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--Trophee Eric Bompard 2012--Costume Recap of the MEN

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Trophee Eric Bompard 2012--Costume Recap of the MEN

Bonjour Paris!

Jeremy Abbott of USA skating his Free Skate at Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 at the Omnisports Bercy, Paris, France

This weekend was the next in a series of international figure skating competitions, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. Elite skaters from all over the world are entered in the individual events either by being seeded or
by invitation. The seeding of top skaters at Grand Prix events basically
takes into account their placement from the previous World
Championships, as well as their ISU international ranking. Skaters who
are not seeded can be invited by the hosting country and each country
can invite up to three of their own skaters for each discipline. This is
to give a balanced field throughout the series, as well as allowing the
hosting country a chance to showcase their top competitors.

We started with Skate America, Skate Canada International, Cup of China, Rostelecom Cup (Russia) and now, it's France for the Trophee Eric Bompard 2012. The French installment of the Grand Prix of Figure Skating is held at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, often abbreviated as POPB or Bercy, an indoor sports arena and concert hall on boulevard de Bercy located
in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. But enough of the where, how and when...it's time for my Costume Recap. Let's begin with the MEN:

Jeremy Abbott of USA: Last month for my "Skate America" blog, I discussed this hot little costume that Jeremy Abbott wears for his Short Program to "Spy" by Nathan Lanier.  Here's what I said back then: I really LIKED this costume. The asymmetrical holster--very Hipster Fashionista, the slick back hair, the (almost) fingerless gloves...

For his Free Skate to "Bring Him Home" performed by Steven Jamail --the song "Bring Him Home" is from "Les Misérables" and as some theater-aficionados know, is probably Valjean's best known solo, where he is begging for God to save Marius and send Marius home to him and Cosette. Abbott's costume does give a nod to the clothing worn during 19th Century France with the puffed-sleeve shirt and waist wrap/cummerbund. The colors are rather drab but it's understandable knowing what the song is about and the theme. And also, as a skater and when it comes to his costumes, Jeremy tends to stick to a very safe and masculine style.  I'm not sure we'll be seeing frills, ruffles, Swarovski crystals and feathers a la Weir or Lysacek any time soon from him. With that being said...it doesn't mean I, for one, can't wish he would. At least once! But for this program he stays true to the theme and it works. On another note: CONGRATULATIONS for getting the Silver at Trophee Eric Bompard 2012! Good job Jeremy!



And speaking of frills and Swarovski Crystals...

Brian Joubert of France: Little French Hottie McHottie Joubert skated to Music from the Inception soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.The costume features a unique lace-mesh top and a very impressive sequined "exploding heart" right on the chest. I'm not sure what it all means and how it pertains to the film but I am sure someone who's an "Inception"-buff would quickly school me here if they want to.

 Ken Watanabe and Marion Cotillard in "Inception"

This is the style of costume that is becoming more and more popular with European and Japanese skaters. And I, for one, am all for it! I think it works especially well for Joubert who is known as an athletic-style skater. It helps to bring a visually artistic and more delicate side to his rather masculine approach to skating. I'm sure this isn't an accident amongst his "team" in creating his entire look for the season.

Nan Song of China: He skated his Free Skate to "Symphony No. 4" and "Romeo and Juliet Overture" by Tchaikovsky in this red and black satin and velvet costume with crystals, insets, and criss-cross and pointed details. I appreciate the color and Barry Manilow "At The Copa...Copacabana" aspect of this costume, but it all looks so 1984. It's like they went to the "Figure Skating Costume Archives" and dragged this out from the back of a now-retired male figure skaters suitcase. It's just so polyester-y and two seconds away from a "Carnival Cruise Ship" Dinner Theater Show.

 Pass the Paella: Japanese figure skater Takahito Mura skating his Short program to

"Malaguena" by Ernesto Lecuona

Takahito Mura of Japan: I've already discussed the costumes that Japanese figure skater Takahito Mura has worn during this 2012-2-13 Grand Prix Season for both his Short Program and Free Skate. You can read my reviews HERE. But since he did win the Gold at Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 this weekend, I felt that he--and his costumes--should be included.

Above is his Spanish Bullfighter-themed costume he wore to his Short Program to "Malaguena" by Ernesto Lecuona. I liked it overall-the beading and jeweled trim on the shoulders, neck and side pant panels were fantastic and the shot of blood red in his waist sash was just right for the music and fiery skate.

For his Free Skate to Music from the TV series Shogun, he wore this above. I also reviewed this already HERE and I also liked it. And from looking at the metallic grommeted details throughout the top of the costume in the top right photo, I am now an even bigger fan!

Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver Medalist  Jeremy Abbott of USA, Gold Medalist Takahito Mura of Japan and Bronze Medalist Florent Amodio of France, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 at
Omnisports Bercy, Paris, France

***Up Next--The Ladies Costume Recap of Trophee Eric Bompard 2012