ICE STYLE.....ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals 2015/2016 Barcelona: Costumes Recap & Highlights--LADIES and MEN!

ICE STYLE.....ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals 2015/2016 Barcelona: Costumes Recap & Highlights--LADIES and MEN!

Men and Ladies Costumes: Costumes Highlights of the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals Barcelona

In my last ICE STYLE post HERE, I talked about the PAIRS and ICE DANCE Costumes Highlights of the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals which occurred a couple of weekend's ago in Barcelona Spain. Now, it's time for the LADIES and MEN.



LADIES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mao Asada Japan: For her Short Program to Bei mir bist du schoen, a famous Yiddish song from a
Yiddish musical, her costume was a fuchsia pink number with silver
diamante crystals with pink trim sewn in flower-like patterns. It also featured
long sleeves and an open back. This was quite feminine and pretty. It wasn't ground
breaking in its design, but the color was impacting and the high neck and open
back made for a striking image.

Free Skate to Madame Butterfly by
Giacomo Puccini: I liked this for the
most part. The ombre-like shading of the delicate lilac color, the obi-like
cummerbund at the waist...there were details I appreciated. It just seemed
to lack Costume DRAMA, which I expect especially with such a dramatic
musical backdrop. And the proportion of the sleeves are a bit
overwhelming. I would, at the very least, shorten the sleeves by a few inches.
But overall, she looked beautiful.

Satoko Miyahara Japan: Satoko Miyahara skated her Short Program to Firedance from
"Riverdance" by Bill Whelan and was very
"Carmen"-like in this red with black netting trim costume. The
design also had scrolling applique and sequins. I wasn't a fan of this. For
some reason, it didn't look polished or expensive enough. I did like the hints
of black contrast and the red rose in her chignon hairstyle but besides this,
it was just not that interesting of a design.

Free Skate to Un
Sospiro by Franz Liszt: Miyahara
wore this fuchsia pink costume featuring silver and multicolored
diamantes and a scroll-like front bustier design. The skirt had tiers in an
ombre-like pink coloration. The look was pretty and very starting-out
ballerina. Nothing spectacular about this. She looked like she was part of the
Junior Skating group. I'm sure it must be difficult to make her look
sophisticated since she is all but a mere 17-years old. But I do appreciate the
beautifully tiered skirt!

Evgenia Medvedeva Russia: For her Short Program to Melodies of the White Nights (soundtrack) by Isaak Schwarz, Evgenia wore this marsala/wine-colored costume with small
sequined crystals. The costume was very Figure Skating 101 in its design and I
wished for something a little more extraordinary.

Free Skate to "Music
from W.E. Soundtrack" by
Abel Korzeniowski (Right): Here, Evgenia gave me what I was asking
for. I liked this blue sequined costume. She looked liked Wallis Simpson in
this costume, or at least vibed her look, even with her pale skin and dark
hairstyle.

Elena Radionova Russia: For her Free Skate to "Titanic"
(soundtrack) by James Horner to this costume above. The costume was
trying to give hints of a turn-of-the-century look worn by actress Kate
Winslet when she played Rose DeWitt Bukater. Elena's
costume was lilac colored based with a pink/red waist sash and sequins
throughout the top section. This was half Adolescent Figure Skating Costume and
half-Professional; it seemed a tad bit too "youngish"-looking but I
get that Elena is, after all, only 16 years old. But still, I wish her costume
here showed slight maturity.

Ashley Wagner USA: For her
Free Skate to Diamonds (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack), One Day
I'll Fly Away (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack), The Show Must Go
On (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack, she wore this costume above. I really liked this
white with gold sequin applique design. I especially adore the "necklace". While it was the same Free Skate as last season, Ashley completely changed up her look. The costume was more "Bollywood" Diva and less "Nicole Kidman
Moulin Rouge" and I loved that.

Gracie Gold USA: For her Short Program to El Choclo by Angel Villoldo, Gracie wore this chic black and red costume featuring a nude illusion open back, red and silver crystals. It was very Moderno Tango Couture. She said that this costume is like a "Louboutin" shoe...since it's got the pop of red from underneath. #LoveIt



MEN-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yuzuru Hanyu Japan: For his Short Program to the same music he
skated to last season, Ballade No. 1 op. 23 in G minor by Frederic
Chopin, Yuzuru wore this costume above. It
was a slight change (very slight) from what he wore last season to
the same music. The cummerbund is
copper as opposed to the original black and the top/blouse is a more subtle
ombre shading and features panels (on the midriff side and sleeves) of gold.
 I liked this.

