.
The cardigan's popularity highlights how cinematic fashion moments can transcend their original context to become cultural talking points. As Wicked: For Good continues its theatrical run, the 'sex cardigan' demonstrates that sometimes the most memorable aspects of a film aren't in the script, but hanging in the wardrobe department.
