Figure Skating Costume Minute: The Ice Dance Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute: The Ice Dance Costume Recap!

Yankee Polka, Swirling Skirts, Men in Black Pants, and Grecian Draping...

Top Three Ice Dance: (left to right) Silver medalists Ekaterina Bobrova & Dmitri Soloviev of Russia, gold
medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White of the USA, and bronze
medalists Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje of Canada show off their
medals in the awards ceremony during the Hilton HHonors Skate America 2012
competition at the ShoWare Center on October 21, 2012 in Kent,
Washington

Rounding out my "Nick Figure Skating Costume Minute" Recap on the costumes of this past weekend's 2012 Hilton HHonors Skate America competition---now, it's time for the Ice Dancers. In case you missed my last two postings on the subject, you can click HERE on my thoughts on the PAIRS and MEN'S and HERE for the LADIES. Now, for a little background (to those not "in the know"), there are two parts to the Ice Dancing Competition--the first being a Short Dance whose theme is chosen by the ISU/International Skating Union--the theme this year is "Yankee Polka" (Umm, OK, I guess!). And the second part of their Ice Dancing Competition is the Free Dance where they are allowed to chose music and theme but still do many required elements.




So, let's discuss the Ice Dancers--and their costumes:

Anastassia Cannuscio and Colin McManus of the USA/ Short Dance--For their "Yankee Polka" Short Dance to "Polka, Waltz", I LOVED her peach and pink ombre dyed dress. It was very old-school ballroom dancer; long flowy skirt, matching-color arm gloves and nice one shoulder applique. I also liked that she slicked her hair back to diffuse any attention away from the already colorful and intricate costume.

Now Colin, the tuxedo shirt and black pants...I know that this is par-for-the-course in Ice Dancing to have the man throw on a dress shirt and black pants and "call it a day" but seriously...It looks as if she was a guest at a fabulous wedding and she picked up the Best Man...at 2AM! I want to see something more from Colin. Maybe a jacket with a matching peach/pink skinny tie! Something.

Lorenza Alessandrini and Simone Vaturi Italy Short Dance--For their "Yankee Polka" Short Dance, their costumes were great. They tried. Thank you very much. They definitely brought the Mary Poppins theme to life. See how there are touches of her on him; the matching red neck scarf to start. In addition, Simono looks put together. It looks like a COSTUME. And her little red a-line skirted number--with ruffled blouse and underskirt--when she is done skating she can transform into the perfect "Alitalia Flight Attendant" uniform!

Lynn Kriengkrairut and Logan Giuletti-Schmitt of the USA (try typing on a blog, or saying that three times!)--They ended up Fourth overall after their Short Dance and Free Dance. For their "Ring of Fire" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Chris Isaak Short Dance, they were very "Walking The Line/Johnny and June Carter Cash" in their costumes. I thought she was "Two Step" great but Logan WORKED it!! Here's a warning, if he ever shows up in that at Oil Can's Harry in Studio City, he might get FIVE "lucky" dates!

For their Free Dance to Adele's "Turning Tables" and "Rumor Has It", I liked the plum/violet color used in her costume as well as the multi layered "skirt". He was "just there"--the dress shirt, vest and black pants: yawn--especially after that FAB Short Dance Belt Buckle Western Boy outfit!

Russsia's Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev--For their Free Skate, they skated to Ennio Morriconi's "Man With a Harmonica" from "Once Upon a Time in the West". These were "contemporary" costumes--modern, fresh; non-costume-y. I liked her "plunging" neckline and he looked modern and pretty hot. I am not usually a fan of the black pants on these Ice Dancing men, but here it worked (I think they might be Steel Grey?). I just get annoyed when she's in FULL COSTUME and Ice Dancing COUTURE and he...in a dress shirt and black pants. I call that an #IceDanceCostumeFail. But, like I said, here it worked. So much so, they got the SILVER at Skate America 2012. Hello.

Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Canada--For their Short Dance to "The Sound of Music", they wore lovely, "contemporary" costumes that one could have gotten from a department store. Her pale blue dress is pretty but there was nothing "'extra" special; it's like a cocktail dress from Macy's. He looked like he was part of the catering team at a wedding. It's SOUND OF MUSIC!!! I'd love to see more.

For their Free Dance, I got it. For their "Humanity in Motion" Free Dance costumes, they (well, at least she did) tried a little harder. I LOVE her draped "Grecian  Goddess"costume. It's very now and very sensual and right--for  the music and theme. I liked how polar opposite it was from her Short Dance costume. This one looked custom made. I'm not 100% on board with her continuing the pattern into the leggings, but I liked that she took a risk.