Patrick Chan Canada: For his Short Program to Mack the Knife performed by Michael Buble, Canada's Patrick Chan wore this "contemporary"-looking costume comprised of a white dress shirt, v-neck sweater and gray trousers. The look is not much of a costume but it worked with the Michael Buble music. I'm usually not a fan of a non-costume costume but I'll give Patrick a pass...this time. But, he still should have put on a belt. That I won't forgive him; he looks "undone". And if he ever does put on a belt, I hope he makes sure that it is a nice non-Ross Dress-For-Less one.

Daisuke Murakami Japan: For his Short Program to Bring Him Home performed by Josh Groban from "Les Miserables", Daisuke wore this draped neck creme "blouse" with black pants costume. He accessorized it with mustard colored gloves and thin brown belts. It was a very cleaned-up Jean Valjean.

Shoma Uno Japan: For his Short Program to Legends by Sacred Spirits, Japan's Shoma Uno wore this black, gray and silver sequined costume. I liked the unusual embellishments on the top and how it blended seamlessly (almost) with the sold black pants.

Free Skate to Turandot by Giacomo Puccini performed by Vanessa Mae and Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini performed by Paul Potts: Shoma Uno's costume featured an ombre yellow and olive green top with gathered neck as well as a sequined embellished velvet vest. The colors blended nicely and gave hints of the Puccini "Turandot" opera and its Central Asian/Persian story theme.

Javier Fernandez Spain: For his Short
Program to Malaguena performed by Paco de Lucia and Placido Domingo,
Javier wore this costume above...and I liked it! I though he looked sexy (Hola!!),
sharp and very much like a Fab Toreador! The almost blood-red color of his
satin blouse was strong and impacting and his velvet and sequin satin shawl
collared vest was MUY BUENO!

Figure Skating Costume Minute: Best Figure Skating Costumes 2012: Men and Ladies

Figure Skating Costume Minute: Best Figure Skating Costumes 2012: Men and Ladies

Best of the Bedazzled Figure Skating Couture

Continuing with my end-of-the-year "Best Of" Lists, now it's time for one of my favorites subjects here on my blog: Figure Skating Costumes! As you know, I enjoy blogging about Figure Skating Costumes and I have a feeling you guys like it too! This past year/season was a very colorful, bedazzled, feathered-filled one. Here are my Top Picks for favorites of the Year...



Best Men's Costumes:

Tatsuki Machida: Japan--He skated to "The Firebird" for his Free Dance and
his costume was FABULOUS! The neckline and upper torso red and yellow
sequin detail was marvelous and went perfectly with the black illusion top. This is a PERFECT Men's Costume for that particular
music. Not every male can get away with this look (at this point we know
we'll never see Jeremy Abbott or Patrick Chan sporting this style), but
if you can carry it off--and Tatsuki can--then Go For It!

Brian Joubert: 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! So much so, his costume was one of my favorites for 2012.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Japan--For his Long Program during Season 2012-2013, Hanyu skated to "Notre-Dame de Paris". I really liked this costume. It was soooo Johnny Weir in its no-holds-barred design philosophy and embrace of feminine-like details. The
big cross, the ombre dyed ivory and red shirt, the one sleeve ruffle and
one black glove; lots of details and he was not afraid to "Go For It"!

Daisuke Takahashi: Japan--Takahashi wore this above for his 2012-2013 Season Short Program to "Roll 'n' Roll Medley", "The Stroll", "Rudy's Rock". He went "Tokyo Elvis" with his get-up and I LOVED it: t
was exuberant, music-appropriate and a big hit with all his little girl
fans and yes, one of my Top Picks of 2012 Figure Skating Costumes.

I also loved the costume he wore for his Long Program to "Pagliacci". It
had overt references to the famous operatic clown but yet
deconstructed. 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".

Patrick Chan: Canada--Above is what he wore for his 2012-2013 Season Short
Program to Rachmaninoff's "Elegie in E Flat Minor". It was deep
blue-colored lightly beaded blouson long sleeve top with a plunging
neckline (Oh Patrick!) with attached convertible collar and cascade
ruffles. Since his music was Classical, I think he was trying to vibe a
classic and romantic look and he even had a lace back detail which is
A LOT of look for Patrick. I did LOVE the pants. They fit him PERFECTLY
and I liked how they had the beaded tuxedo stripe down the side,
bringing in the lightly beaded detail from the top. I appreciate the risk Patrick took with this costume and definitely thought it was one of the best of 2012.

