London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

Fashion Catwalking as an Olympic Sport:

London 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Fashion Tableaux

This past Sunday signaled the end of the London 2012 Olympics with the Closing Ceremony. There was A LOT of criticism out there in the social media/Facebook/Twitter-sphere regarding the NBC telecast of the Closing Ceremony--from the Tom Brokaw WW II "History Lesson" to the cutting off of The Who performance in lieu of watching a prepubescent boy band and a full episode of NBC's Animal Practice...but I thought London put on an amazing show--notwithstanding the criticized NBC edits. I thought it was TEN times better than the Danny Boyle Opening Ceremony and certainly much more exciting. But that's just me...

Torino Olympics Flashback: Nick Verreos--in major Torino gear--at the Closing Ceremony, Torino 2006 Winter Olympics

Six years ago, my NIKOLAKI-partner-for-life David Paul and I attended the Torino Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony. It was good but NOT London 2012 Closing Ceremony good!! I think the highlight of the Torino one was Ricky Martin--he was VERY big then and performed his "Ole Ole Ole...Cup of Life" song! But the London Closing Ceremony was a major celebration of British Music, dance, the 80's (George Michael AND Pet Shop Boys! I felt like I was 19 all over again!!!). And then, what really made me get up and start doing my "Nick Runway Walk" in my TV room was when they brought out the Supermodels and the Super Fashion! Now here's a surefire way to get a fashion designer's attention! Thank you Closing Ceremony Producers.

Catwalk Fierce: (left to right) Models Stella Tennant, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn and David Gandy (model Lily Donaldson is hidden behind Gandy)

The Closing Ceremony Fashion Spectacle began as eight big "billboard trucks" made their way into the
Olympic Stadium. To the musical backdrop of David Bowie’s "Fashion", the black and white billboards were pulled back and BAM!, the billboards fell away to reveal the gold-clad models--all Top British Models wearing Top British Fashion Designer's couture.

Liza Minnelli Envy: Stella Tennant in a gold sequined suit from fashion designer Christopher Kane

Golden Gorgeous: (left to right) The only male model in the Closing Ceremony Olympics Catwalk, David Gandy in gold lurex suit by Paul Smith with Jourdan Dunn  in a Stephen Jones feathered headdress and Jonathan Saunders ivory jersey with gold lame column gown; Karen Elson  in a slit-up-to-there gold strappy gown from the House of Burberry.

Fitted, Short and Sweet: (left to right) Model Lily Donaldson in a corseted bust-pushing gown from Vivienne Westwood; Lily Cole in a gold brocade and lace knee-length dress from Erdem

Sequined Super: one of the MAJAH SUPER Models in the group--the one and only Kate Moss wore a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen bias cut golden sequin gown with cap sleeves and scooped neckline. She SLITHERED on the runway like it was 1994 kids!!

Flared Blue Blood: Georgia May Jagger (yes, Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger's beautiful daughter) in gold silk gazar a-line dress from Victoria Beckham--there was criticism on the web-o-sphere about Beckham being included here as one of the "Top" iconic British Fashion designers, and some people suspected that this might have been a "requirement" of sorts--contractually, if she was to perform with the rest of her Spice Girls...who knows...I think it was a very pretty dress.

La Diva: And finally, Miss Naomi. Yes, kids, it wouldn't be a British Fashion Show to End all British Fashion Shows WITHOUT Miss Naomi Campbell. And she delivered darlings. Campbell STOMPED onto the London 2012 Closing Ceremony catwalk showing EVERYONE why she is who she is and why she can throw cell phones at anyone she wants---in an iridescent golden tulle dress from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

The gown was very Olympics Warrior Goddess and naturally, included a dramatic and very long train.

Cheers to British Fashion, British Models and yes, the London 2012 Olympics!

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Synchronized Swimming Costumes--All the Bezazzled Haute Couture!

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Synchronized Swimming Costumes--All the Bezazzled Haute Couture!

Campy Costumes, Shellacked Hair, Over-the-Top Makeup...it's not RuPaul's Drag Race, it's Olympics Synchronized Swimming!

The London 2012 Olympics are coming to an end (insert sad face) and while there are a lot of things I will miss--fashion and non-fashion-wise: those low-slung men's swim trunks (OMG Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Tom Daley!), the ball-tossing Rhythmic Gymnastics and the bravado of those men's track-and-field DIVOS (Yes, Usain Bolt, I am talking to you!). There's also things I won't miss, particularly those DRAB-as-DRAB-can-be gray Nike hooded parkas that the Gold-winning US Gymnastics Team wore on the Medal Podium. But back to the positive: somehow I missed discussing those AMAZING swimsuits/costumes from the Olympics Synchronized Swimming competitions.

