The famous swan dress that Björk wore to the 2001 Academy Awards was designed by the Macedonian artist and designer Marjan Pejoski . This dress went down in fashion history not only because of its extraordinary appearance, but also because of its provocative symbolism.

The dress was both admired and ridiculed – it remains polarizing to this day. But that's precisely what makes it so iconic: it's more than a dress, it's a message. Björk showed that fashion can be art, and that it's okay to be different – ​​a statement that hasn't lost any of its power 20 years later.

Pejoski designed the dress as a conscious statement against the mainstream glamour often associated with red carpets. The design features a white swan whose long neckline elegantly drapes around the wearer's neck, while the swan's body forms the silhouette of the dress. Pejoski wanted the swan to capture purity, fragility, and a natural, almost poetic beauty—something that perfectly reflects Björk's artistic essence. At the same time, the dress was intended to convey a provocative and unconventional aesthetic, setting it apart from the often-expected, luxurious evening gowns.

What's special about the swan dress is how it breaks with the conventions of the red carpet. It wasn't just a garment, but a work of art – delicate, playful, and subversive all at once. Many critics at the time saw it as a kind of ironic commentary on the superficiality of the glamorous world. For Björk herself, it reflected her unique style: a blend of playfulness, artistic vision, and her deep connection to nature.

My vision of the swan dress is a darker one. A white dress is out of the question for me, both for stylistic reasons and because it suits my complexion. Although there are certainly many colors that would suit me, it was clear to me from the start: it could only be a swallow feather dress. My first thought was even to design a swallow's head instead of a swan's head. But I'm still pondering that – it shouldn't just be a simple copy of the original, but entirely my own dress.

It should reflect my passion: petticoats, something special, a little bit "more"—but always different. The choice of black not only evokes the grace of swallow feathers, but also the tranquility and subtle sheen that reminds me of ravens. It's a quiet elegance that doesn't shout "Look!" but radiates in its understated elegance.

That's what I love: being more without shouting. And that's exactly what I want to express with this dress. It will be a piece that combines my preferences, my creativity, and my personality – an homage to the original, yet something entirely my own.

For the material, I'm using petticoat fabric as the base, since it's quite stiff and provides excellent structure. The multi-layered petticoat, which is already sewn, is also made entirely of this fabric and even has a lining, as specified in the pattern.

The clear advantage: The material's strength allows me to give the layers I will apply an impressive fullness and texture. I will compile a detailed materials list next week to get an overview myself.

Towards the chest and neck, I transition to softer materials. Here, I use tulle – in various styles – as well as viscose, lace, and feathers. These materials not only ensure comfortable wear but also create a smooth, harmonious transition. The combination of the petticoat's structure and the soft, flowing materials towards the top underscores the design's elegance and results in a well-balanced overall look.



The transition from the skirt to the chest becomes a real eye-catcher: with shimmering layers of fabric and feathers, I imitate a shimmering plumage that ends at the swan's neck in intricately hand-sewn sequins. For a perfect fit and hold, I will incorporate a small weight, such as rice or grains, into the beak so that the swan nestles smoothly against the body.

Underneath the swan, Björk wears a glittering, transparent top in the original. Here, I'm using my Skadi pattern, which, with its heart-shaped yoke, provides the ideal foundation. I'm sewing both the yoke and the sleeves from sparkling, transparent fabric that complements the extravagant look.

Another iconic element of the original: Björk symbolically and cheekily laid an egg on the red carpet. I also want to reinterpret that! I'll craft a small handbag from an old papier-mâché Easter egg – a playful detail that captures and underscores the creative spirit of the dress.

With these elements, my version of the swan dress becomes not only a tribute to Björk, but also an independent, modern interpretation of this legendary look.

I've decided to recreate Björk's iconic swan dress from 2001 – with one small but striking change: instead of white, my dress will be black. For the skirt, I'm using my "Cream Cake" petticoat pattern as a base, which is perfect for this project.

The cream- filled skirt is perfectly suited to the voluminous yet playful look that defines the swan dress. The petticoat cut provides just the right fullness and structure to lend the design the necessary drama without sacrificing lightness. The individual layers and the flared cut allow the skirt to be elegant yet striking – exactly what is needed for such an extraordinary dress.

The choice of black instead of white gives the design a completely new, dark elegance that fits perfectly into a modern interpretation of the iconic look. The swan, which nestles against the neck and bodice, becomes almost a mystical creature, contrasting with the dark base. At the same time, the cream- colored bodice , with its classic petticoat look, ensures that the dress retains the playful, artistic character of the original.

The swan's head is completely redefined. For this, I'm creating a separate pattern piece that will be attached to the skirt. The base is a piece of black woven fabric, which is draped over my chest and culminates in a three-dimensional swan's head. The head is shaped with stuffing and, as a special highlight, features a beak that I'm sewing from a secondhand piece of leather.

Whether for Carnival, a themed party, or a passion project – with creativity, you can create something truly outstanding! Use code SL-BJÖRK to get 30% off both patterns until March 31, 2025. Have fun designing and creating your own personal piece of jewelry!

My tip: Design your costume so that you can also wear it in modified forms. The more time and thought you put into this aspect, the more versatile your masterpiece will be – and you'll be able to enjoy it for a long time.