Some of the Most Memorable Eurovision Costumes of All Time

The day after the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) everyone talks about the spectacles on stage as well as the singing. From memorable and fast outfit changes to gravity-defying large accessories, it’s fair to say that contestants deliver entertainment with more than just their voices.

With that in mind, I took a look back at previous performances to find the best Eurovision costume. Although I eventually managed to pick a favourite, I thought I’d list a few of our highlights for you to enjoy and reminisce about.

Most Extravagant Costumes in the ESC

What makes a costume memorable is often connected to how outlandish and extravagant it is. When picking the best Eurovision costume, I came across three absolute gems that undoubtedly are unforgettable. 

A bonus mention goes to the opening of the 2016 ESC in Stockholm, which included a catwalk of unusual designs, including one model wearing an oversized concertina ruff and boxers!

Verka Serduchka Representing Ukraine (2007)

It doesn’t get much more extravagant than an all-silver outfit with white tights. The crowning glory, quite literally, is the headpiece with a large silver star. The singer Andriy Danylko took to the stage under the drag persona Verka Serduchka in Helsinki.

Joined by dancers and musicians in equally sparkly metallic outfits, the whole performance gave off the spectacular feeling of disco balls in space. I don’t want to look too hard for the meaning behind the outfit choices. All I can say is that they were zany and fun, like Verka.

Lordi Representing Finland (2006)

It seems that no Eurovision list is complete without the Finnish act Lordi. That’s unsurprising as the first metal act to win the competition. The band stood out compared to other competitors on the Athens stage, thanks to their latex masks and costumes that gave them the appearance of otherworldly or fantasy beings.

The wings, axe, armour and stage set all added to the performance. It captured the hearts of the audience at home, whose votes helped Lordi to claim first place. The costumes are as much part of the act as the lyrics, music and instruments, so it’s hard to separate from Lordi’s identity as a group.

Jedward Representing Ireland (2012)

UK viewers had grown accustomed to seeing this pair in matching outfits with incredibly tall quiffs. However, the identical twins got rid of the usual matching blazers combination for something more unusual in 2012.

For their performance in Baku, Jedward donned matching silver suits. It’s hard to put our finger on what they remind me of; something between a suit of armour, something from the future and a robot! It’s hard to connect the concept to the song Waterline, but the costume worked with the dance moves.

Performers Wearing Their Country’s National Costume on the Eurovision Stage

Since performers are representing their country, many have taken inspiration from their national dress when it comes to costumes for the big night. In our search for the best Eurovision costume, I looked at outfits that incorporated a nod to country traditions with a Eurovision-style twist for some added glamour. 

I’ve picked out our top three interpretations of national costumes to ever grace the Eurovision stage. Each one is memorable and charming in its own way!

Buranovskiye Babushki Representing Russia (2012)

Who can forget the ethno-pop band Buranovskiye Babushki? Not only were the outfits something different, but the age of the band members goes against the standard Eurovision contestant type. I remember it as an authentic performance that stood out from the rest. 

The Russian grandmothers from villages in Udmurtia wore their traditional clothes for the contest in Baku. They were a hit with viewers across Europe and finished in second place.

Donatan and Cleo Representing Poland (2014)

In 2014, Donatan and Cleo took to the stage with their song My Słowianie - We Are Slavic. The music and the performance were modern with some traditional samples. The costumes and some of the actions performed by the models and dancers paid tribute to traditional dress and ways of life in Poland. 

The milkmaid dresses were brightly coloured and eye-catching. The washing of clothes and creaming butter were particularly provocative. 

Chanel Representing Spain (2022)

You won’t need to think back very far to remember Chanel, who represented Spain in Turin in 2022. While not exactly a national dress, the singer took inspiration from a traditional Spanish outfit and interpreted it in her own style.

She donned a type of bullfighter outfit with an elaborate bolero, bodice and chaps that turn into boots. Chanel finished in third place behind the UK and Ukraine. 

Most High-Fashion Looks Served by ESC Performers

I think outfits at Eurovision fall into four categories: Crazy and memorable, traditional, stunning high fashion and forgettable. It’s fair to say that I looked at contenders in the first three categories for the best Eurovision costume. 

The designers work hard to ensure the outfits add to the performances. Sometimes the clothes overshadow the performance. However, in these cases, they struck the right note and stayed in our minds for all the right reasons.

Dana International Representing Israel (1998)

Dana International’s performance representing Israel is memorable for several reasons. Televoting took place in many countries for the first time. Plus, the trophy went to the Israeli entrant, the first (and only) openly transgendered person to have won the ESC.

The voting was neck and neck, but it was Dana International and the Jean Paul Gaultier parrot-like jacket that stole the show and the top spot. We could definitely see celebrities wanting to copy this outfit, although it needs a certain occasion. 

Salome Representing Spain (1969)

Another memorable Spanish performance, this time dating back to 1969. It was another unprecedented occasion, where the competition resulted in a tie. The joint winners were France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the hosts, Spain.

Salome performed in a Pertegaz costume that was heavier than most. The unusual garment was made from many small blue porcelain cylinders. It certainly made her shimmering and mesmerising. It’s not practical for everyday life, but then, that’s haute couture for you!

Les Fatals Picards Representing France (2007)

Although the performance was a bit like Marmite; you either love it or you hate it, the outfits were sharp. Pink satin isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it's high fashion. Once again, the French fashion master Jean Paul Gaultier can claim some credit.

He designed the French ensemble’s outfits and was in Helsinki to watch the performance. Not everyone was impressed as the group finished joint 22nd with the UK entry Scooch. While the look isn’t necessarily copied today, it felt fresh off the catwalk and might have encouraged people to see pink as a cool colour.

Our Number One Favourite Costume Choice of All Time

Now it’s time to pick out our favourite Eurovision costume of all time. Before I announce it, I want to explain why I chose it. It’s memorable, and I can still remember our surprise when I first saw the performers on stage. Like most of the best moments from the contest, the outfits are ridiculously good (with the emphasis on ridiculous) and put a smile on our face.

Our winner is InCulto who represented Lithuania in 2010. The best way to describe the outfits worn by the group members is business up top and disco down below! The Eurovision stage is a place where anything goes, so I say make the most of it and capture people’s attention.

Unfortunately, the voters disagreed with our take and the group didn’t make it past the second semi-final. However, their tongue-in-cheek humour, shirts and ties, lead singer’s waistcoat and sparkly disco pants are a bit of a hit in our house!