Synchronized Swimming occurred all last week and yes, I was watching. How could I not be: I was entranced by all the campy, bedazzled over-the-top looks from all the international teams. I don't remember them always being so Swarovski crystal KRAZEE but I am happy that they are! Let's take a look at my favorite looks:

Russia's Ishchenko and Romashina--who clinched the Gold as expected in the Duets Competition--did a fabulous routine wearing Michael Jackson-bedazzled silver and black leotards. These were simply INCREDIBLE! I want a Swimsuit company to put these out and sell them! Imagine the next time at your Princess Cruises vacation and coming out to the pool and seeing a girl in one of these! I would run to her and give her a Fashion Medal! 

Fashion Grade: A

Argentina: The South American duet wore halter-necklined gold, white and black swimsuits that gave a trompe l'oeil effect of a vest on top of a leotard. And yes, the vest was bedazzled, of course.

Fashion Grade: B

Austria: The Austrian Synchronized Swimming Pair wore dirdnl-inspired swimsuits (naturally, it's AUSTRIA for goodness sakes!) but there was a bit of España as well. The bold red and black colors plus the faux lacing on the sides all added for an imaginitive way to inject a little bit (or a LOT!) of national costume/folklore into their performance.

Fashion Grade: A-

Canada: I call these the "Harlequin Romance Girls" ---These one-shoulder looking swimsuits were a TEN in terms of use of bold color, campy effect and great costume execution. One word: LOVE! Next Olympics, though, I would DIE to see them somehow wear Canadian Mountie bedazzled costumes/swimsuits. Please?

Fashion Grade: A

France: The French duet team went with more of a swirly-patterned costume/swimsuit for this portion of the competition. I do like the colors--rose, bubblegum pink, lemon yellow and black--and the (somewhat) delicate beading at the edges of the swirl applique. They're not Michael Jackson Fab but a good "costume effort" for France.

Fashion Grade: B+

Greece: My Greek "sisters" were not letting the sad economic depression occurring back in their country impede their choice of costume and use of fun bold colors. I enjoy the whole "SHAZAMM!!" effect of the swimsuits and rather large crystals. 

Fashion Grade: A-

Italy: Wow. Favoloso Italia!! These neon green and purple beaded swimsuits/costumes were BY FAR one of my favorites of the entire Olympics Synchronized Swimming Competition. They looked like Sea Creatures in a Gay Pride/Cirque du Soleil parade!!

Fashion Grade: A

Kazakhstan: This pair gave you tuxedos for their swimsuits/costumes. I like how the creators/designers incorporated the eyeglasses and the chain attached to them as if they are coming out of the tuxedo vest. There are SO many ingenious details in these swimsuits--notice the "braces"/suspenders and "cropped" pinstripe bottoms. Excellently designed costumes.

Fashion Grade: A

USA: The US finished 11th in the Final Duet Results but these costumes were one of the Top ones for me. They were subtle and rather "discreet" on the Synchronized Swimming Swimsuit Campy Meter. I really liked the bold Olympic Torch design and how it was "front-and-center" standing out against a white and light blue backdrop of the swimsuit.

Fashion Grade: A-

South Korea: These costumes were very colorful and almost had hints of Boho Hippie Chick Tye Dye in them. Were there better costumes worn by the other athletes? Yes. But this was a "good costume show" for them.

Fashion Grade: B-

Mexico: The Mexican Synchronized Swimming Duet team was feeling very "Animal"-inspired with these set of swimsuits/costumes. Both featured animals of some kind. The first (top) photo had a fish and a tiger--in a neon bubblegum pink and neon green trimmed background while the second suits (bottom) had wolves; bedazzled ones at that! Theses were my favorite ones of the two. But for both, they get a...

Fashion Grade: A

Spain: These Spanish ladies wore two of my favorite swimsuits/costumes of the entire Synchronized Swimming Duet Competition. I could barely choose a BEST between the Flamenco polka-dotted suits and then, the red Sevillana one shoulder "Carmen" numbers directly above. They were both elegant, chic, striking and muy, pero muy fabuloso. Olé!

Fashion Grade: A

Switzerland: When I took a look at these sequined swimsuits, all I kept thinking about was ABBA's "Money, Money, Money" song! In case you're wondering, yes kids, those ARE dollar bills imprinted on their costumes,in light green and neon yellow and done to look like the top of a side-exposing dress. I absolutely LOVE these!

Fashion Grade: A

Russia: Finally, the Gold-medal winning duet from Russia and their cherry-cheeked clown costumes. They were Campy, Sequin-Fab and I do like that they embraced the theme right down to the painted-on oversized eyelashes and hair accessories. They looked EXACTLY like the pretty clown in their swimsuits/costumes.

Fashion Grade: A

Congratulations Ladies and Thank you for Bedazzling my TV screen this past week! 

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Rhythmic Gymnastics Leotards Dazzle!

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Rhythmic Gymnastics Leotards Dazzle!

