The world of The Wizard of Oz has long been linked to its wonderfully whimsical setting, down to the very clothes the Munchkins, witches, and all the citizens of Emerald City don. The same could be said for its imagined prequel, Wicked, which transports its magical tale from the Broadway stage to the screen for its 2024 film adaptation.
From the hats to the frocks, the pieces of clothing worn by the characters can weave a story essential to their roles in the glittery land of Oz. Among the standout pieces are the round glasses donned by the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba Thropp, featuring a striking “infinity” design that makes them remarkably distinctive.
LOOK: Elphaba’s Glasses Featured in “Wicked”
In the blockbuster film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, the origin story of The Wizard of Oz’s iconic villain, the Wicked Witch, uncovers a sympathetic childhood and adolescence, where she is shunned for her green skin and magical powers.
While the stage musical sees the character wearing long wire-framed glasses, the film version played by Cynthia Erivo has Elphaba entering Shiz University in an Oz-nian take on eyewear: a pair of oversized round glasses, detailed by a black curve that sweeps across the top of one lens, which makes for its asymmetrical look resembling an infinity symbol.
Across the internet, many users have raised their eyebrows about the possible inspiration behind the glasses, noting their resemblance to inexpensive pairs sold by various online outlets. While some have dismissed the design as “tacky,” others, especially fans of Wicked, are eager to claim the eyewear for themselves. However, many might not realize that the glasses’ distinctive silhouette likely traces back to an Italian brand specializing in Venetian frames: Casanova.
Named after the famed Italian writer and adventurer Giacomo Casanova, this manufacturer’s collections were celebrated for capturing the joie de vivre of the Venetian carnival, akin to a real-life Oz. During the 1980s, Casanova glasses embodied the bold and eccentric style of the decade, doubling as wearable works of art.
The most celebrated designs of the Casanova collection include a unique fusion of colorful art, advanced technology, and meticulous hand craftsmanship—principles that have defined the brand’s identity for generations, which required considerable time and the expertise of skilled artisans.
Today, many models from the Casanova collection are considered rare. Reports suggest that the glasses’ blend of intellectual appeal and opulent materials—some pairs were even plated with 24-carat gold—ultimately rendered them economically unviable. As a result, vintage Casanova frames have largely vanished from the optician market.
SHOP: The Casanova Round Glasses Similar to Elphaba's Eyewear in “Wicked”
The original glasses may be rare in the market these days, but certain pieces from Casanova can pop up on verified resellers’ pages every now and then. Over on 1stDibs.com, a similar pair to Elphaba’s glasses fetches a bidding price of at least $1,849–that’s approximately P108,574!
Gold-Plated Frames, bidding price at $1849 (approx. P108,574), CASANOVA, 1stDibs.com
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
