Eurovision 2026: Glitter, Latex, and Bizarre Costumes. This year the stage turned into a fashion jungle
Eurovision and extravagance? They've gone together for many years. But this year's edition took the fashion madness a step further. On stage, there were latex costumes, singers in transparent nets, dramatic corsets, and styles that resembled a fashion show after a wild party in Berlin. Some could even attend the famous Met Gala.
Móda proti proudu
Názor PROTI PROUDU: Denisa Zajíčková
Daniel Žižka Bet on Simplicity, and That's What Made Him Stand Out
While most contestants at this year's Eurovision relied on latex, glitter, bare bodies, and shocking costumes, the Czech representative Daniel Žižka went in the opposite direction. He appeared on stage in a minimalist dark outfit that looked casual, gentle, and almost cinematic. And it was precisely this that made him stand out among the parade of extravagance, perhaps even more than the most flamboyant participants.
His loose pants, oversized shirt, and bare feet seemed almost symbolic. No huge accessories, no flashy colors, no blatant provocation. The styling rather supported the atmosphere of the song Crossroads, which is primarily based on emotions and internal tension. Perhaps this authenticity worked much better than the efforts of some performers to shock at all costs. His outfit did not overshadow the performance but allowed the voice, lights, and emotion of the song to stand out. The Czech singer thus appeared almost as a counterbalance to all the fashion chaos around him at this year's Eurovision. And perhaps that's why he went straight to the finals.
Victoria Swarovski Looked Like a Disco Goddess from Las Vegas
If anyone truly understood that Eurovision is primarily a big show this year, it was Austrian presenter and star of the evening, Victoria Swarovski. She appeared on stage in a dazzling flesh-toned corset embellished with stones, reminiscent of the iconic costumes from the era of pop divas in the nineties.
The outfit appeared extremely sexy yet surprisingly elegant. The sheer effect, delicate stones, and high sheen created the illusion of almost "naked dresses," which have been a huge trend on red carpets and stages worldwide in recent years. The entire styling was further enhanced by the colorful costumes of the dancers around her, making the scene resemble an extravagant disco musical.
Victoria is known for being very particular about fashion, and it showed this time as well. She left her hair loose in gentle waves, kept the make-up subtle, and let the outfit stand out. Because of this, the overall look did not come off as vulgar, but rather like a luxury show inspired by the aesthetics of old Hollywood mixed with modern pop.
Braids and a corset? A bold choice doesn't always succeed
France's representative at this year's Eurovision opted for a gentle, almost fairy-tale-like look. Singer Monroe appeared on stage in a white corset model with a striking skirt and long blonde braids, visible even from the back row of the hall. At first glance, it was one of the most distinctive stylings of the evening, yet one can't shake the impression that it was like drawing again from an imaginary costume rehearsal. And the question arises: why?
Shouldn't a show concept like this work more with high fashion, modern trends, and bolder styling that looks contemporary and global? Here, it seems as if too many ideas have come together at once. The corset, braids, dramatic skirt, and theatrical silhouette do create an eye-catching ensemble, but simultaneously it appears a bit chaotic.
In a competition where the most important thing is to captivate within a few minutes, extravagance is understandable. However, in this case, it seems as if the outfit lacks lightness and a clear direction. Maybe it's just too much. And maybe the entire outfit resembles a costume for a historical series more than styling for a modern pop star.
Názor PROTI PROUDU: Anděla Vostrá
Tattered Curtain or Ethereal Fairy?
This year, Ukraine once again relied on strong atmosphere and emotions at Eurovision. Singer Leleka performed in a white outfit full of long fringes designed to appear gentle, ethereal, and almost otherworldly. Combined with the orange lighting on stage, she really resembled a character from a fantasy movie or a desert goddess at times.
The outfit worked perfectly during Leleka's movements. Every turn, gesture, or step set dozens of white fringes in motion, creating an almost beautiful effect. Such dynamic costumes are very popular at Eurovision because they look much better on camera than traditional dresses.
However, even here it became apparent how fine the line is between artistic styling and a fashion misstep. From some angles, the outfit looked beautiful and very original, but from others, it resembled cut-up curtains or a disintegrating drape. What cannot be denied to Lelece is the effort to capture attention with her dress. That was achieved perfectly.
A Dark Heroine from a Fairy Tale
If anyone mastered the dark side at Eurovision this year, it was Romanian singer Alexandra Capitanescu. She appeared on stage in a striking black latex outfit with pronounced shoulders, a corset waist, and thigh-high boots. The entire outfit looked aggressive and was dangerously sexy.
The combination of shiny material, fishnet stockings, and bold make-up resembled something between a rock dominatrix and a film villain from a fantasy thriller or fairy tale. And this was exactly the strength of the entire outfit. It didn't appear cheap or as if it was trying too hard, but rather as a perfectly thought-out part of a performance that worked well. We might not hit the red carpet in it, but such fashion definitely belongs on stage. Or somewhere else, who knows...
Fishnet, leather, and '90s style all in one
Styling that felt like a mix of a 90s club party, glam rock, and current TikTok fashion? This year's Eurovision semifinals had that too. Singer Soren Torpegaard Lund appeared in a sheer mesh top, leather pants, and a bold belt buckle. And although such a combination could easily slip into a fashion disaster, this time it surprisingly worked.
The most striking element was the transparent black top, which was slightly provocative but perfectly matched the energy of the entire performance. It was complemented by wide leather pants and a slightly messy hairstyle, giving the singer the image of a rebel who doesn’t worry too much about rules. The dancers around him also played a major role. Each looked a bit different, like a group of people gathered for a wild night party. Latex, bomber jackets, metallic skirts, and mesh materials together created a stylized chaos that perfectly matched the atmosphere Eurovision needs.
