Figure Skating Costume Minute--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--Ice Dance Costumes Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--Ice Dance Costumes Recap!

Ice Dance Style:

Applique Dance: Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada during their Short Dance, Rostelecom Cup 2012, Megasport Sports Center Moscow Russia

Winding down my Costume Reviews for last weekend's ISU Grand Prx of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup (Cup of Russia) 2012...here's my final one, the Ice Dance Costumes. There is lots to discuss including a Kimono-clad Geisha, super-plunging neckline and an odd "headdress" accessory Figure Skating Costume Trend--Let's begin...

Top Three Ice Dance: (left to right) Silver Medalist from Russia Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov, Gold Medalist
from Canada Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Bronze Medalist from Russia
Victoria Sinitsina and Ruslan Zhiganshin, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup 2012,
Megasport Sports Center Moscow, Russia

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada: Virtue and Moir won the Gold in Moscow for their STUNNING Free Dance (and a great Short one as well, of course). I reviewed their costumes for their new 2012-2013 season costumes for their Free Dance in my Skate Canada 2012 post HERE. They skated to "Carmen" by Rodion Shchedrin and I thought their costumes were FLAWLESS--their costumes were chic, directional, modern and Fashion Week-fab. I. LOVED. THEM.

Tessa's deep plunging neckline costume looked straight out of the NY/Paris/Milan Runways! And how FRESH to see a "Carmen" performance and not see RED or a single Red Rose--Olé to that!

For their Short Dance Costume--which I hadn't talked about--they skated to "The Waltz Goes On" by Anthony Hopkins. I thought these were pretty, had a nod to Period Costumes and worked for the Waltz/Polka dance. I also think the fact that they weren't so matchy-matchy--partner wise--worked. I liked the delicate placement of the feathers in her sequined chiffon costume/dress. I'm not a fan of the huge creme underskirt, but overall it was a pretty look.

Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland of Great Britain:  Coomes and Buckland skated their Short Polka/Waltz Dance to "Scalliwag" by Gaelic Storm (Celtic Music) and "Rhythms of the Fall" (from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics).

Their costumes combined Country-and-Western elements (his sequined-trimmed Western Shirt) as well as British "Period"-like elements in Penny's dusty rose and blue costume. Her back covered button detail, contrast yoke and bow are especially cute.

Nelli Zhiganshina and Alexander Gazsi of Germany: For their Free Dance titled "Two From the Grave", they skated to three songs "Tore My Heart", "Et Maintenant" and "Rama Lama". They look like these messy/torn-up seemingly-rising-from-the-shipwrecked-"grave"couple. It's such a MESS that I'm actually all for it. I juts feel bad for Alexander, because he really looks as if he got the BAD end of the Costume-and-Makeup Stick.

Ksenia Monko and Kirill Khaliavin of Russia: Monko and Khaliavin skated their Short Dance to "Sous le Ciel de Paris" by Yves Montand in these black, white and silver costumes. Can you say "BA-BA-BORING". Ooops, I think I just did. Try harder next time. PLEASE.

Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia: For their Free Dance Music from the soundtrack of "Ghost (musical soundtrack)", these two Russian Ice Dance skaters did their best to phone in the 90's film and--later--21st Century Musical--with their retro-looking costumes.



Unfortunately, Ilinykh and Katsalapov looked as if they were either skating to the 1983 film "Flashdance" or an "American Apparel" ad. This is just my "Nick Two Cents"...

Alex and Maia Shibutani of USA: This brother-and-sister Ice Dance Team skated their Free Dance to John Williams' "Memoirs of a Geisha":

"Memoirs of a Geisha"

I thought the Shibutani brother-and-sister team costumes were perfect. Alex looked sublimely chic in his grey side draped waist-coat/vest, black pants and white dress short. Maia was a vision of pretty in her rose-pink and steel-gray Kimono-and-Obi costume.



And Now, The Headdress Figure Skating Costume Accessory Trend of 2012:



A trend of sorts--for Figure Skating Costumes--is the Headdress accessory.  Let's take a look at how it has surfaced so far during the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2012-2013 Season.

