Sweden: Moscow � la mode for Malena

by Richard West-Soley 228 views

Further details of Swedish Eurovision hopeful Malena Ernman's Moscow dress have appeared in the national press, suggesting that all records will be broken with a frock costing almost 400,000 Swedish Kronor – over 37,000 Euros.

Swedish tabloid Expressen already leaked details of Malena's costume plans earlier in April, as stylists swapped her black number from Melodifestivalen with a Narnia-esque white gown. Now, a glimpse of the proposed frock is available, boasting a glorious train of feathers, which alone are said to have cost 10,000 kronor.

A dress for a real Valkyrie
Designer Camilla Thulins says of her creation: "it's a real luxury item of clothing. It demands a real Valkyrie, a Brunnhilde to carry it off – and that's what Malena is. Tall, blond and with a fantastic body." About the dress, she explains "we've take it a step further and given it futuristic wings. But at the same time it's a classic, 1800s style."

With fabric imported from Turkey and up to 365 feathers in three different shades composing the sartorial work of art, it is a clear statement from Sweden that they want their diva to be noticed in Moscow. In the meantime, her five supporting singers and dancers will be dressed in short jackets of velvet and silk. And the lady at the centre of it all is more than pleased with her own outfit: "I love it", is Malena's judgement. Appreciation is mutual; Thulins says of Malena "I have nothing but respect for Malena. It's great to dress such a brilliant artist."