Figure Skating Costume Minute--NHK Trophy 2012--Costume Recap of the MEN!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--NHK Trophy 2012--Costume Recap of the MEN!

Konnichiwa Japan!

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy 2012 (Japan)

This past weekend was the NHK Trophy 2012, the final of six ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions. I have been happily covering each and every event here on my blog. For my Skate America 2012 click HERE; Skate Canada International 2012 click HERE; Cup of China 2012 click HERE; Rostelecom Cup 2012 (Russia) click HERE; and Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 (France), click HERE. Now, we're in Japan for the NHK Trophy 2012, organized by the Japanese Skating Federation, and it took place in Sendai Japan. First, let's get started with the MEN'S Costumes. Since it was the final event (prior to the finals) I've discussed most all of the costumes already, but somehow...there were some boys I had not talked about...But first, can we TWALK...about that awfully TACKY NHK Trophy 2012

"Kiss & Cry" section?? PLEASE!



What. Is. With . All. The. Flowers????

Spain's Javier Fernandez at the "NHK Trophy 2012" Kiss & Cry area

Is this a tacky wedding photo session at your local mall, or a "Kiss & Cry" area of an international sporting competition?? The flowers SLAYED me. Seriously, I thought I was at a Quinceañera! Now, speaking of Javier... 

Javier Fernanadez of Spain: I wrote about Javier's Free Skate (as well as his Short Program) Costume HERE. Essentially, I liked this costume that he wore to "The Mask of Zorro" music. I thought it was a nice non-Period costume interpretation. Modern. Sleek. Me gusta!

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan in his Short Program Costume---and the Daisuke Fans at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Sendai Japan

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan: I have also discussed Daisuke's costumes for both his Short Program and Free Skate in the ISU Grand Prix 2012-2013 Series HERE  . I LOVED his Short Program red and black ensemble, which he skated to "Roll 'n' Roll Medley", "The Stroll", "Rudy's Rock". 

For his Free Skate to "Pagliacci", his costume was PERFECT! I said that it "was a very thought-out look and costume. Kudos to this modern, yet
still Figure Skating theatrical-perfect Pagliacci costume". Amen. And may I add, that at this weekend's "NHK Trophy 2012", Daisuke looked especially cute. Loved the "toned-down" hair, all semi slicked-backed and clean. Hottie McHottie, The Japan Edition.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan: Little--and very skinny--Yuzuru received the HIGHEST Short Program Score at "NHK Trophy 2012" this past weekend for his skate. Oh, and yes, he won the Gold Medal in the end. I have also discussed his costumes HERE. I liked both costumes--to his Short Program to "Parisienne Walkways" as well as his Free Skate, which he skated to "Notre-Dame de Paris". And yes, Yuzuru had his slew of fans at in his hometown of Sendai as well:

Now, I'd like to discuss some MALE Skaters I haven't talked about yet...Costume-wise:

Sergei Voronov of Russia: For his Short Program to "Yablochko" (Russian sailor dance) by Reinhold Gliere, Sergei wore a "Russian Sailor Uniform" of a black and white striped long sleeved shirt and black pants. It makes sense that he would. Unfortunately (or fortunately), he looks like an add for a Jean Paul Gaultier perfume.

For his Free Skate Costume to Music from Romeo and Juliet by Nino Rota, Sergei wore a black lace three-quarter sleeve shirt and  black pants. It had elements of "Romance" and yet was very old-school 1980's figure  skating costume at the same time. I'm a little bit "on the fence" with this one--it might be the black gloves that are throwing me off...

Andrei Rogozine of Canada: Andrei skated his Short Program to "Broken Sorrow" performed by Nuttin but Stringz and "Fanfare" by Black Violin. I liked this black and gold high-necked jacket ensemble. It was very Alexander McQueen--in terms of its styling, shape and detail.

Kevin Reynolds of Canada: Kevin skated his Short Program to "Chambermaid Swing" by Parov Stelar. I liked the purple shirt and sequin-studded double-breasted lapel on his vest. I also appreciated the crystal square buttons. And yes, the pinstripe pants were a great contrast. Overall, it was appropriate for the music and for him.

For his Free Skate to "Concerto No. 4 in E minor for Piano and Orchestra" by Andre Mathieu, Kevin, went a little on the "Costume Kooky" side with the gray, black and white ombre dyed shirt, the black vest with the detailed clasps, sequined-trimmed pants, and those white gloves. Something about it  all screamed "Not Working". And his pressed flat-iron hairstyle from 2009 did not help.

Adam Rippon of USA: He skated his Short Program to Puccini's "Nessun Dorma", an aria from the famous opera "Turandot" . He wore this tie-dyed purple and pink shirt with black pant "costume". This ensemble seemed liked a "throw-away" figure skating look for him. I thought it wasn't particularly original, inspiring, especially after seeing what some of the other boys--especially the Japanese ones--wore for their programs/skates. Indecently, it was a COSTUME CHANGE from what he wore earlier to the same skate and music:

I liked this black and white costume look (above photo, from "Cup of China 2012") he wore for his Short Program to Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" much better.

Pant Change: For his Free Skate to Music from The Incredibles soundtrack by
Michael Giacchino, at NHK Trophy 2012 Adam also changed his costume--well, his pants. At
the Cup of China 2012, he wore gray pants (above)...

And for this most recent Grand Prix,  he wore black ones. Good choice Adam. I likeyyy the pant change.

Ross Miner of USA: Ross skated his Short Program to "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninoff featuring the costume above. It was a bit "Captain Kirk of Star Trek" but I liked the color blocking. Very 2012-2013 Fashion Trend for sure!