"Slumdog Millionaire" Bollywood Princess: Alena Leonova of Russia skates her Free Skate, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2012-2013

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of USA: These cutie Americans skated their Short Dance to "Ojos Azul", "Dolencias", "Sikureada". I think they looked FAB-u-LOUS. Costume-wise, these two cannot do any wrong...at least so far. There was a little bit of Brazil, Latino, Carnival and Indo-Asian influences in these looks...and I loved it. 

Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia: For their Short Dance to "Andijan Polka", they wore these costumes above---and she wore...yes, a sequined forehead-accessory; I am telling you, it's the LATEST, for Figure Skaters! These two--for their Short Dance--were one of my FAVORITES--in terms of their Costumes! The print, the "Miss Universe Parade-of-Nations Costumes" aspect...all of it, fit perfectly.

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--Pairs

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--Pairs

The Pairs--Some Fab, Some Blah...Some 80s...Some 90s...and Much More:

Top Pairs: (left to right) Silver Medalists from Russia Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov, Gold Medalists from
Russia Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, and Bronze Medalists from USA
Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012, Megasport Sports
Center Moscow, Russia

Continuing with my Costume Recaps of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012, I've discussed the MEN and then the LADIES and now, it's time for the PAIRS. Some of these costumes I have already talked about in my Skate America, Skate Canada and Cup of China blog postings but I'll still give you a quick recap of what I said of these 2012-2013 Season costumes...

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia: Once again, these two won the Gold Medal for Pairs (they won the Gold at Skate America 2012) and in my Skate America 2012 posting, I discussed both their Short and Free Skate costumes. For their Short Program, they skated to "Love Theme from The Godfather" (top) and for their Free Skate, they skated to "Violin Muse, Partita for Violin No. 2 and Chaconne" (below
photo). Their Free Skate costumes were far more interesting. Although I
did like her Short Program deep violet halter costume with neck chains.

Illusion-less? Tatiana Volosozhar at Rostelecom Cup 2012

I also thought that her high-low dress was especially interesting because if I am not mistaken her back features little or no illusion and instead is held by a very strong elastic nude strap. I will discuss the Illusion vs. No Illusion Dilemma in Figure Skating Costumes on another posting soon!

I liked their Free Skate costumes. I felt they were much more ethereal,
exploratory--costume-wise--than their Short Program. His was especially ultra feminine. PS: it bears repeating that Maxim is a MAJOR Hottie McHottie. Seriously. Can someone tell me how you say that in Russian??

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin of USA: I also commented on Denney and Coughlin's costumes in my Skate America 2012 post HERE. Essentially, I liked both of their Short and Free Skate costumes, even though they were a bit "old school" in terms of styling, silhouettes. Nothing really modern or directional about them, but still OK. For their Short Program though, they made a slight change. Previously his costume was solid black and a SOLID bore, but....they decided to spice it up a bit and add some sequin applique across his chest. I LOVE how some of her sequins "spilled" onto his blouse-y top.Great update!

For their Free Skate, they skated to "Phantom of the Opera". Very old-school figure skating pairs costumes for sure. Safe, cute...and very "American". PS Part 2: John is another Hottie McHottie. Sorry, but...just had to add that.



Speaking of Safe...

Tiffany Vise and Don Baldwin of USA: Vise and Baldwin skated their Short Program to "Open Arms" ( the famous Journey song) by Piano Classic Players. I really love these two skaters and think they are a beatiful pair to watch. However, I am beyond bored by these costumes. This is past the point of SAFE. Her halter-neck tie-dye costume is so uninspiring. the fabric looks like it came from the End-of-the-Year fabric sale at JoAnn's. The only saving grace are the little bits of crystals but even those look like a ten year old glued them on. And handsome Don. A tuxedo. How original. Not.

Now, I know that the Journey song they skated to is a staple of weddings, especially 1980s weddings...and proms...and Jr. proms...but does that mean they need to look as if it's Last Call at someone's wedding in 1981? I guess, that's probably what they were going for, but my suggestion is to take it even further...more campy, more 80s...just Go For It!



Now, moving on to the next decade: the 90s

Nicole Della Monica (R) and Matteo Guarise of Italy: Mamma Mia Rock-and-Roll! They skated to the early 90's power ballad "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.

