*The Eurovision - though a year late - coincided with the advent of socialising. With going ‘out out’ now a renewed possibility in the UK, the predicament of having nothing to wear has been reignited. Though this conundrum has long existed, pre-dating covid, the time spent indoors has meant that the prospect of going anywhere has a renewed sense of excitement that was long lost in the time BC (before covid).
In recent years the Eurovision has been something of a missed opportunity for me, in that I always seemed to miss it. Memories associated with the Eurovision are thus predominantly those of childhood nights spent up past bedtime, seeing glimpses of (what I thought to be) the whole world all singing and celebrating together - a comforting sentiment in the midst of post-lockdown/pre-normality (whatever that may mean).
It was the televisual equivalent of a mento in a glass of Coca Cola; it sounds like a good idea, your friends are all encouraging you, but it fizzes on the brink of entertainment and disaster, before leaving you with a big mess and a sugar hangover. Needless to say, I loved it.
So when this year, I sat listlessly flicking between channels and happened upon the beginnings of the Eurovision, I saw it as a sign. When could a campy respite be more apt? And if ever there was an antidote to the loungewear that has been endemic of this past year, the Eurovision is it.
It had everything that I remembered: unexpected stage performances (this year included a dancing thumb), questionable singing (the highest note in the competition’s history was attempted by Israel), sarcastic commentary (though Graham Norton is no Terry Wogan, RIP) and OTT outfits galore.
Whilst the dancing thumb was confusing and the commentary drew a wry chuckle, I stayed for the clothing. The first lesson I gleaned was to dress like it’s a celebration, because it is!
So many occasions have had to be cancelled or postponed indefinitely as a consequence of the pandemic. Being newly allowed out for the sole purpose of recreation feels like a small victory and clothing should reflect this. And the Eurovision purported this quite literally, with acts favouring all manner of sparkley, glittery things.
The show began with Cyprus and an outfit constructed completely from strings of silver crystals and jewels artfully strewn about the body. Albania channelled Beyoncé’s ‘single ladies’ aesthetic in a metallic bodysuit and structured power shoulder. Malta and Moldova both chose silver sequined, tasselled mini dresses - Malta matching with thigh high silver boots, because enough is never enough.
Israel too followed the theme of sparkles in a white overcoat with black and silver sequin detailing, which was eventually slinked off to reveal a black barely there dress. Marking the first of many LBDs to enter the stage.
Belgium, Serbia and Azerbaijan all embraced the classic staple, albeit accessorised to create very different looks - Belgium’s moody, rocker aesthetic with eye-grazing bangs and heavy eyeliner; Serbia being described by Norton as “less Destiny’s child, more Destiny’s inappropriate aunt”, (make of that what you will!) and Azerbaijan borrowed Ariana Grande’s ponytail and paired with a jewelled garter, because, to repeat, enough is never enough.
Yet the visual stimulus was not limited to shiny, sparkly things, as the vibrancy of performances was equally matched by the vibrancy of clothing. Lithuania and Sweden embraced monotone, the former in head to toe yellow and the latter in a raspberry red suit (incidentally paired with jewel encrusted gloves because accessories).
Germany was memorable (not only because of the random dancing thumb…) but due to their choice colour blocking, in pink short sleeved jacket and contrasting blue trousers. And Greece just couldn’t decide, so went with everything, in a catsuit that was both sparkley and bright purple and because more is more is more, it had both midriff and chest cut outs.
Yet, sometimes dazzling metallics and vibrant colours just aren’t enough, and because an entrance can only be made the once, there were some outfits that were all about the spectacle. See Ukraine’s leather peplum, silver body chain and subtle fluro green ‘hair’ jacket; or Norway’s floor length white (faux?) fur overcoat and giant angel wings, which hid an all gold outfit and chest full of gold chains (because of course the underneath needs to befit the outer, much like a Kinder egg).
Russia used theatrics to make statements both sartorially and politically; removing a large, patchwork tiered dress (manoeuvred on wheels), to reveal a red boiler suit in a bid to represent the difference between stereotype and reality. And in a much less nuanced way, Finland expressed - I’m not really sure what - by wrapping their middle fingers in red tape. Perhaps a new season accessory (??) though unsure if it’s the kind of message that one would want to put forth on initial reentrance into society…
Though some expressed more restraint with their chosen wears, opting for classic outfits in all black, like Spain and the UK (although the UK embellished with a chunky gold chain for some geezer pizazz) and Portugal, who wore a classic black suit, ‘quirked up’ with dickie bow, wing tips and wide brimmed hat.
France, whose pared back aesthetic stood out amongst its overdone peers, wore a black corset, with sheer panelling and black cigarette pants. T’was tres chic, though mildly risqué as fervent arm movements made for a passionate performance that was amazing both vocally and amazing that a nip slip did not occur.
As Flo Rida sung out the show’s ending, it became wildly clear that anything goes. And perhaps that’s the only way to re-enter this newly configured normality. We’ve all been starved of social interaction and despite much excitement for a return to freedom, uncertainty still lingers. But as social limitations lift, so too should self-imposed restrictions, including those related to the sartorial.
Wear whatever you want, all at once if you should so wish. Or don’t. Minimalism is just as apropos. And if the thought of prying yourself out of your loungewear is just too much, make like Bulgaria and keep them on (!) using accessories to elevate instead of exerting effort. Truly, anything (and sometimes everything) goes!
Happy safe and well dressed socialising!
(Photos via: Pinterest, oxfordstudent.com, eurovoix.com, rtve.es, eurovisionworld.com, archyde.com & Eurovision.tv)
*this post is very late (the Eurovision was over a month ago) however, I’m having trouble getting thoughts out of my head in any cohesive way. Hopefully words will flow better soon!
