Eurovision 2015 Style: Looks from tonight's 2015 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final (Clockwise, from then top) 2014 Winner Conchita Wurst, Spain's Edurne Gracia, Nina Sublatti of Georgia, Polina Gagarina of Russia and Bojana Stamenov of Serbia--Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna Austria
Earlier tonight was the 2015 EUROVISION Song Contest Grand Final. This was the 60th Annual edition of the contest. I was in LA at home but happy that it was being shown live via YouTube at 1 PM my time. And trust me, I sat and watched the entire thing!
Cutie Swede: 2015 Eurovision Winner, Sweden's Mans Zemerlow
Sweden, represented by cutie singer Mans Zemerlow, beat Russia's Polina Gagarina to win the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in an event described by organizers as beyond politics but marred by boos for the Russian that were apparently prompted by the Ukraine conflict and the Kremlin's anti-gay policies (You think!!??). This is Sweden's SIXTH victory and it came 41 years (Jeesh!!!) after ABBA's triumph with "Waterloo". Only Ireland has been more successful with seven wins.
Italy took third in Europe's iconic songfest, which this year carried the extra attraction of an entry by Australia. Many were hoping its candidate, Guy Sebastian, would take home the trophy, giving it a place in next year's contest. But Australia, given a wild-card entry this year due to its enthusiastic fan base, came fifth, not enough to secure a spot in 2016.
The race between Russian star Polina Gagarina and Sweden's Mans Zelmerlow went back and forth for most of the balloting as jurors from 40 countries voted along a worldwide audience submitting their preference by phone and app. Zelmerlow finally triumphed with 365 points, with Gagarina receiving 303. Cheers greeted his win. But the crowd's reaction to Gagarina struck a jarring note for those who believed in the contest's slogan, "Building Bridges."
Opening of 2015 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final--Vienna Austria
About 200 million people watched on TV on Saturday as the 27 finalists, the most ever, battled it out musically. Approximately 10,000 people followed the contest live in Vienna's Stadthalle, with 25,000 others crowding the main public viewing venue in front of Vienna's City Hall. The hosts of Saturday's spectacle announced that the event had been officially inducted into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running annual TV music competition.
Now, let's get to the FASHION!! Let's begin with last year's Eurovision DIVA Winner, Conchita Wurst:
Passing the Crown: (Left to right) 2014 Eurovision Winner Conchita Wurst congratulating this year's winner from Sweden, Mans Zemerlow
Cropped Pants, Peplums, Coats and Sequins: Last year's winner Conchita Wurst of Austria did three outfit changes during the Grand Final--beginning with a fuchsia peplum jumpsuit, then a gold exaggerated coat and black outfit look and finally a sequined/jeweled crop top to go with the same black ensemble she had worn before--2015 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final Vienna Austria
Sequined Conchita: Conchita Wurst wearing two looks with Swarovski crystals from Austrian fashion designer JCHOERL/Juergen Christian Hoerl--2015 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final
Other Fashion Highlights:
Sequined Hosts: Arabella Kiesbauer, Mirjam Weischelbraun and Alice Tumler--all three wore white sequined gowns. I loved Mirjam and Alice's...the last one reminded me of a Zuhair Murad Haute Couture gown:
Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014--Not sure who designed Alice's gown but let's just say, it was very, very close to the one above.
Spain's Edurne Garcia: Ayyy Dios Mio!! Edurne went all out sexy/glam with her gold and silver sequined gown for her 2015 Eurovision Grand Final performance. As part of her segment, she "undressed" and had a red chiffon robe taken off of her. It was much more effective than when...
Madonna had her cape removed. So...KUDOS to her backup dancers (and the wardrobe staff!). Edurne looked
MUY sexy!
Albania's Elhaida Dani: Elhaida looked very elegant and chic in this black gown worn for her performance to "I'm Alive".
Latvia Aminata: Strapless and red. And Exaggerated Mermaid. It definitely made a statement on the stage as she sang "Love Injected". The dress was supposed to represent a "Couture Heart", I guess. I bought it.
Armenia's Geneology: Love the elegant black gowns with capes worn by Armenia's Eurovision entry. The traditional accessories give it a nice "traditional"/costume touch without being too cheesy and "Miss World National Costume".
Lativia's Bojana Stamenov: Two Words--Go Girl! I. LOVE. Her. Bojana gave it her all and dressed in her Eurovision finest. For the Grand Final, she donned a silver Empire-waisted gown with sequins. I say "At A Girl!".
Great Britain's Electro Velvet: UK's Eurovision entry, Electro Velvet duo, wore a red dress and black suit. The fun part was when the sequins on their respective garments lit up. Was it cheesy? Yes? Did I still enjoy it? You bet!
Georgia's Nina Sublatti: Feathered shoulders, hot pants and thigh-high boots...yep, it's Nina Sublatti of Georgia! While the whole look is a bit "Fashion School 101", I think it was still impacting enough for the 2015 Eurovision stage.
Italy's Il Volo: Polished, Elegant, Italian. Nothing else to say. Ba Vene!
Russia's Polina Gagarina: Polijna almost won the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. I thought she WON the Best Dressed in this white gown she wore to perform her 2nd place "A Million Voices" song. The gown was chic, elegant and Grace Kelly-like.
Congrats to Sweden's Mans Zemerlow!!! Sixth Sweden win!