👠 Couture or More: A Eurovision Fashion Review Part 1

With the first rehearsals on the horizon, we wanted to take a look back and review the fashion we saw during national final season. Join us as we rate the fashion that we may see in semi-final one of Eurovision 2022.

The national final edition is split into two parts. In part one, we will review artists competing in semi-final one as well as the big five. In part two, we will review the artists competing in semi-final two.

How does “Couture or More” work?

All of our respondents were given a survey featuring every winner of a national selection in 2022 with two exceptions. Kalush Orchestra was used for Ukraine since, even though they placed second, they are the ones going to Eurovision; Malta was not ranked since, in changing their song, a critique on how the outfit fits the song wouldn’t be valid. Otherwise, each look was presented with two options: couture or more. A ranking of “couture” means they overall liked the outfit and it needed little to no tweaks. A ranking of “more” was given to the outfits that may not have been bad, but needed more work. Our editors were told to take into account not just their personal taste, but how the outfit fits with the song.

Importantly, this is NOT a judgment on the physical characteristics of the artists. All critiques are in good faith and are only focused on the clothing, hair, and makeup presented. Methodology aside, it’s time to get into this review.

Albania: Ronela Hajati – “Sekret”

Couture

3.5/5 crowns fit for a queen

The concept for this look is perfection. She really embodies a warrior goddess on stage. However, there is still a bit of room for work on the outfit. First, I hope they make the outfit look more cohesive instead of just a corset, a bra, shoulder pads, and some fabric stuck on her. Second, the outfit could benefit from some stoning so she stands out more. They should move the leg slit down a few centimeters, blend the corset into the under-bra area, and add some fabric to the sides. No matter what, Ronela will look good. But, I think those tweaks could make this look amazing.

Croatia: Mia Dimšić – “Guilty Pleasure”

Couture

3/5 Guitars to help you cheat on your husband

In the words of RuPaul, “I don’t want to see any H&M.” There isn’t much to say about this outfit other than meh.

Denmark: Reddi – “The Show”

Couture

3/5 TVs to watch the show

Starting with the positives, I LOVE the colors. Also, the ’80s-esque style they have going works so well. I adore Ida’s outfit with the orange bellbottoms and floral vest. I also don’t have any issues with Ihan and Agnes’s looks. For, Siggy’s outfit, the embroidery is gorgeous, and I love the green. However, her jacket is way too long. When she sits behind the piano, it looks fine. But, when the tempo picks up, it should come off to reflect the shift in the song.

France: Alvan&Ahez – “Fulenn”

Couture

4/5 Stars dancing in the woods

Now, this is how you do a coordinated group look. France is known for its fashion, and they don’t make Eurovision the exception. Everyone has a unique flair, but you can still tell they are together. I could picture these looks on some runway, they are that good. My only tweak would be to Ahez’s bottoms. Their pants are very flowy and don’t really compliment the fitted jackets. If they just tailor the pants a bit, this would be perfection.

Germany: Malik Harris – “Rockstars”

More

0.5/5 Rockstars

To paraphrase Davina De Campo: A T-shirt and jeans, I don’t think. The casual idea is ok, but the execution is poor. If they want to stick with this theme, I would make the shirt less baggy and add some kind of jacket. That would at least make it look more intentional and less like it was laundry day.

Iceland: Systur – “Með hækkandi sól”

Couture

3.5/5 Elves that went too far

Systur nailed the concept for their looks. However, the country vibes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, that’s where some people voted more for these looks. Nonetheless, almost everyone agreed that these outfits work great for them. I wouldn’t touch a thing on these outfits besides steaming them and packing them for Turin.

Italy: Mahmood and Blanco – “Brividi”

Couture

4/5 Snowflakes

Starting with Blanco, his outfit is stunning. The lacework is stunning and is so amazingly constructed. I wouldn’t touch a thing with that outfit. For Mahmood, he looks good, but it’s a bit too OTR (off the rack) for my taste. A stone embellishment on the shirt, or maybe a jacket with some embroidering, could make his outfit pop a bit more. Otherwise, this is a safe couture.

Latvia: Citi Zeni – “Eat Your Salad”

Sustainable Couture

5/5 Salads without 🐱

Everyone take note: this is how you do suits for the Eurovision stage. They all have their colors, and they are all styled different enough to be themselves, but similar enough to be cohesive. I want every single one of these in my closet. This look is perfection and Eurovision ready as-is.

Lithuania: Monika Liu – “Sentimentai”

Couture

4.5/5 Jazzy roses

This dress is so classy and classic while still looking modern. The way it reflects the light is stunning as well. Everything Monika has worn for pre-parties and the NF has been nothing short of couture. What I think can improve is the makeup. I recommend switching the pink eyeshadow for a winged liner and a more natural eye. Her outfits are so good that any bright makeup would distract from the look. I have no doubt that Monika will serve whatever she wears on stage.

Norway: Subwoolfer – “Give That Wolf a Banana”

Couture

4.5/5 Bananas to save your grandma

I may be critical of plain suits sometimes, but this is a scenario where it works spectacularly. It gives the camp that we expect from Eurovision, and still delivers fashion. The contrast between the neck down being so professional, even having nametags, and the neck up being wild works for these two. These looks are pure camp and pure perfection.

Portugal: Maro – “Saudade, saudade”

Couture

4/5 Sad roses

This look is very sweet, and I think I like it. But, at the same time, I cant find much to say about it. If they change the LED for Eurovision, they should change the outfit. The fashionable geometry is nice, and I think it should stay. It is a nice look, but the fashion 100% depends on how they stage the song for Eurovision.

Slovenia: LPS – “Disko”

Couture

4/5 Disko balls

I am not usually a fan of a plain suit, but it fits the high school jazz band vibe. I really couldn’t think of any other outfit they should be in. They each wear it in their own way, yet have a cohesive look. They slay the suits.

Spain: Chanel – “SlowMo”

Fuego Couture

5/5 SloMo cameras

It’s hard to rank Chanel’s looks when she never wears the same thing twice. Despite that, her looks are never anything less than “yeah, yeah, fire!!!” Her looks were made by Drag Race España winner Carmen Farala, and you can tell someone performs made this outfit. Everything is tailored so perfectly and stretches just enough for Chanel to nail her choreo. It is fashion, and is still movable enough for her to dance around the Eurovision stage. My only, very very nitpicky, critique is I want to see the jumpsuit pattern from the Benidorm final in black. Like Ronela and Monika, she will slay any look she is in. This outfit is FUEGO.

Ukraine: Kalush Orchestra – “Stefania”

Couture

4/5 мамаs

The traditional outfits are so nice. I chose this photo because the frilly outfits, like the guy on the left has, don’t look as much like they are wearing dreads. Some of the best kinds of Eurovision fashion show off traditional looks, and this is no exception. I’d rather they wear these looks at Eurovision than the exact Vidbir colors. Otherwise, these looks are fabulous.

Listen to all 2022 Eurovision Songs

You can listen to all the 2022 Eurovision songs by checking out our Spotify playlist below

Eurovision 2022

Italy won the right to host the 2022 Eurovision Contest after Måneskin won the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. Since then, Turin was selected to host the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, which is due to take place on 10th, 12th, and 14th May. It’s been revealed that 40 countries will be competing in the 66th edition of the competition with Armenia & Montenegro returning to the competition.

The slogan for this year’s Eurovision is The Sound of Beauty, and you can see more about how the stage and the potential fashion fit in with the concept here!

What did you think of the fashion from these artists? Do you agree with our comments? Let us know! Don’t forget to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ over at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.