An Inside Look at Thom Browne’s 10,000 Hour Creations for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

On Friday night, Thom Browne sat down with journalist Alina Cho at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for her acclaimed series "The Atelier with Alina Cho," where she hosts intimate conversations with some of the world's brightest visionaries in fashion and art. The celebrated designer offered a rare glimpse into the early stages of his career, his future, and the artistry and dedication behind his latest custom creations: gowns for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo worn during press events for the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation, which total took almost 10,000 hours to make the two dresses. 

Browne shared his excitement for the film and the stars, his enthusiasm palpable as he reflected on the intricate process. The two dresses, extraordinary feats of craftsmanship, exemplify Browne’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.  

Cynthia Erivo’s gown, a dazzling masterpiece adorned with over 240,000 multicolored crystals, took a remarkable 3,800 hours to complete. For Ariana Grande’s gingham-inspired dress, a nod to her character Glinda’s bubbly charm, a team of 50 artisans worked tirelessly, spending 6,000 hours perfecting the ensemble with 50,000 pink crystals. 

“For me, it’s about making sure they love what it is, appreciate the moment, and feel special in that moment,” Browne explained to Cho, underscoring the emotional connection he builds with his clients.  

Browne also touched on the importance of genuine connections in his creative collaborations. “These things work when they’re real relationships, and there’s a mutual respect,” he said. His relationship with Cynthia Erivo spans years of friendship, a bond built on trust and admiration. Ariana Grande, on the other hand, is a newer muse for the designer. Despite the novelty of their partnership, Browne noted the ease with which their creative visions aligned.  

Beyond Wicked, Browne’s collaborations with the two stars extend to their show-stopping appearances at the 2024 Olympics, further cementing his role as a designer who transcends traditional boundaries.  

Browne’s discussion with Cho highlighted not only his technical brilliance but also his deep respect for the artistry of fashion. From dressing David Bowie at the beginning of his career in 2005 to making custom pieces for the hottest A-listers for The Met Gala each year, Browne has continued to show a true passion for fine tailoring and craftsmanship in the fashion industry. 

"I never wanted something middle ground," He explained to Cho. "I want to create something people either really love, or really hate." 

As the evening concluded, Browne left the audience with a sense of awe for his dedication to his craft and the stories he weaves into every stitch. Whether working with longtime friends or forging new creative partnerships, Thom Browne continues to redefine the boundaries of fashion with authenticity and elegance.