Bedazzled Hoops and Balls...

Ukraine: Ganna Rizatdinova holds her ball while she displays her lilac and purple with nude illusion mesh and crystal costume

I am OBSESSED with Rhythmic Gymnastics. Why? It's like Figure Skating but without the ice and ice skates.I especially LOVE it because I am a big fan of ballet (my distant family member was Dame Margot Fonteyn in case you didn't know so it's sort of in my blood!) and of course, I am a big fan of bedazzled leotard costumes. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a sport that combines ballet, gymnastics and dance, and apparatus manipulation--as in a ball, hoop, rope, clubs, ribbon. The London Olympics 2012 Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition began on August 9th and ends on the 11th. So, we are just beginning to see some of the bedazzled, semi-campy costumes that will surely be Olympic Fashion Moments for years to come. The costumes are very similar to Figure Skating--in that there's a lot of crystals, nude illusion, and flirty "skirts" attached. But somehow, here in Rhythmic Gymnastics, the costumes are just well, taken up a notch. They're like Figure Skating Costumes...on Steroids!



Here were some of my Faves--and Not-So Faves from the first competitions:

Australia, Janine Murray: Lots of color, abstract designs, nude illusion, it's all good to me.  

Fashion Grade: 9.0 (out of 10)

Austria, Caroline Weber: How fab is this? She's from Austria AND she's wearing a bedazzled DIRNDL! It's like GAY OKTOBERFEST! I want a beer, some sauerkraut and sausages from her...like NOW!

Fashion Grade: 9.9

Egypt, Yazmine Mohmed Rosrom: Yes, kids you read right, this lovely girl is from Egypt!! And no, she's not covered up!  I really like BOTH her costumes worn for the Hoop Apparatus and Ball competitions. If I had to pick a favorite, I would say, it would be what she wore above for her Ball performance; even her nude leggings were an extension of her costume. This is taking the look to 110%. 

Fashion Grade: 9.7

Belarus, Liubou Chrakashyna: Liubou is Third after the Individual All-Around Qualification Competition. Her golden yellow and black costume was a little "Firebird" and a little "toddlers and Tiaras" for me. For some reason, it did not look as expensive as some of the others worn by the Olympic Rhythmic Gymnasts.

Fashion Grade: 7.7

China, Senyue Deng: For her Hoop Apparatus, Senyue Deng of China wore this, a red and green sequined stretch lace costume/leotard. I have to be honest here: I am not a fan. It looked a bit cheap, "Happy Hands At Home" and a bit dyslexic in terms of its hap-hazard design elements. Fashion Grade: 6.0

Cyprus, Chrystalleni Trikomiti: LOVE this blue and white costume from Cyprus' Chrystalleni Trikomiti. She looks like a Mythical Creature that was somehow born from the Mediterranean and Volcanic geography of Santorini. I also love that even her nails match her costume. Yassou Chrystalleni!

Fashion Grade: 9.0

Russia, Daria Dmitrieva: Russia's Dmitrieva is currently in the lead. This costume for her "ball" apparatus routine is well, "just there". It is elegant and subdued and I do like the ribbon effect in the sleeves. Fashion Grade: 8.9

Italy, Julieta Cantaluppi: Oh huney! Or, better yet "Mamma Mia!". Things I like: the bright fuchsia and purple colors but then somehow, after that, it went all things Bedazzled Wrong. This looks like one of them costumes you find at a stand in a coliseum at a Jr. Gymnastics Competition event. Can someone call Roberto Cavalli, the Emilio Pucci or Gucci design houses? And quickly. Fashion Grade: 6.5

Kazakhstan, Anna Alyabyeva: Love the black with deep magenta and silver designs in this costume. And, I think it's interesting that, instead of a skirt, the designer chose to add tassels instead. The "built-in" sequined necklace is great. It helps that she is so pretty to begin with. Fashion Grade: 9.2

South Korea, Yeon Jae Son: This costume on Korea's Yeon Jae Son is very intricate. There's A LOT going on, but it works for me. The multicolored beading looks expensive and the over-all silhouette is RICH. Fashion Grade: 9.5

Spain, Carolina Rodriguez: Purple and lilac are popular colors for Rhythmic Gymnastics at the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Spain's costume is VERY Figure Skating 101. Maybe that's why I like it. But...I still feel that there's TOO MUCH going on: the stretch lace, the ombre dyeing, the crystals, the nude illusion...How do you say "EDIT" in Español ? Fashion Grade: 8.8

Uzbekistan, Ulyana Trofimova: This is Cirque du Soleil Perfect! Yes, you might say there is a lot going on in this costume too, but it all works for me. The bright pink roses, the ombre blue, the degrade effect of the neckline circle detail...This is so far, one of my favorite looks for the London Olympics 2012 Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition. Fashion Grade: 9.7