I guess all the costume money was spent on her, so for poor Andrew...he got the white dress shirt and black pants. #IceDancingCostumeFail.

Meryl Davis ans Charlie White of the USA--For their "Yankee Polka" Short Dance to "Giselle", they gave me COSTUMES!! PS: Yeayyy!!! Love her blue-and-white corseted "St. Pauli Girl" costume. Both her and Charlie looked great--and more importantly, appropriate for their Short Dance.

For their Free Dance to "Notre-Dame de Paris", they went a little more subdued--Meryl donned a maroon midriff corseted costume and Charlie...well, he went into his closet and got a black stretch long sleeve shirt and black pants. I would have LOVED to have seen a compatible COSTUME partner to Meryl's corseted damsel. A full-on period-piece three piece suit/vest/shirt ensemble on him might make me smile.

Figure Skating Costume Minute: Skate America 2012--The Ladies Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute: Skate America 2012--The Ladies Costume Recap!

Color FAB Ladies...

Ladie's Medal Podium at 2012 Hilton HHonors Skate America: (Left to Right) Christina Gao (Silver Medal), Ashley Wagner (Gold Medal) and Adelina Sotnikova (Bronze Medal)

This past weekend was the 2012 Hilton HHonors Skate America, the first of six events of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating senior-level invitational competitions. As you may know, I LOVE me some Figure Skating and yes, especially the costumes. On my last post, I did my recap of the Pairs and Men's Costumes and what I thought of them--some very good, some a little bit lackluster (I 'm talking to you my beloved Jeremy Abbott!). So now, it seems fitting to discuss THE LADIES:

 

Ashley Wagner skated to "Red Violin" for her Short Program--Ashley got the First Place score for this Short Program. Now, let's discuss her maroon costume. This was a perfect situation of needing to view the costume in motion and in the context of the routine. In the still photo above, the swirl crystal effect on the bodice was nice but looked a bit "I Can Find It at a Local Figure Skating Shop" look to it--the evenly spread-out sequins on the "skirt" portion also looked a little  bit ''Jr. Skater". But, when you watch the video of the short program, you understand her more simplistic approach to the costume. It had a modern, balletic appeal and I loved the back straps which looked like violin strings.

Well, Kids, for the Free Skate, Ashley gave me my "I Want More!" wish: Wagner skated to "Samson and Delilah" for her Free Skate--From the moment she stepped on the ice, I was like "Oh Ashley!". This was FIGURE SKATING COUTURE. 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:

Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad at the Emmys 2012 and model in Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010

Some might argue that it may have been a bit too much but I disagree, it was just right; I LOVED it. Oh, and did you guys notice the subliminal "Gold Medal" in her neckline design? Yeah, I did. And guess what, it worked: she won the Gold. This costume is a WINNER in my Costume Book Ashley--do not change a thing!

Christina Gao skated to "Close Without Touch" for her Short Program--This was a nice costume for the 18-year old Gao. I liked the asymmetrical neckline, the deep violet color was luxe and so was the flower beaded applique. Between this and her Long Program costumes, I liked this one better. Now, speaking of her Long Program costume:

Christina skated to "Libertango" for her Free Skate--Overall, Christina got the Silver Medal at Skate America 2012, which is great, especially since Ashley Wagner got the Gold so it was a Top Two Win for the USA. My thoughts on her costume: it was OK. The color was perfect for the theme but it was odd to see such restrained elegance in her Short Program Costume and then this for her Long. The too-heavy beading on the bust section was disconcerting and well, looked cheap (sorry). I'm also not a fan of the choker detail on these costumes. It's so 1992.

16-year old Adelina Sotnikova skated to "Capriccio Espagnol" for her Short Program--Three words: Muy Bueno Señorita. I liked this costume. It was capricious (as the title of this classical piece suggests) in its applique detail and shaped motif. I liked that the crystals highlighted the edges of the torso, bodice and neckline and yes, I always love a red flower on the hair--especially if we're dealing with an España theme.  

Adelina's Free Skate to "Tough Lover" from the "Burlesque" Soundtrack sung by Christina Aguilera was a bit risque for a 16 year old, but I couldn't help but be entranced by her costume. It was very "Dancing With The Stars", but the quality and proportions were fantastic. I loved the layered nude under cobalt blue illusion top and the fun feathered skirt; and it also had a FANTASTIC back:

Adelina Sotnikova "giving you back": 2012 Hilton HHonors Skate America 

Rachael Flatt skated to "East of Eden" for her Short Program--This costume on Rachael exudes glamour, elegance and restrained Hollywood Red Carpet. The deep-V neckline is great, the heavy-to-light sequin effect at the side looks expensive and the color is especially effective against her porcelain skin color.

