ICE STYLE.....ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals 2015/2016 Barcelona: Costumes Recap & Highlights PAIRS and ICE DANCE

ICE STYLE.....ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals 2015/2016 Barcelona: Costumes Recap & Highlights PAIRS and ICE DANCE

Pairs and Ice Dance Grand Prix: Costume Collage of Pairs and Ice Dance at the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals Barcelona

This past weekend were the Finals of the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating which were held in Barcelona Spain. The top skaters in various disciplines competed for the top titles.  I've discussed many of the costumes during this season's Grand Prix series here on my blog. Just go to the "Search" section (on the right of this blog) under "Ice Style" and you'll find them all.

2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix Final Barcelona Spain

So...it's time to recap some of the costumes from the PAIRS and ICE DANCE skaters. I'll do a blog on the LADIES and MEN afterward...



PAIRS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top Three Pairs: (L to R) Silver medalists Duhamel and Radford of Canada; Russia's gold medalists Stolbova and Klimov; bronze medalists from Russia Kavaguti and Smirnov--2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Barcelona Spain

Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford Canada: For their Short Program to Your
Song by Elton John, performed by Ewan McGregor. I loved the bright red
color and the criss-cross gathered draping in her costume's torso. I also liked
that Eric's shirt and tank matched hers and especially his crystal buttons. Oh
and can I add, HOW HOT does Eric look with that five o-clock shadow??!! Welcome
to the beard club darling.

Free Skate to Hometown
Glory by Adele: Great multi jeweled neckline piece on Meagan's costume
and I loved the back detail. One word: Exquisite.

Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov: Short Program (top)
to I Put a Spell on You performed by
Annie Lennox, I loved their costumes,
especially hers. She wore a black high-neck costume with a exposed side with
sequined side straps. Modern and Skating Chic.

For their Free Skate (lower photo) to Man and Shadow (The Unknown Known soundtrack) by Danny Elfman, Stolbova and Klimov wore these post-modern directional costumes. I liked these costumes,
especially her gathered and criss-cross ribbon look; very modern, very chic,
once again.  

Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov: Kavaguti and Smirnov wore these costumes for their Free Skate to Manfred Symphony by Petr I. Tchaikovski. I was more of a fan of HIS costume than hers. I liked his sheer chiffon and sequined top with sexy black pants. But for some reason, her costume looked dated and way too traditional (compared to his). I also wasn't a fan of that neck piece.

Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim USA: These are the costumes they wore for their Short Program to Nothing Else Matters by Metallica. These were the prefect costumes to wear for such a program. I liked her studded 80's-like bustier and his outfit, in particular, looked Rocker-Fab! Especially his finger-less leather gloves and studded belt.

ICE DANCE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte Italy: For their Short Dance to The Merry Widow by Franz Lehar, they wore these costumes. I thought these were very effective for the music. I liked the gathered tulle detail of her neckline and his "uniform"-like look was very nice.

Free Dance to La Dolce Vita by Nino Rota Soundtrack: I was also a big fan of these costumes. Her black sequined "strapless" costume was very Retro and Glam and I liked the white tulle underskirt. Luca looked sexy and very Hot Italiano in his white tuxedo shirt-and-black pant ensemble.

Madison Chock and
Evan Bates USA: Skated
their Short Dance to More by Andrea
Bocelli and Unchained Melody by
Il Divo in these looks above. I thought that Madison--as always--looked beautiful and so
feminine in this ultramarine blue dress. I liked the intricate gathering and
draping at the torso and how the multicolored sequins were used in strategic
locations. I also liked the contrast color of the underskirt. Evan's tuxedo
with tails was sharp and I appreciated how his pocket hankie was the same color
as Madison's
dress. And I REALLY appreciated him slicking his hair back and at least giving
the impression of being a little more "formal" and fancy.

Free Dance to Concerto No. 2 Adagio by Sergei Rachmaninov and Concerto No. 2 Allegro by Sergei Rachmaninov: I really liked these costumes worn by USA'a Chock and Bates. Her one shoulder ombre shaded dress was pretty and ethereal. But he was really the (Costume) star here with his asymmetrical neckline side draped top. 

Maia and Alex Shibutani USA: For their Short Dance to Coppelia by Leo Delibes, these are the costumes they wore. I was at first a bit surprised at the "Prom Princess"-like look of Maia's pink and sequin costume. But as the routine was being performed, I realized that it was very "Coppelia" a fit the dance perfectly. Alex look great, by the way. I would have liked for his costume to be a bit more "designed", but overall they both looked great.

Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje Canada: Weaver and Poje skated their Short Dance to "The Blue Danube" and "Annepolka" by Johann Strauss in these gorgeous costumes. These were stupendous. I loved both his and hers. very Luxe and very Skating Couture.

Free Dance to On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter and Run by Ludovico Einaudi: For their Free Dance at the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix Finals, Canada's Weaver and Poje wore these blue-gray ombre draped costumes. I absolutely loved them. This was a costume change from what they wore for the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia:

Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2015

The new costumes were beautiful, modern, ethereal and drape-gorgeous!

