Eurovision is as much a celebration of fashion as it is a celebration of music. The famous Barbara Dex Award has been around for over 20 years now and, while no one covets the award, it can definitely land an artist in Eurovision history. Gisela’s flashy dress from 2008 is forever associated with Andorra’s time in the contest. And Verka Seduchka’s star-topped helmet has become an iconic symbol of her memorable participation. The latest act to make the most of their “honour” is the North Macedonian duo Eye Cue.
The band’s song “Lost and Found” was an interesting mix of reggae and EDM, and considered an outsider to qualify from the tough first semifinal of Eurovision 2018. They sadly didn’t match up, with blame mainly put on their lacklustre staging and — oh heavens — costuming. Vocalist Marija Ivanovska had the costume reveal of the year with her outfit, which started as a badly fitting short pink… erm… “dress”. It then transformed in the second verse into a grey long-sleeve shirt and shorts ensemble with eyes on her cleavage. Eye Cue possibly were the first act to ever gain the “honour” of worst-dressed for two different outfits. But, we’re happy to report, they took the trophy with good grace and class.
Eye Cue’s 2018 costume on eBay
Eye Cue revealed on their Instagram page that the outfit is up for sale on eBay. The outfit is available for purchase for $5,000 plus $127 shipping. We’re not sure if the money will be donated to charity or not, but we’re sure that many a Eurovision fan will be delighted to have an award-winning outfit in their collection!
In a statement to Wiwibloggs, Marija Ivanovska said:
Definitely one of the most memorable dresses of Eurovision Song Contest 2018 and with one and only design in 65 years of Eurovision history was the pink dress I wore last year in Lisbon! This dress symbolizes the brave approach we had – risking it all to make a statement even when the broad audience it’s not fully comfortable accepting this unique design. It actually made a true point of getting Eye Cue into Eurovision history by being mentioned as another winner beside Israel and their winning song, and it is in close correlation with what Eurovision presents and stands for – celebrating diversity and accepting so many different categories of people that are labeled as “awkward designs”. It was a great provocation and social experiment of how people that are so loud and proud with celebrating diversity, are still not so comfortable accepting something that is created with bold statement, looking a little bit unusual and breaking all the cliches. For us it is an association of a great memory and now we are allowing this piece of history to become a collectors item.
Update: The item does not appear to be listed anymore, so it may have been bought!
Eye Cue aren’t the first to sell part of their Eurovision performance on eBay. Icelandic star Greta Salome auctioned off her dress from “Hear Them Calling” to support anti-bullying app Speak Up!. Also from 2016, Moldova’s Lidia Isac sold the astronaut’s helmet from “Falling Stars” to support one of her close friends, and Best Friends Animal Society. It’s seriously awesome that despite their lack of traditional success at the contest, Eye Cue are taking their experience with great spirit. They recently performed at the Eurovision Preview Parties in Australia, and took the opportunity to promote their new bop “Dancin’“. They’re certainly on the way up and still releasing great music, and we certainly would love to see them back on the big stage!
For sure, an eurofan will buy this dress and will dress in an eurovision preparty or in the eurovision 2020
Regardless of the dress I totally loved their song last year, one of my enduring favourites.
Everything is a social experiment now it seems…
Provocation? People celebrating diversity are not able to accept something bold? This is adding unnecessary ideology to the fact that the outfit just didn’t fit well. Looking at some other Eurovision costumes, I wouldn’t call this one bold. And I’m pretty sure that the reason why they won Barbara Dex award was not this pink dress, but what she had underneath.
The Pink outfit is fine and I’d buy it, but I’d ask for a refund for the revealed one. Or wanted them to pay me for buying that monstrosity. And Honey the price is too high given that it got the Barbara Dex award. It’s not anything to be proud of or something that makes the price higher.
“It was a great provocation and social experiment of how people that are so loud and proud with celebrating diversity, are still not so comfortable accepting something that is created with bold statement, looking a little bit unusual and breaking all the cliches. ”
ROFL!!!! It’s just bad taste gurl! Don’t try to mask that as “social experiment” or “diversity” – you are making a fool out of yourself!
One of my favorite ESC songs… and one of the worst 2018 performances… What were they thinking????
“Eye Cue possibly were the first act to ever gain the “honour” of worst-dressed for two different outfits.”
Nina Kraljic: Been there done that honey
Oh dear god that price :’D I’m so happy I got Örs’ (AWS singer) jacket for ONLY 260€ .
I wish them luck in finding a seller at that price
https://youtu.be/Qk93aWUurNg
OMG!!
Clearly just a cover of the song. I’m sure the video effect can be easily done as well. Nice try.