Maybe I need to retract my above comment about going "campy", because these two did and it did not work AT ALL!  Here shiny black spandex tights mixed with a checked 90's leotard is just not working. Add in his vest and T-Shirt combo and it is a bad night at the Italian Disco all the way around.

Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov of Russia: For their Free Skate to Music from the Spartacus soundtrack by Aram Khatchaturian. I thought these costumes were FABULOUS! They were both on-point with the movie reference yet still had "fashion" elements--such as the arm straps, gold and maroon colors and detailing. They somehow combined both the "old" Spartacus:

 Kirk Douglas in "Spartacus" (criss-cross leather harness)

As well as the New:

Australian actor Liam McIntyre of "Spartacus: Vengeance"...although, a little part of me wishes that they (OK, maybe Yuri) did more of the "new"

Paige Lawrence and Rudi Swiegers of Canada: For their Short Program to "Robin and Marian" , the music to the 1976 romantic adventure period film based on the legend of Robin Hood (of course) starring...

Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn (above)--Lawrence and Swiegers' costumes were a let-down for sure. I wish there was a little more "Period Costume" to them. She looked very "Jr. Skater 2002" and he, was (at least) slightly closer to the music and theme. I LOVED the colors of Paige's costume but the design needs to look a little more "Period Couture". There two costumes were very disjointed and seemed to not be harmonious.



I'll end on Pairs Costume Fab:

Anastasia Martiusheva and Alexei Rogonov of Russia: For their Short Program to "Cornish Rhapsody" by Hubert Bath, they wore these colorful and very "Broadway Dinner Theater Meets Carnival Cruise Figure Skating Show"-like costumes. And I loved it! Anastasia's red and silver sequined costume was very "I'm a Baton Twirler in a James Bond Film" and Alexei looked liked the STAR in the Russian version of "A Chorus Line". Very campy...but I love it! Those two things made me give them a "Nick V. Pairs Costume Star"!



*** Up Next--the final Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012 Costume Recap--The Ice Dancers!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--The Men!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--The Men!

Here Come The Boys!

Johhny's Back...well, kinda : Johnny Weir during his Short Program, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup 2012, Megasport Sport Center Moscow Russia

This weekend was the fourth of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating senior-level invitational competitions--Rostelecom Cup 2012 (also known as "Cup of Russia"). As you know, I love me some figure skating and especially commenting on the costumes and since I've already given my "Nick Two Cents" on Skate America, Skate Canada and Cup of China, it's now time for RUSSIA. 

First up, let's discuss the MEN:

Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver Medalist from Japan Takahiko Kozuka, Gold Medalist from Canada Patrick
Chan, Bronze Medalist from Czech Republic Michal Brezina--ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup 2012, Megasport Sports Center Moscow, Russia.

Let's Discuss La Johnny:

Four-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Weir returned to international competition at the Rostelecom Cup 2012 after a two-year absence (last time he competed was at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver). This was touted as his big "come back", many figure skating blogs, websites...heck, even NBC Sports publicized him, when showing ads for the airing of the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia. He did his Short Program--but as Universal Sports said , it was a "rough outing". And then on Saturday before his Free Skate, Weir announced that he was withdrawing from the Cup of Russia due to an old knee injury
flaring up.



This is what he said to R-Sport:

“This is a very terrible setback and I’m not happy, but things happen in sports,” Weir said. The three-time U.S. champion said a problem with his anterior
cruciate ligament had hampered his short program skate on Friday, when
he finished tenth in an error-strewn performance. “About a month ago I had a terrible fall in practice and then I
reagitated the same injury with my ACL at the beginning of this week and
yesterday I tried in the competition,” he said.“This is not what I wanted to happen here and I wanted to compete and to perform and I’m so sad.”



