In 2005, Ukraine hosted the fiftieth annual Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv. This was a very fun year for Eurovision overall, with many outstanding dance performances, traditional instrumentals, drums, upbeat pop songs, and rock acts.
Helena Paparizou won, representing Greece with the dance banger “My Number One” which received 230 points. In second place was the beautiful Maltese ballad “Angel” by Chiara, with 192 points. Romania came in third with the rousing anthem “Let Me Try” by Luminita Anghel and Sistem, which garnered them 158 points.
In May of 2005, I was fourteen years old, in my first year of high school. I was wearing questionable, quirky early Millenium “fashion”, and so were the Eurovision participants. These are the looks that left the biggest impression and reflected some of the hottest trends at the time.
Laura and the Lovers “Little by Little” - Lithuania
Studded, oversized leather belts, distressed black denim, sequined shirts, bedazzled crushed velvet, obscene amounts of lilac eyeshadow, and a micro mini skirt that does not leave “little by little” to the imagination. This look was exemplary of a glam rock aesthetic that was extremely popular at the time.
Zdob Si Zdub “Boonika Bate Toba” - Moldova
This was Zdob Si Zdub’s first performance at Eurovision. Roman Iagupov, took to the stage shirtless with a painted design across his chest, wearing a traditional skirt over red Adidas trackpants. Maybe this look should not work, but it absolutely does.
Angelica Agurbash “Love Me Tonight” - Belarus
Angelica starts out wearing a MASSIVE gold, shiny cape that covers her whole body. She reveals to a Disney princess dress that is absolutely covered in gold ornamentation. There is a strange fan shape on the back that looks like a Ferrero Rocher wrapper spread out. This look belongs on a stage. There is a final reveal to a sparkle-coated nude bodysuit reminiscent of Britney Spears or J-Lo. Wow. Just, wow!
Suntribe “Let’s Get Loud” - Estonia
These young ladies opted for a more casual look that gives “fro-yo date at the mall” daytime glam vibes! Embellished graphic tees, layered pearl necklaces with a ribbon bow, light rinse low-rise denim jeans, sparkly belt buckles, and slouchy boots.
Wigwam “In My Dreams” - Norway
Wigwam’s sound and aesthetic pays tribute to the hair metal bands of the 1980s. “In My Dreams” is pure fun and even though the lead singer is wearing a thick headband, feathered boa, silver jumpsuit, and dramatic fringed gloves, it does not distract from the song itself. The simplicity of the rest of the group’s all black rocker chic outfits helps to keep it classy.
Vanilla Ninja “Cool Vibes” - Switzerland
The ladies of Vanilla Ninja wore vanilla-white studded leather outfits. Monochromatic white looks were in!
Boris Novkovic ft. Lado members “Vukovi Umiru Sami” - Croatia
Sorry, Boris but I am talking about the three lovely ladies singing behind you. Their white traditional looking skirts and blouses with sleek, modern sheer paneling, layers of ruffles, and a touch of sequins are simply perfection! The “peasant skirt" and “peasant top”* were wardrobe staples in the early 2000s. *This is what we called them in North America at that time, and this author is aware of how cringey it sounds
Gülseren “Rimi Rimi Ley” - Turkey
Gülseren took my breath away in this pink and green swirling majestic confectionary look! I hope these skirts come back in style.
Son De Sol “Brujeria” - Spain
Millennial prom with a classic Spanish twist!
Femminem “Zovi” - Bosnia and Herzegovina
They may be called “Femminem” but there is nothing Shady about these bleached blondes! In these ballerina-pink fantasy looks, they could be Grecian goddesses or fairies.
Ruslana “Heart On Fire” - Grand Final Opening Act
Ruslana brought her accessory game to Kyiv! Feathers, harnesses, silver accents, tribal touches, and a literal flamethrower.
And Finally...
Ivan and Delfin “Czarna Dziewczyna” - Poland
This performance combined many of the stylistic touches that we saw throughout this whole competition: a group of people in monochromatic white clothing, long flowy classic skirts and blouses, tacky flame graphics, extra shiny fabric, traditional skirts worn over modern styled pants, body glitter, sequins, and pirate boots. Poland may not have qualified for the grand final but I believe they should have won “Best Dressed”.
I am looking forward to Ukraine hosting in 2023, and I hope that soon we will be together again in Kyiv.