‘That's how you're representing yourself to the world’

Haute couture and bridal designer Alin Le’Kal created the costume for Sheldon Riley, who performed ‘Not the Same’, Australia's entry into the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest. Riley performed in a white silk suit and white overskirt, adorned with hand beading, crystals, and feathers. Le’Kal brought his experience in haute couture as both an artist and a problem-solver to create a design that retains fluidity, movement, and a sense of the angelic, despite weighing 40 kg. After the contest, the costume won the inaugural Eurovision fans’ ‘You’re a Vision’ costume design award. In this interview, Alin discusses how his work on Eurovision fits into his professional practice. He explores the importance of costume in forming personal and national identity, and unpacks some of the challenges of creating the costume for Riley's Eurovision performance.