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Talented set designer, Viki Rutsch, who played a pivotal role in the creation of Vanity Fair’s September 2024 issue featuring Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. As Glinda and Elphaba prepare to make their big-screen debut, it’s not just their performances that captivate—it’s also the enchanting world built around them, brought to life by Viki’s expert vision and design. For this iconic cover shoot, Viki crafted an awe-inspiring set that seamlessly blends the world of Wicked with the sophisticated style of Vanity Fair. From conceptualization to execution, Viki was involved in every detail, creating the precise renderings that guided the final design. These renderings allowed for a deep exploration of how to marry the theatrical grandeur of Wicked with a modern editorial aesthetic. Her set design for the shoot was nothing short of transformative.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless tale of Oz, Viki developed a backdrop that echoed the enchanting and mysterious elements of the musical while giving it an elegant, fashion-forward twist. The set features bold architectural elements that play with shadow and light, framing Grande and Erivo in a way that emphasizes their dynamic chemistry and the complexity of their characters. The beauty of Viki’s work lies in the meticulous attention to detail. Whether it was the placement of props that hint at the magical world of Oz or the textures and materials that created a lush, layered visual experience, every element was carefully thought out to enhance the overall narrative of the shoot. Her ability to combine the fantastical with a sleek, editorial edge is what truly set this project apart.
As both the set designer and renderer, Viki ensured the transition from concept to reality was seamless, creating an environment that allows the stars to shine while also telling a story of its own. The result is a visually stunning layout that perfectly complements the stars and themes of Wicked, while offering readers an immersive editorial experience. To see the full magic of Viki Rutsch’s set design, be sure to pick up the September 2024 issue of Vanity Fair, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in one of the most talked-about cover shoots of the year.
Viki Rutsch is part of Exposure NY’s set designer division. Exposure NY is a photography/styling agency based in New York City.
