Ariana Grande Stuns in Vintage Fashion on SNL Christmas Episode

Ariana Grande Is Iconic in Vintage Vivienne Westwood and Bob Mackie Looks for the SNL Christmas Episode

Ariana Grande may be taking a brief pause from her music career, but her recent appearance on the SNL Christmas Episode proves that her cultural relevance and fashion influence are stronger than ever. From commanding the stage as a performer to shining as an actor and style icon, Ariana continues to evolve — and her latest looks on Saturday Night Live were nothing short of iconic.

Fresh off critical acclaim for her role as Glinda in the Wicked film franchise, Ariana returned for her third stint as host of Saturday Night Live with confidence, humor, and impeccable style. While her comedic timing and acting chops won praise, it was her fashion choices that sparked conversations far beyond Studio 8H.

A Vintage Nod in the SNL Promo

For the promotional shoot announcing her as host, Ariana Grande reached deep into television and fashion history. Styled by renowned celebrity stylist Law Roach, she appeared alongside the legendary Cher in a striking vintage Bob Mackie gown — a look that carried layers of cultural meaning.

The multi-colored silk-crepe, chevron-striped halter-neck gown was designed by Bob Mackie and sourced from Julien’s Auctions. The dress was originally worn by Carol Burnett during the opening monologue of The Carol Burnett Show in March 1973. This deliberate reference transformed the promo from a simple fashion moment into a tribute to entertainment history.

Standing beside Cher, who has had a decades-long creative partnership with Mackie, Ariana’s look felt intentional and symbolic rather than styled for shock value. It highlighted a lineage of performance, glamour, and television legacy — something Ariana now firmly belongs to.

Fashion History Meets Wicked Symbolism

The connections behind the Bob Mackie gown ran even deeper. Mackie famously designed costumes for The Judy Garland Show, linking him to the actress who portrayed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. That connection made the look especially fitting for Ariana, who is currently portraying Glinda — a character born from the same universe.

This thoughtful layering of references showed that Ariana’s fashion choices weren’t just about aesthetics, but storytelling. Each detail quietly echoed her journey from pop star to respected actor within Hollywood’s broader creative tradition.

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Ethereal Elegance in Vivienne Westwood

For her opening monologue on the SNL Christmas Episode, Ariana shifted from archival glamour to fairytale elegance. She stepped onto the stage in a breathtaking pale blue couture gown by Vivienne Westwood, channeling Glinda the Good Witch with effortless grace.

The strapless silk taffeta and tulle gown featured asymmetric layers and sculptural draping, crafted in a soft powder-blue hue that perfectly matched the wintery, festive atmosphere of the episode. Originally part of Vivienne Westwood’s Fall/Winter 2005 Bridal Couture collection, the gown was recently sold on a resale platform for around $27,000 — a testament to its enduring value and craftsmanship.

Ariana completed the look with Swarovski jewelry, adding sparkle without overpowering the gown’s delicate structure. The result was a modern princess moment that felt theatrical, elegant, and seasonally perfect.

An Emotional Yet Powerful Return to SNL

Beyond fashion, the episode carried emotional weight. It marked the final appearance of cast member Bowen Yang, Ariana’s close friend, making the night especially meaningful. Ariana balanced sentiment with humor, delivering a monologue filled with dry wit and heartfelt moments.

Her ability to transition seamlessly between comedy, emotion, and high fashion underscored her versatility as an entertainer. The episode reaffirmed that Ariana Grande is no longer confined to one lane — she is a multifaceted performer who excels across mediums.

Why This Moment Matters

Ariana Grande’s appearance on the SNL Christmas Episode wasn’t just another celebrity hosting gig. It was a carefully curated blend of fashion history, performance legacy, and personal evolution. By choosing vintage Bob Mackie and Vivienne Westwood couture, she honored the past while asserting her place in the present.

In an era of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Ariana’s archival choices stood out as thoughtful, intentional, and deeply respectful of creative heritage. They reminded audiences that style can be meaningful, emotional, and historically rich.

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Conclusion

Whether channeling television legends in a vintage Bob Mackie gown or embodying ethereal elegance in Vivienne Westwood couture, Ariana Grande once again proved why she remains a defining figure in pop culture. On the SNL Christmas Episode, she didn’t just host — she made history fashionable.

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