It’s been almost 20 years since one of the most iconic moments of red carpet fashion. Of course, what I am referring to, as we all remember, is the Bjork swan dress!
On the 25th of March in the year 2001, Icelandic singer, artist and actress strutted down the red carpet wearing one of the most unique pieces ever seen at the awards show! However, who and and what was the reasoning behind why she wore what she wore? Not sure? Don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for!
The Iconic Dress
This dress is without a doubt one of the most iconic looks of the singer, who is not afraid of showcasing her unique sense of style on more than one location! In fact, this dress was not just worn by the singer on the red carpet.
It was also featured on the cover of Vespertine, her fourth studio album, as well as the following tour. It also happened to make an appearance on another red carpet for the 2000 Cannes festival.
Bjork’s Style
If you’re unfamiliar with her music or just Bjork in general, allow me to give a little bit of background information. She is an Icelandic born singer-songwriter and recording artist!
In the year 1975, when she was just 11 years old, Bjork recorded and released her debut album “Bjork: and since then, she’s been taking on the world by storm! I’m sure you’ve heard at least one of her songs before!
When it comes to her sense of style, it can be described in one word: eccentric. Her looks include a pom-pom headdress, bright orange, and blue wigs and eyemasks, and of course, the Bjork swan dress! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how she showcases her sense of style!
The Background Behind The Dress
The year is 2001 and singer-songwriter Bjork is attending the 73rd Annual Academy Award Show. It happened to be her first and what would be her only appearance made at this particular award show.
She had received a nomination for “Best Original Song in a Motion Picture” for her song “I’ve Seen It All.” It featured in the 2000 movie Dancer in the Dark which starred none other than Bjork herself!
Funny enough, one of the main reasons why she decided to wear the dress lies in her nomination. In an interview with CDNow, Bjork said “I was very aware when I went to the Academy Awards that it would probably be my first and last time. So I thought my input should really be about fertility, and I thought I’d bring some eggs.”
Because she knew that she would probably not receive an invitation to return to the wards show, she had to enter and leave with a bang! And when she said “bring some eggs” she meant it! The artist turned her outfit into a chance for performance art and during her walk down the carpet, she “laid” six eggs!
Who Is The Designer Behind The Dress?
You’re probably wondering who exactly designed the dress! Was it a well-known fashion house or designer? Actually, not so much! The iconic Bjork swan dress was actually designed by Marjan Pejoski.
Pejoski is a Macedonian born fashion designer who studied at the Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design. He has also worked with recording artist Misia, designing the costumes for her dome tour in 2004.
Although he did not know that she wore the dress to the awards show until the next day. However, he helped design what would help Bjork become known as one of the most unique and memorable personalities of the entertainment industry!
According to fashion critic Emanuel Levy, the dress is described as “A giant swan dress, a full-body stocking that was covered with a giant swan whose neck wrapped around her with its head and beak resting on her breasts.” It paid homage to American filmmaker Busby Berkeley who used swimmers.
The Legacy The Dress Left Behind
You know you’ve left your mark on the red carpet when your dress is showcased in a museum. And that’s exactly what kind of legacy the Bjork swan dress had on the fashion industry!
As I’m sure you can imagine, fashion press and critics had a field day with this garment! Because of the eccentricity and the uniqueness of the dress, it earned Bjork the opportunity to place herself separately in the spotlight!
Although many didn’t the Bjork swan dress at first! Originally, it was branded as over the top and outrageous and somewhat of a fashion faux paux! However, what was once a faux paux is now a living legacy.
Not only was the dress put into Museum of Modern Art, but it was also listed as the ninth most iconic red carpet dress of all time by the Daily Telegraph! It has even been recreated multiple times by designer Valentino!
The Dress That Defined Bjork
As you now know, this dress was one of the most iconic outfits of Bjork’s career. Not only did it set her apart on the red carpet that night, but it also defined her as an artist for years to come! There is no doubt the uniqueness of her style, specifically when it comes to the swan dress!
