She is the Belgian singer who inspired a Eurovision tradition because of her homemade stage costume. Now the legendary Barbara Dex is about to fulfils one of her biggest dreams, as she will soon open her own clothing boutique in Belgium.
From Bucks Fizz to Verka Serduchka, the Eurovision stage has seen plenty of iconic fashion moments, but it’s safe to say that most have paled in comparison to Barbara. The voluminous beige homemade outfit she wore at Eurovision in 1993 took on a life of its own, inspiring the annual tradition of the Barbara Dex Award, highlighting the most outstanding fashions for all the wrong or bizarre reasons.
But now Barbara Dex is showing that there’s more to her than just that one dress. Belgian star’s fashion tastes have changed over the past 26 years and Barbara is ready to show off her sartorial talents.
Her store, aptly named Babs, is set to open this Friday, the 27th of September, as Antwerp newspaper Gazet reported. “This new challenge is a youth dream coming true”, said Barbara. The singer has always had a long-time desire to open up her own clothing boutique, focusing on women’s clothing and accessories.
Despite what the eponymous award celebrates, Barbara does have extensive experience in design and is a graduate of fashion and clothing from Heilig Graf Institute in Turnhout.
But as she was slated to travel to Millstreet in 1993, the singer’s life took a turn. “When the song contest came, I didn’t get a chance to do anything with fashion.” But even with how the cards turned for her, she has grown and used that moment to her advantage. “I was 18 years old. My style changed over the years and I received often compliments about my outfits.”
Fashion conscious fans can find Babs boutique Martelarenstraat 70 in Mol, Antwerp. Barbara herself can even be found working there, with a schedule from 11 a m to 5 pm, “so I can be on stage again by 8pm”. Though she has opened the possibility for late-evening shopping on Thursdays evenings and brunches on Sundays.
Antwerp is a quick train journey south of Rotterdam, meaning a visit to Babs could be a pleasant side trip for fans in the region for Eurovision 2020.
Barbara participated in the 1993 edition of Eurovision, which took place in Millstreet, Ireland. Despite making an impact with her wardrobe, Barbara’s song “Iemand als jij” placed last in the grand final, earning only three points from Germany.
What do you think? Are you dying to see how her fashion has changed over the years? Will you pay a visit during your spare time in Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments below!
I’ve always liked her song and she wasn’t so badly dressed, there have been far more awful outfits throughout the contest years.
I fully agree.
I hope they are all stylish and trendy
Mol is still an hour train ride from Antwerp. Just know that in case one would want to go there. ?
Good for her 🙂
Echt plezant
I hate that SJW want to kill this award
Agree.
I’m sorry, but SJW?
Social Justice Warrior
SJWs are pathetic indeed.
That’s hilarious. 🙂