**NEXT UP: The LADIES and MEN Costume HIGHLIGHTS of the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 

ICE STYLE.....NHK Trophy 2015 Figure Skating Costumes Recap! LADIES, MEN, PAIRS

ICE STYLE.....NHK Trophy 2015 Figure Skating Costumes Recap! LADIES, MEN, PAIRS

Skating Couture: Highlights of some of the figure skating costumes seen at the NHK Trophy 2015, Nagano Japan

This past weekend was the last of six events on the 2015-2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions in advance of the Grand Prix Finals. The event was the 2015 NHK Trophy and it was held in Nagano, Japan. I've covered my Figure Skating Costumes Highlights of 2015 Skate Canada HERE, 2015 Cup of China HERE, and the 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia HERE, so now, of course, it's time to talk about some of the costumes from 2015 NHK Trohpy.



Let's start with the LADIES:

Top Three: (L to R) Silver medalist Courtney Hicks of USA; gold medalist Satoko Miyahara of Japan; and bronze medalist Mao Asada of Japan--2015 NHK Trophy Nagano Japan

Mao Asada Japan: I've discussed Mao Asada's Free Skate Costume HERE so I wanted to talk about her Short Program costume 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.

Satoko Miyahara Japan: Gold medal winner Satoko Miyahara skated her Short Program to Firedance from "Riverdance" by Bill Whelan. She 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 sophisticatedsince she is all but a mere 17-years old. But I do appreciate the beautifully tiered skirt and the fantastic skate that won her the gold!

Courtney Hicks USA: Silver medalist Courtney Hicks wore this costume for her Free Skate to Elizabeth The Golden Age (soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong and A.R. Rahman. The costume featured bright canary yellow fabrication with multicolored sequin work. There were color and style nods to the grand mustard yellow costume worn by actress Cate Blanchett in the "Elizabeth The Golden Age" film. And I did like the subtle tiara in her updo hairstyle. 

Short Program to The Feeling Begins by Peter Gabriel: I really liked this costume on Courtney. The color, the sequin work, the design. And her elegant hairstyle. She looked like a top skater wearing a chic modern costume. Well done.

Ashley Wagner USA: I've written about her Free Skate costume HERE so it was time to talk about her Short program to Hip Hip Chin Chin performed by Club des Belugas. Especially since...she changed it! Can you spot the difference between the left and the right photos above? The left is the new costume and the right is the one she wore previously at Skate Canada 2015 Grand Prix. Similar silhouettes but the new one is much more "Haute" for sure.

 Before: The previous Short Program costume was a halter neckline black number with a simple stretch chiffon skirt, featuring subtle sequin detail--and that back sequin stripe...

After: The newer Short Program costume was much more designed, more sophisticated, more FABULOUS! I loved the fringe skirt and I especially liked the degrade effect of the front torso crystals. This, kids is what a well-done, EXPENSIVE figure skating costume looks like! Very good.

Alena Leonova Russia: Alena skated her Free Skate to Summertime performed by Carmen McRae, Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley, In Other Words by April Stevens, Sing Sing Sing performed by the Andrew Sisters in this fun costume above. I liked the bias-cut plaid in the torso/midriff and how it continued onto the skirt. The rest of the costume featured a gathered top with crystals, a red rose at the waist, gloves and arm feathers. This was fun and appropriate with the music.

Short Program to Smile performed by Nat King Cole, Overture - Unveiling the Statue (City Lights soundtrack) by Carl Davis, Terry's Theme (from Limelight soundtrack) by Charlie Chaplin: I also like Leonova's Short Program costume. She always has a knack for making a statement when it comes to her costumes and this little number was no exception. The minute I saw her on the ice I thought "Charlie Chaplin", and lo and behold, that's what she was skating to. I think that's a good thing.

Anna Pogorilaya Russia: Anna skated her Short program to Bolero for Violin and Orchestra by Walter Taieb and Vanessa Mae wearing this wine-red costume. The design featured nude illusion sections with red pieces intertwined. The costume was VERY Anna and very daring. 

Mirai Nagasu USA: Mirai skated her Free Skate to The Great Gatsby (soundtrack). This was the perfect costume interpretation of that film. There were Art Deco-like sequins, flapper-like details, the 1920's headpiece. The costume itself was pretty stunning and I also loved the crystal wristbands/cuffs. 

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

Yuzuru Hanyu Japan: First off, Yuzuru did AMAZING!!!! His Free Skate at this past weekend's 2015 NHK Trophy was EVERYTHING! Now, back to the costumes...Yuzuru skated his Short Program to the same music he skated to last season Ballade No. 1 op. 23 in G minor by Frederic Chopin but his 2014-2015 Season costume was slightly different. See if you can spot the difference. The top photo is the newer version which he wore at the 2015 NHK Trophy. In the newer costume, his cummerbund is copper as opposed to black and the top/blouse is a more subtle ombre shading and features panels (on the midriff side and sleeves) of gold. 

