Melody’s Malaga made dress wows Eurovision fans

At the inaugural ceremony of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, Spanish entry Melody stole the show in a stunning black and gold dress designed by Malaga native Rafael Urquizar. 

The stunning gown, symbolising, we are told, ‘power and femininity’, was meticulously designed to highlight Melody’s diva presence, according to the designer’s Instagram post. Urquizar’s team welcomed the excited reception of the design, which they described as both a challenge and an exciting adventure to create.

The dress features a bold open neckline that frames the chest, with the left side in gold, boasting a high neck and long sleeve, while the right side transitions to sleeveless black, flowing into a long skirt. The design, shared via social media with its patterns, was tailored to enhance Melody’s commanding stage presence. Rafael Urquizar, a Malaga-based designer, began his career in his family’s workshop after secondary school. He later studied at La Esmod International Fashion Group in Paris in 1988 and debuted a collection at Munich’s Avantgarde Fashion Salon that same year. In 1999, he opened his atelier at Calle San Juan 12 in Malaga, a three-storey space dedicated to prêt-à-couture, bespoke haute couture, and bridal wear. Urquizar has since showcased collections at Cibeles Madrid Bridal in 2014 and, most recently, at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid in 2025.

In recent years, Eurovision viewer figures have shown a declining trend, though the picture is nuanced with variations by country and platform. According to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the contest’s television audience peaked at 204 million in 2016 but has since decreased. In 2022, it reached 161 million across 34 countries.

This year, however, the organisation is going all-out to bring the glamour back, and so far, Spain’s Melody is leading the pack visually before the finals have even begun. The show begins at 9pm, Saturday, 17.