Best Ladies Costumes:

Ashley Wagner: USA--This, hands down--was one of my favorite Figure Skating Costumes of this past year/season. American figure skater Ashley Wagner, wore this for her Free Skate to "Samson and Delilah". From the moment she stepped on the ice, I thought this was Figure Skating Costume Perfection. The bright sunburst yellow with ombré dyeing; the expertly applied sequins, the torso and neckline detail...It was very "Samson and Delilah" for sure and at the same time suggested the works of some of the better-known Lebanese Couturiers like Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad. Therefore, she was Red Carpet Fab and Figure Skating Perfection!

Agnes Zawadzki: USA--Agnes skated her Free Skate to Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the Boston Pops Orchestra during the 2012-2013 Season. Her Costume was designed by Pat Pearsall.
I thought this was a very well done costume. The crystal effect down
the torso, bust and wrist area was excellent. As a whole, the
design--and costume--looked very European and chic.

I also liked  her Short Program Costume to "Sex and the City". It was a baby blue costume ensemble which evoked the spirit of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates "Gulf States Princess" of the movie "Sex and the City 2". Definitely one of my Top Picks for 2012.

Akiko Suzuki: Japan--I LOVED this costume above, which she wore for her Free Skate to "O" from Cirque du Soleil. The costume was pretty
fabulous. It had a one-shoulder neckline silhouette, was turquoise blue and green
and had overt Peacock influences--notice the sequin applique and
feathers. I also liked the side draped "skirt" section. This was a very
well done costume. One of the best of this season for sure.

Mao Asada: Japan-- Mao Asada wore TWO great costumes this 2012-2013. So great, both placed on my "Best of 2012" List. The one above is what she wore to her Short Program to "I Got Rhythm" variations by George Gershwin. It was a coral and silver criss-cross draped and shirred costume that looked chic, sexy and like a Rodarte dress. Loved it!

For her 2012-2013 Season Long Program to Music from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, Mao wore this gorgeous ivory, gray and silver costume which I also loved. The details on it were very Haute and I even liked the "shredded" skirt. My favorite part, however, were the wrist details. It was very "Black Swan", the movie. She HAD to be in this Top Costumes of 2012 list.

Alena Leonova: Russia--Bollywood Goes to Russia, through Alena Leonova's costume. She skated her Season 2012-2013 Short Program to "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Indian Hip Hop" (of course!). I
absolutely LOVED her apple green costume. It had great sequin detail in the torso. LOVED the asymmetrical bust draping, chiffon "skirt", arm and body straps
as well as the India-influenced bindi and center part hair decoration.

Gracie Gold: USA--Gracie skated her 2012-2013 Season Short Program to "Hernando's Hideaway" by various artists. Her costumes for both the Short Program and Free Skate were designed by Brad Griffies.
I think this red one above is just great! The juxtaposition of the
solid fabric vs. the small-to-large sequin detail is beautiful. The
costume fits the requirements (for me) of looking a little bit "Red
Carpet Couture" and at the same time, still being classic Figure Skating
Costume chic.

Yu-Na Kim in her Short Program to "The Kiss of the Vampire" at the
NRW trophy at Eissportzentrum on December 9, 2012 in Dortmund,
Germany.

The Return of Yu-Na Kim: Reigning Olympic champion, Yu-Na Kim (or Kim Yu-Na) of South Korea, launched her competitive comeback at the NRW Trophy in Dortmund Germany earlier this month.

For her Short Program, she skated to "The Kiss of the Vampire"
and her costume was SPECTACULAR! It was an icy blue color with very
expensive-looking crystals in silver, blue and "Vampire Blood" red. It
also had a perfectly matching nude illusion shoulder/sleeve section. The neckline had a "necklace" of sorts--highlighting all those
colors in very well placed sequins. It was one of my favorite Figure Skating Costumes of 2012--and Yu-Na Kim made it on to my list, just in time!!! Thanks Yu-Na for "bringing it" when it came to your costumes!



***Next Up: Pairs, Ice Dance and the Kookiest Figure Skating Costumes of the Year!

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

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

No Babushkas Here!