PAIRS-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford Canada: Gold medal winning Pairs couple Duhamel and Radford skated their Short Program to Your Song by Elton John, performed by Ewan McGregor. I loved the bright red color and the criss-cross gathered draping in her costume's torso. I also liked that Eric's shirt and tank matched hers and especially his crystal buttons. Oh and can I add, HOW HOT does Eric look with that five o-clock shadow??!! Welcome to the beard club darling.

Free Skate to Hometown Glory by Adele: Great multi jeweled neckline piece on Meagan's costume and I loved the gathered halter neckline detail.

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres France: James and Cipres of France skated their Short Program to Hometown Glory by Adele. Now, I love a unitard/jumpsuit. Especially a good one. And this one on Vanessa is a fabulous one. I like the heavy sequin neckline and wrist detail as well as the faux leather shoulder and high-hip accents. And yes, Morgan looks hot in his costume. All that faux leather strapping and criss-cross belting is very Leather Bar Lite. And I likey.

ICE STYLE.....2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia: Figure Skating Costumes Highlights--Ladies, Men, Pairs & Ice Dance!

ICE STYLE.....2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia: Figure Skating Costumes Highlights--Ladies, Men, Pairs & Ice Dance!

 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia

The fifth in the 2015-2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition event was held this past weekend: the 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia. The competition was held at the Small Sports Arena of Luzhniki in Moscow Russia. In my continued love of figure skating--and particular--figure skating costumes--I have already discussed Skate Canada 2015, Cup of China 2015 and now it's time for the Rostelecom Cup of Russia 2015...

 Russia Skating: 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia 

 Here are my Costumes Recap/Highlights...Let's begin with the LADIES:

 I Won!--Russian figure skater Elena Radionova reacts as she relaizes she has won the gold medal--2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia 

Elena Radionova Free Skate: Elena skated 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. There were also small fluttery "cap sleeves" hanging over the shoulders/arms. 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.

Short Program to "Je T'aime" by Laura Fabian: I actually loved this peach colored costume worn by Elena for her Short program. The top section was quite exquisite and the back (lower left photo) was quite beautiful. I also kind of liked the wrist "bracelet" details that were actually nude gloves with bejeweled details.

Evgenia Medvedeva Short Program: Russian Evgenia Medvedeva skated her Short program to Melodies of the White Nights (soundtrack) by Isaak Schwarz wearing 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: 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.

Adelina Sotnikova Free Skate: Sochi Olympics gold medalist Adelina Sotnikova skated her Free Skate to "Je Suie Malade" by Laura Fabian. besides the fact of the timely importance of this theme and skate--and costume--I liked this look for her. The costume--black gathered netting coming from a multicolored heart--looked modern, chic and right--for the skate and music. It also reminded me of the Valentino Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear gown below:

Valentino Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear

 Russian Triple Trophy Win--(L to R) Evgenia Medvedeva silver medal, Elena Radionova gold medal, Adelina Sotnikova bronze medal--2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia

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

 Javier Fernandez Spain: Javier won the gold in Men's at the 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia. This, above, is what he wore for his Free Skate. Click HERE for my comments.

Adam
Rippon USA Free Skate: Adam skated his Free Skate to a Beatles Medley including "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". I liked this costume.
It showed off his fat-free figure (is it OK to say "figure" for men?)
and at the same time had design hints of the iconic Beatles Sgt. Pepper music.
He wore this...

 At "Skate Canada 2015" and I wondered HERE what, if anything, it had to do with the music, theme, and his skate. Needless to say, I was glad he made the change.

Adian Pitkeev Russia Free Skate: 2015 Rostelecom Silver medalist Adian Pitkeev skated his Free Skate to The Mission (soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone. I thought this was an appropriate costume to this skate and music. I liked the deep keyhole and light diamante crystal sequin detail. It also fit him very well. 

Ross Miner USA: For Ross Miner's Short Program, he wore this black and slate-gray costume outfit for "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel. I am normally not a fan of the black short/trousers look for ANYONE--man, pairs male partner...you name it! But I liked this on Ross. I think what I liked the most were his pants; at the very least, they were design-interesting. Now...what can we do about that Ross-Dress-For-Less belt?

PAIRS-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kristen Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro of Canada: For their Free Skate to "Romeo and Juliet (soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong", I liked this coordinating ombre lilac costumes. Her mini-crown was on-trend and the sequin work on her costume--in particular--was very good.

Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov Russia Free Skate: For these Russian Pairs' Free Skate to Man and Shadow (The Unknown Known soundtrack) by Danny Elfman, they wore these post-modern directional costumes. I liked these costumes, especially her gathered and criss-cross ribbon look; very modern, very chic. 



ICE DANCE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje Canada: For their Short Dance to "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss. I loved these costumes worn by Canadians Weaver and Poje. He looked regal, dapper. And she looked very Haute. Both were a vision of costume perfection.

Free Dance to On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter and Run by Ludovico Einaudi: Modern, chic and so right! I also liked these costumes worn by Weaver and Poje for their Free Dance, especially her one shoulder black and nude illusion sequin dress. Modern, chic and the perfect accompaniment to the program.