In a couture collaboration with Universal, the celebrated designer has created five ‘Jewel Box’ gowns in homage to the movie






Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (or under Dorothy’s house), you’ll have heard that the UK premiere of Wicked: For Good has just taken place. Fans have been waiting a year for the second instalment of the musical, and it has finally made its spellbinding arrival on the big screen. In celebration of the film, Ines Di Santo has reimagined the magic of the story through a couture lens.
In partnership with Universal, Ines Di Santo’s Jewel Box gowns are five extraordinary pieces within her Fall 2026 Respira collection. Each style offers a luminous interpretation of something from the world of Oz, from characters to songs and iconic emblems. Together they form a capsule collection that celebrates both fashion and film, exploring transformation, connection and the beauty of contrast.
In an exclusive interview, Ines told us: “The story of Wicked: For Good resonates with me because it’s about transformation, but also about the power of connection. When I began designing the Jewel Box gowns, I didn’t want to recreate the characters literally, I wanted to capture their energy, their essence, the way their contrasts create harmony.”
That sense of duality lies at the heart of the Respira collection overall, as the styles within the new line are defined by lightness and strength, softness and structure. For the Jewel Box capsule, Ines distilled the visual language of Wickedinto couture form, balancing theatrical grandeur with emotional subtlety. “Elphaba and Glinda are opposites in so many ways, yet their friendship is what gives the story its heart. I approached the designs with that same spirit of duality, light and dark, soft and structured, vulnerable and strong, allowing each gown to hold space for both.”
The result is a celebration of imagination and identity; five gowns that truly shimmer. A perfect homage to the name Jewel Box and the magic of Oz, not to mention the designer’s creative eye and mastery of craft. “Each piece had to feel cinematic but still true to my world and be a reflection of the woman wearing it, not just the fantasy she steps into,” Ines says.
Elphaba
The Elphaba gown embodies the story’s most iconic heroine; dark, defiant and commanding. Structured satin-folds curve into a mermaid silhouette, while a sheer corset and hand-feathered cape create an aura of power and freedom. It’s a visual metaphor for courage, as this is a gown that refuses to be overlooked.
Editor’s note: We love this mix of drama and elegance in perfect equilibrium.
Glinda
Layers of blush and petal-toned tulle create a full, cloud-like skirt, anchored by a corseted bodice adorned with hand-cut floral appliqué and delicate crystals. Not only does the dress feel romantic, it is full of light and movement, as the crystals catch and scatter light with every step.
Editor’s note: A dream of pink! There’s no denying that Glinda is a vision of optimism, and this namesake gown captures the effervescent light of the good witch herself.
Yellow Brick Road
This organza style shimmers with every step. The embroidery follows an intricate geometric rhythm, echoing the iconic path to the Emerald City. Both nostalgic and modern, it reflects the spirit of discovery. Ines felt this was a reminder that transformation often lies in the journey, not just the destination.
Editor’s note: We adore this couture interpretation of an iconic moment from the Oz journey. The detailing is stunning, with a golden, liquid-like shine.
Magic Slippers
This sculpted trumpet gown glitters with mirrored beadwork that ripples down the body, dissolving into ethereal layers of organza. A veil scattered with crystals completes the look, catching the light with every movement. It is a subtle nod to the power of stepping into one’s own story.
Editor’s note: A true cascade of light and texture. With its intricate beadwork and shimmer, this gown sparkles just like those iconic slippers.
Unlimited
Inspired by the idea of unity and limitless possibility, Unlimited blends hues, textures and energies into a single breathtaking form. A fitted sheath of ombré beading flows from soft champagne to luminous jade, balanced by a sweeping overskirt that lends fluidity and grandeur. It’s an ode to contrast made whole – strength and softness in perfect dialogue.
Editor’s note: We’re big fans of the song this lyric comes from, and the meaning behind it! The dress is a masterpiece of colour and light, bold yet serene – a beautiful representation of confidence and calm in equal measure.
WORDS Anna-Marie DeSouza