 Top Three Ladies: (left to right) Silver Medalist from USA Gracie Gold, Gold Medalist from Finland Kiira Korpi,
and Bronze Medalist from USA Agnes Zawadzki--ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup 2012, Megasport Sports Center, Moscow, Russia.




The ladies of international figure skating were in fine form at this weekend's Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012. For all the buzz about how great the Russian ladies are this season and the lack of buzz for the US girls, guess who ended up on the podium? No Russians and TWO Americans!. Yep, who knew! Two American ladies got to the medals podium: Agnes Zawadzki (Bronze) and Gracie Gold (Silver)--but in the end it was the Finnish beauty, Kiira Korpi, who went home with the top prize. Now, enough about who got the medals...let's take a look at some who caught my attention in regards to their costumes:

Bollywood Goes to Russia: Alena Leonova of Russia skated her Short Program to "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Indian Hip Hop" at this past weekend's "Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012".  I absolutely LOVED her apple green costume. It had great jigsaw-puzzle-like detail in the torso with sequin detail and  gold metal trim. The design had draping, chiffon "skirt", arm and body straps as well as the India-influenced bindi and center part hair decoration.

It's very Zuhair Murad Spring 2011 Couture Meets Aishwarya Rai

It's a nice step up from some of her "Costume Koo-Koo" Short Program Costumes, including:

 Alena Leonova Short Program costume to "Pirates of the Caribbean" by Hans Zimmer, 2011-2012 Season

Alena Leonova Short Program costumes to "Polka" (Circus) by Alfred Schnittke and "La Strada" by Nino Rota, 2010-2011 Season

Caroline Zhang of USA: Caroline skated her Short Program to "The Rushing Wings of Dawn" by Tim Janis in this costume above. I think it's a very nice design. I like the black "leaf" applique with crystals strewn throughout. In the photo, the skin-colored illusion seems a bit off, in terms of color. I wish it was lighter--and I wish the armholes were much closer to her....armhole. Besides that, it was very nice.

For her Free Skate to "Nessun Dorma" by Giacomo Puccini, Zhang wore a dark purple stretch velvet and chiffon costume featuring sequin applique and nude crystal illusion. Once again, the nude illusion was off. By many shades. But, besides this, it was a nice costume try. I'd really LOVE to see Caroline and her costume designer "step it up" in terms of coming up with a pretty but yet still fashionably directional (and still appropriate for the program) look.

Gracie Gold of USA: Gracie--who got the Silver Medal overall at this weekend's "Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012"--skated her Short Program to "Hernando's Hideaway" by various artists. Her costumes for both the Short Program and Free Skate were designed by Brad Griffies. I think this red one above is just great! The juxtaposition of the solid fabric vs. the small-to-large sequin detail is very nice. The costume fits the requirements (for me) of looking a little bit "Red Carpet Couture" and at the same time, still giving a Figure Skating Costume "homage".

For her Free Skate to Life is Beautiful soundtrack by Nicola Piovan, Gracie wore this bright blue and sequin costume designed to look strapless--with nude illusion at the upper chest and neck. It was very pretty. Nothing costume "earth shattering", but yes, very pretty. Good job on both costumes! An overall 8.5...out of 10, I would say.

Viktoria Helgesson of Sweden: For her Free Skate--in this costume--Viktoria skated to "Spellbound Concerto" by Miklos Rozsa. This baby blue costume is pretty  and has elements of both Lebanese Couture dressmaking (the likes of Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab)--and yes, PAGEANT GOWNS. And that's why, I like it.

Polina Korobeynikova of Russia: Polina skated her Free Skate to Music from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky. I cannot understand what this costume above had anything to do with Swan Lake or Tchaikovsky. It looks a bit half-hazard, kooky and too Cirque du Soleil for such a classic number.

Agnes Zawadzki of USA: Agnes--the other Medal Podium American--who got the Bronze at the "Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012" skated her Free Skate to Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the Boston Pops Orchestra. Her Costume was designed by Pat Pearsall. I thought this was a very well done costume. The crystal effect down the torso, bust and wrist area was excellent. As a whole, the design--and costume--looked very European and chic.

Kiira Korpi of Finland: Kiira skated to Music from the Once Upon a Time in America soundtrack by Ennio Morricone. I talked about this costume HERE on my "Cup of China 2012" Blog Posting and essentially, I LIKEY.



***Next Up: The Pairs and Ice Dance of the "Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012"!