Now, onto nicer stuff: His Costume (as well as some of the other Men's Costumes)

Johnny Weir of the USA: Johnny skated his Short Program to "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga (naturally!). His costume was designed by Johnny himself as well as Stephanie Handler, his longtime costume designer whom he has collaborated with for many years. He went "gaga for Gaga" back in 2009 when he began skating to Lady Gaga and during 2010, used "Poker Face" as his Exhibition skate:

Lady Gaga "Poker Face"

 Johnny's "Poker Face" costume back in 2010

Poker Crystals: The costume featured a black illusion skin-tight top, heavily encrusted with jeweled crystals of varying sizes giving the effect of broken glass throughout the front, the mock-neck and shoulders. On top of the illusion-and-crystal top, there was an asymmetrical half-corset/waist coat trimmed with crystals and with gold buttons. The costume also had shoulder feathers and his hands had bedazzled "Poker Cards" details.

It was A LOT, but somehow it worked (of course, it's Johnny!). I LOVED it. It was Fantasy, it was Couture, it was Dark and Vampire-like, it was Black Swan...all rolled into one. I'm all for male figure skaters giving me some "Costume Eye Candy", especially when some of them (I am talking to you Takahito Kozuka!), could care less. Thank you Johnny for the crystals, feathers and very tight stretch illusion! Now, go take care of that knee/leg so we can see you back on the ice, darling.

Denis Ten from Kazakhstan: Ten--who hails from Kazakhstan but is actually Korean in ethnicity--ended up second to last after the Short. He has a very A-List team behind him: he trains in Lake Arrowhead California with the former "Michelle Kwan Crew": Frank Carroll is his coach and Lori Nichol and Stephane Lambiel are his choreographers. So someone thinks he is the "Cat's Meow" as they say, or well, the Kazakhstan Figure Skating Association has very deep pockets...

Actors Jean Dujardin and Missi Pyle in "The Artist"

For his Short Program to "The Artist" (incidentally, BOTH his Short Program and Free Skate he skates to "The Artist"--just different songs from the movie--PS: does that EVER happen?) , he wore a very close fitting tuxedo costume that looked well-made. It was elegant yet costume-y with crystal studded lapels, buttons, flipped-down French Cuffs (with cuff links) and the requisite tuxedo striped pant. I think it was a perfect Figure Skating costume rendition of the tuxedos actor Jean Dujardin wore in the film.

Takahiko Kozuka of Japan: Takahiko skated his Short Program to "Concert Overture" from Exodus. Takahiko wore a Ombre Dyed Imperial Violet colored shirt. It looks wrinkled and more
"Haight-and-Ashbury Tie Dye" than something worthy of the music he
skated to. Only interesting thing were the raw edge vertical ruffle
detail but that's about it. This is a #CostumeFail in "Twitter Speak". How do you say "Oy Vey" in Japanese???



And then...

For his Long Program to "Introduction Et Rondo Capriccioso Op. 28" by Camille Saint-Saens, He wore this costume which featured a black shirt with red-inset
box-pleat details and heavily beaded neck, shoulder yoke and cuffs. I
liked the beaded sections, the rest looked slightly 1994 to me. But
here's my biggest problem: ENOUGH of the tacky "Ross Dress For Less"
black belt. I don't know what other option to suggest to these male
skaters but how about NO BELT AT ALL. This look on Kozuka,
breaks the line and makes his costume disjointed: from the waist up
(above the belt, thank you very much!), he's off to a "Rockettes
Christmas Spectacular" but from the waist down--he's going to the
office, or to meet his new girlfriend's parents at Church! I just don't
get it.



And here are some boys who were at the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012 whom I have already discussed previously on my blogs here for Skate America, Skate Canada, etc. during this current 2012-2013 Grand Prix Season:

Nobunari Oda of Japan: Oda skated his Short Program "The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms" wearing this costume. I said that it was "a GOOD mess, rather campy and so "Blades of Glory". I guess that was a "Thumbs Up"!

Gold Medalist Patrick Chan of Canada: I also discussed this vested costume back in my Skate Canada 2012 posting HERE--basically, I wasn't a fan of  it--he skates his Long Program (in this costume) to Puccini's "La Bohème" but he looks more "Pirates of Penzance" as opposed to Paris 1840s Boho. Sorry Patrick. But Congrats on the Gold!



***Next Up: The LADIES of the Rostelecom Cup/ Cup of Russia 2012 !!