Eurovision: Malmö Passes Hosting to Basel with a Symbolic Coat

A new version of the bright blue coat worn by last year’s Eurovision winner, Nemo, has been created as Malmö’s symbolic gift to the next host city, Basel. The coat is crafted from flags and decorations that adorned the official event venues in Malmö last year.

"It's made from 100 percent recycled fabric from Eurovision in Malmö," says Linnéa Samia Khalil, founder of Pampas, the design studio behind the coat.

On-site in Basel, Carina Nilsson, Chairman of the Municipal Council in Malmö, officially handed over the hosting for the world’s largest music competition, the Eurovision Song Contest, to this year’s host city.

As part of the ceremony, Carina Nilsson presented the President of the Basel Government, Conradin Cramer, with a specially designed gift: a vibrant and colorful coat. The original version of the coat was worn by Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo before the final in Malmö and was designed by Malmö-based Pampas. The gifted coat is a redesigned version made from recycled decorations that adorned Malmö during Eurovision 2024.

The tulle comes from decorations displayed at Malmö Live Congress and Concert Hall. Larger fabric pieces were repurposed from banners at Malmö Arena and Eurovision Village in Folkets Park. And even tablecloths from the press center were incorporated.

Artist Nemo also wore stage outfits designed by Pampas during the final itself.

"Our collaboration with Nemo felt like a ‘match made in heaven’ from the very beginning. And for Nemo to win while wearing Pampas designs was almost surreal. So, it’s incredibly rewarding to have designed this creation that carries so much symbolism," says Linnéa Samia Khalil.

The coat features hand-printed words such as "democracy", "creativity", and "re:used citydress" — values important to Malmö and its hosting of the 2024 event.

"Hosting Eurovision is an experience unlike any other for a city. It’s a colorful event that stands for diversity and celebration. Malmö has been the host city three times, and 2024 was a particularly special year for us. It was important for us to always stand up for human rights and democracy and convey that in Malmö, we can have different opinions but still live side by side as equals. Here, we welcome everyone," says Carina Nilsson, Chairman of the Municipal Council in Malmö.

The gifted coat also highlights the connection between the two host cities. President of the Basel Government, Conradin Cramer, expressed his enthusiasm:
“Basel accepts this gift and the associated responsibility with great dedication and excitement, and we look forward to making Eurovision 2025 an unforgettable event.”