For his Free Skate to "Captain Blood" by Erich Korngold, he wore a Cabernet red top with a convertible collar, V-neck and sequins and yes, those ubiquitous male figure skater BLACK PANTS--and (Mon Dieu!) a belt! And it wasn't just any "Ross Dress For Less" belt (which, I am not a fan) but a big ol' gold buckled belt! I like everything...and if he had to wear a belt, a least it was interesting and added to the costume theme. Most of all, I am soooo jealous of his 22-inch waist! (I mean, really, look at him in that above pic!). Just in case you are wondering, both his costumes were designed by Chase Tyler, The Work Room Productions.

Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver medalist Daisuke Takahashi of Japan, Gold Medalist Yuzuru Hanyu
of Japan and Bronze Medalist Ross Miner of the United States, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy 2012, Sekisui Heim
Super Arena, Rifu, Japan. 

***Up Next: The Ladies, Pairs and Ice Dance Costume Recaps and Highlights of NHK Trophy 2012 ! Stay Tuned!

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 !!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Cup of China 2012--Men's Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Cup of China 2012--Men's Costume Recap!

Ross Dress For Less Looks, a Slick Haircut, Japanese Men "Queening Out" and Much More:

Gold Medalist Tatsuki Machida of Japan, 2012/2013 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Lexus Cup of China, Shanghai China

The third of six events of the 2012/2013 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating--the Lexus Cup of China--occurred this weekend in Shanghai China. As you know, I love writing about the fabulous (and some, not so fabulous) figure skating costumes here on my blog--so, here we go: time for Cup of China 2012!

Let's begin my Costume Recap with the MEN:

Brian Joubert of France: 2007 World Champion Brian Joubert performed his Short Program to "Genesis" by Justice and "Aerodynamic" by Daft Punk. His soundtrack was very electronica/French House and so it was appropriate for his costume to be less "Costume Period" and more contemporary. The top section featured black illusion and faux leather trimmed in gold. I call his look "Manly Flashy". And I like it! Unfortunately, Joubert had to withdraw from the event because of abdominal pain and fever prior to skating his Free Skate.

Tatsuki Machida of Japan: For his Short Program to "F.U.Y.A.", he wears this "costume" above. If you're a regular reader of my blog here---you may know that I am NOT A FAN of the I-just-got a shirt, belt and pants from 'Ross Dress For Less' look for the Men. In general, it looks so 1996 and shows a lack of creativity in part of the design team. But on a good note for the look above: the shirt is at the very least, slightly interesting with its bold print. Now on the complete opposite end...

THIS is one of MY FAVORITE COSTUMES so far this season! Machida wears this costume to his "The Firebird" Long Program" (which he debuted earlier this year at Skate America). It's GORGEOUS, music-appropriate, theatrical and really highlights how important it is to have a great costume to go along with your program. Oh yes, and he took the Gold for his skate.

Adam Rippon of the US: Cutie Adam Rippon is the only American competing in  the Men's portion of 2012 Cup of China. He skated his Short Program to Puccini's "Nessun Dorma", an aria from the famous opera "Turandot". The story of the opera is taken from a collection of Persian and Central Asian stories and fairy tales.

Usually, this opera is a celebration of fantastic and very extravagant Mongol/Persian/Central Asian costumes. So, I was surprised that Adam's look was so NOT THAT; he wore a black jumpsuit that suggested an extra in a "Star Trek" movie, and not really a Persian Prince.

For his Long Program to "The Incredibles", he wore this gray pant and black shirt "costume" above. So boring Adam. He's doing that "Ross Dress For Less" thing I dislike--the whole pants-and-belt look...

I'm not expecting a red lycra body suit with a big yellow, black and orange "i" on it but give me SOMETHING!

On a Nice Note:

Before (left) and After (right): Loving the new haircut! So dapper Adam! I do miss those wonderful curls of yours but, I get it, it was time to become a more "mature and slick" Adam. Now, if we can just improve on your costumes, you'd be PERFECT! I'm suspecting that with the new haircut and costumes, they are trying to make Adam less ethereal and give him more strength. Personally, if this is the new approach, I disagree with it. I think Adam is a beautiful and artistic skater and that is his strength. I always feel you should stick with what you do best and improve on that.

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan: To his Short Program to "Roll 'n' Roll Medley", "The Stroll", "Rudy's Rock", Takahashi went "Tokyo Elvis" with his get-up and I LOVED it! It was exuberant, music-appropriate and a big hit with all his little girl fans (they were all there at the Cup of China!)...

Now, you might notice that in his costume, Takahashi is also doing the "Adam Rippon" belt-and-pant thing, but (a BIG BUT!), he really "brought it"--costume-wise--with that red-and-black custom jacket, the beaded top underneath and even did his hair a la "Rock 'n' Roll". The difference is that his look doesn't seem as if he went to a department store, bought it and an hour later, performed in it.

At this weekend's 2012 Cup of China, Takahashi skated his Long Program to "Pagliacci". I also liked this costume here. It had overt references to the famous operatic clown but yet ragged, de-constructed. This was a very thought-out look and costume. Kudos to this modern, yet still Figure Skating theatrical-perfect "Pagliacci" costume. I've said this before, but it bears repeating, I really love how these Japanese MALE figure skaters embrace the whole costume part of their performance and think "outside the box" and are not afraid to "Go For It". I say Doumo arigatou gozaimasu to the Male Japanese skaters for "Queening Out"! Note to US Male Figure Skaters (except you Johnny Weir!), just because you're actually thinking of the costume part of your performance and skating doesn't mean your buddies back at home are going to think you've gone "pansy fancy" on them! Who cares what they think and well, follow the Japanese guys and Go For It!



Next Up-- Lexus Cup of China 2012: The Pairs!