The Eurovision song contest isn't just about music—it's a global runway of style, where every note is matched by a daring fashion statement. While it might not boast the same haute couture prestige as say the Met Gala, Eurovision delivers unforgettable looks year after year.
From kitschy to couture, the spectrum of style is as diverse as the music itself. We've seen everything from ethereal ball gowns floating gracefully across the stage to daring midi dresses that magically transform into mini skirts mid-performance (yes, really, and we'll delve into that later).
In the realm of Eurovision fashion, there's never a dull moment; it's a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the bold spirit of performers from around the globe. So, let's rewind the fashion clock and revisit some of the most iconic and jaw-dropping ensembles that have graced the Eurovision stage.
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Eurovision’s 30 Most Memorable Fashion Moments:
© Keystone-FranceLys Assia, 1956
Lys Assia, who was the first ever Eurovision winner in 1956, exuded old Hollywood glam for her performance. Draped in a luxe stole, and white gloves she set the standard for Eurovision glamour with every graceful note.
Sandie Shaw, 1967
Sandie rocked the stage in a glitzy babydoll pink mini, going barefoot, as Like A Puppet On A String became the first UK song to clinch the contest. Iconic.
Massiel, 1968
Massiel took Spain to victory, stunning in an Andalusian weather-ready crochet mini dress, popping with pink detailing and a chic scalloped hem. A look that not only won the contest but won fashion hearts too.
© Gianni FerrariSalome, 1969
Salome owned the Eurovision stage, dripping in retro chic. Her embellished blue top paired was flawlessly with matching trousers, oozing effortless glamour. But it is her timeless updo that steals the spotlight, a showcase to the vintage elegance that defined an era.
Lulu, 1969
Now this outfit makes us want to shout (PSA Gen Zs: Shout is one of, if not her most legendary, songs). A lover of miniskirts, she wore a flower adorned number with hot pink heels -- a look that the 2023 Barbiecore fans would have approved of.
Olivia Newton-John, 1974
Olivia Newton-John stepped on the Eurovision stage four years before Grease was released. She channeled her character Sandy in a baby blue prairie dress with ruffled sleeves and a tiered hem. She competed in the same year Abba won.
© GettyAbba, 1974
Will there ever be another Eurovision winner during our lifetime as iconic as ABBA? Winning the competition with Waterloo, the winners 'took it all' in futuristic blue, orange and silver metallic ensembles.
Bucks Fizz, 1981
The energetic British group became iconic when the band's female singers, Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston famously ripped off their skirts mid-performance. Underneath was a colour-coordinating mini skirt. Iconic.
© Central PressNicole, 1982
Nicole owned the stage in ethereal style, sporting a flowy co-ord with delicate embroidered details and white slouchy boots. Her youthful charm matched the innocence of her winning song Ein Bisschen Frieden (A Little Peace).
Celine Dion, 1988
Celine Dion slayed, repping Switzerland in a white double-breasted blazer over a tutu. Will your heart go on for this funky, chic combo? Absolute showstopper.
© Peter BischoffLena Valaitis, 1992
Lena Valaitis wore the eternally cool sheer trend with a black and silver skirt and a tulle open half-skirt. She paired it with a low neck black top and semi-sheer tights. Chic.
Sonia, 1993
Sonia belted out Better the Devil You Know at Eurovision, rocking a royal blue jumpsuit that was as bold as her performance. With a sweetheart neckline and structured 3/4 length sleeves, she wasn't just singing; she was slaying in style.
Dana International, 1998
Dana International’s iconic multi-coloured feather dress was from the Jean Paul Gaultier's 1997 Haute Couture collection. She became the first transgender woman to win the competition in 1998.
Sertab Erener, 2003
Sertab owned the stage in neon pink, rocking a satin champagne corset, casually undone, and a low-rise, tasseled maxi skirt. It was pure noughties glam - bold, daring, and unapologetically Y2K.
Isgaard Marke, 2003
The German classical singer stunned in gold A-line gown with ethereal tulle attached to her fingers that moved as she moved.
Natalia Podolskaya, 2005
Natalia hit the Eurovision stage for the 50th final, dazzling in a sequin plunge bodysuit, low-waist mini skirt, and that ultimate noughties belt. An absolute scene-stealer.
Scooch, 2007
Scooch truly flew the flag for the UK with their catchy tune Flying The Flag, but what really soared were their cabin crew outfits, decked out in white, red, and blue. Those uniforms were a fashion statement that elevated their performance to iconic status.
© GettyVerka Serduchka, 2007
Verka rocked a mesmerising Dolce & Gabbana masterpiece, channeling futuristic vibes. A fashion dream brought to life. She then dropped a whole track as homage to the Italian icons back in 2014.
Oscar Loya, 2009
Oscar from the dynamic duo Alex Swings Oscar Sings brought serious style game to the final, rocking skinny sequin trousers that stole the show. Teaming up with the iconic Dita Von Teese, it was a collision of worlds - music, fashion, and pure star power.
Jedward, 2011
Jedward owned the funky matching outfits that became their trademark, alongside those iconic skyscraper blonde quiffs. Rewind to Eurovision 2011 – they lit up the stage in shimmering metallic red jackets, embodying pure pop energy and futuristic cool.
© Ragnar SingsaasConchita Wurst, 2014
Conchita Wurst, representing Austria at Eurovision 2014, stunned in a breathtaking gown, adorned with intricate lace and shimmering sequins.
© Michael CampanellaKsenia Zhuk, 2017
Ksenia looked angelic in an off-white and pink broderie anglaise dress. The tulle skirt and whimsical shoulders gave major 1970s boho vibes.
Elina Nechayeva, 2018
This dress, lighting up with animations, stretched an epic 52 square meters. An opera diva rocked it while repping Estonia, turning her performance into an iconic, mesmerising spectacle. Pure fashion fireworks.
Kate Miller-Heidke, 2019
The Australian singer performed in a dress that gave Zendaya's Met Gala Cinderella gown a run for its money. The tulle swayed back and forth, whilst she sang mid-air (attached to a pole) to perform Zero Gravity.
© Getty ImagesMåneskin, 2021
The Italian winners have worked with the likes of Gucci and played at Coachella since their Eurovision success. Luxury label Etro dressed them for the 2021 final which screamed 'glam-rock'.
Destiny Chukunyere, 2021
Destiny slayed the Eurovision stage for Malta in a silver tasseled mini, matched with metallic knee-highs that screamed disco glam. She was a vision of shimmering charisma.
Tix, 2021
Angel of the Nor...way, Tix hit the stage in a glittery ensemble, cloaked in an ethereal white fur coat and massive angel wings. A heavenly sight that was truly out of this world.
© GettyElena Tsagrinou, 2021
Ok, we know this isn't a performance look. But Elena's arrival dress to the contest was spectacular. The stunning off the shoulder floral dress boasted ultra elegance, whilst the yellow shoes encapsulated dopamine dressing.
Sam Ryder, 2022
Sam’s outfit was memorable not only because the striking monochrome, galactic jumpsuit was embroidered with 15,000 crystals, beans and pearls, but of course the long-haired legend finished second overall in 2022 – the highest ranking for the UK in the 21st century. His stunning Elton John-meets-David Bowie-approved look is on display at the British Music Experience (BME) in Liverpool.
© PAUL ELLISRebecca Ferguson, 2023
Rebecca Ferguson electrified the Eurovision stage in Liverpool, clad in a tiered tulle orange gown that was pure dynamism. Each layer whispered of movement, embodying the spirit of her performance.
