Eurovision Fashion: It’s Back to Black During the First Rehearsals

During the first rehearsals at Eurovision this week, contestants have shown that drab can be fab. As the continent struggles to pull itself out of recession, bright colours and bling accessories are so last season. From Hannah Mancini’s black catsuit to Cyprus’ black lace and tulle evening gown, Eurovision contestants are paring it down and keeping it simple.

Slovenia’s Hannah Manicini got us going with these saucy black pants with matching bustier. We fell “Straight Into Love” with her look during her dress rehearsal.

Photo: Sander Hesterman (EBU)

Her boots may show some skin, but she keeps it all covered up up top. Grey and white fish scales—totally Little Mermaid—keep her treasure submerged in monochrome magic.

Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Her back-up dancers (and on-stage eye candy) wore black cut-off tops with the same motif on their shoulders.

Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Last year the Netherlands’ Joan Franka dressed up as a native American replete with feathered headdress. Her successor Anouk threw those colours in the fire and everything came out black. The rock diva, who was pretty dark in her sex-themed insurance commercial, brought even more darkness to the stage during her first rehearsal.

Photo: Sander Hesterman (EBU)

Her look was so casual some of our readers questioned whether this was actually her stage costume. Perhaps simplicity will win the day as with Lena—the German girl in a little black dress—back in 2010?

Photo: Sander Hesterman (EBU)

But it isn’t just the ladies who can step straight off the stage and into a funeral procession. Roberto Bellarosa chose a black suit. If love really does kill, he is ready to mourn.

Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Ireland’s Ryan Dolan went black-and-white during his first rehearsal. The black came courtesy of the hot leather pants that looked like they were painted onto his back-up dancers. The white comes from their skin because they’re totally shirtless.

Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Oh my damn. There is also some black paint on their drums. I really just want an excuse to post this photo. Holy cow this is pornographic!

Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Oh yeah, Ryan was on stage too. We think he got Anouk’s pants in XL and then threw on a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket.

Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Cyprus’ Despina Olympiou looked stunning in her knock-off of the black lace dress with tulle overlay that Kate Middleton wore to the London premier of Warhorse. But no matter. She has the body for it, and the dress really captures the mood of loss in her song “An Me Thimase”. You look great, Despina!

Photo Credit: Dennis Stachel (EBU)

Here’s the money shot. Work. It.

Photo: Dennis Stachel (EBU)

Lithuania empitomized casual. He seriously looks like he woke up 10 minutes before his rehearsal and walked out of the door wearing what he fell sleep in after an 8-hour bender. Even so, it works. That’s the beauty of black.

Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

You can read our reviews of the Eurovision rehearsals by clicking here. You can also read our song reviews on the Wiwi Jury page, and read the lyrics to this year’s entries on our contestants page.