Rachael skated to "Firebird" for her Free Skate--I really like this costume on Rachael. If this was a Russian skater, this costume would have been "Carnival Cruise Kra-Kra-Krazee" but this was a more subdued "Firebird"--especially after what she wore at Rostelecom/Cup of Russia last year:

 Rachael Flatt's "Firebird" Costume at Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011

But by the time she reached the National Championships earlier this year, she had switched to the more subdued costume (she is doing a repeat and skating to the same program as last year).  I love it. I think it is elegant, impacting and is a perfect reflection of the music. Rachael is one of those skater's that has an innate sense of style and although she doesn't always get it right (Hello: Cup of Russia!) she figures it out and adjusts to make it right. Now let's just hope she can do the same with her skating.

Viktoria Helgesson of Sweden skated to "My Funny Valentine" for her Short Program--I had "mixed" feelings with this costume. I appreciated the nicely-done sequined jeweled detail at the bust as well as the silhouette. I also liked that it was an homage (either overt or not-really-knowing) to Gianni Versace and his 1991-1992 Collection:

Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 1991-1992

But I think what perplexed me where the "car wash" flaps on the "skirt" section of Viktoria's costume. The designer should have stayed more in line with the the actual Versace sample in the above photos.

Alena Leonova skated to "Jai Ho!" for her Short Program--Alena always knows how to bring the drama and some Cra-Cra to her costumes. It was colorful, hinted at the Bollywood theme and certainly makes you take notice of her. Alena is known as a Costume Diva--lest we forget her...

 "Pirates of the Caribbean" get-up from the ISU 2012 World Championships and...

"Polka (Circus)" from the 2010/2011 Short Program

For this Skate America 2012 Short Program, the contrast of the deep purple with the golden yellow gathered and crystal'ed sash was fabulous in only a way that Alena can pull off. I love all the details--down to the Henna-like tattoos and faux diamond statement making necklace. She was a Miss India and Bollywood Actress...on Ice Skates. Over the top? Yes! But, I don't expect anything less from her. Keep it up Alena!




** Next Up: My "Skate America 2012" Ice Dancers Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute: Skate America 2012 Pairs and Men's Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute: Skate America 2012 Pairs and Men's Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Is BAAACKKKK!!!!

 Mens and Pairs Top Three--Skate America 2012, ShoWare Center Kent, Washington

Figure Skating Fans Around The World Rejoice: Season 2012-2013 is ON!!! Over the weekend, was Skate America 2012, the first of six events in the 2012-2013 season in ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a series of senior-level invitational competitions.

 ShoWare Center Kent, Washington--site of Skate America 2012

The Hilton HHonors Skate America 2012 occurred at the ShoWare Center in Kent Washington (about 21 miles from Seattle) from October 19-21st. I attended last year's Skate America and LOVED it. So let's get to the Costumes, which is, after all, one of the main reasons I LOVE Figure Skating--besides all the amazing athleticism, of course--



Let's begin with Pairs:

USA--Caydee Denney and John Coughlin--For their Short Program they did a "Swing Medley" skated to one of my favorite pieces of music, "Concierto de Aranjuz" and for their Free Skate, they used "Phantom of the Opera". I liked the costumes for both programs. I liked his better on his Free Skate and hers better on the Short. What I am most happy about is that Caydee toned down her garish eye makeup for both--compared to what she did when they won the US Figure Skating Championships last February:

Turquoise Eye Shadow Princess: Caydee Denney vibing "Toddlers & Tiaras" with her eye makeup last year

France--Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres--For their Short Program to "Rhumba d'Amour" and "Safri Duo", this duo chose to wearing contrasting colors--which is typical of pairs. I like her purple halter neckline costume although it is a very predictable look. Especially for a country known for its HAUTE COUTURE, they could have done better (on her costume). I think Morgan looked HOT and yes, there is that PLUNGING neckline that has been so prevalent in the last few years among the men.

China--Pang Qing and Tong Jian--Pang and Tong--Short  Program to "Scott and Fran's Paso Doble"--They were very "Carmen" on COUTURE CRACK. He was the Toreador. Perfect. She was the One-shouldered Señorita with a Dragon-Lady Twist. I think these costumes were FABULOSO! These two really understand Stage Presence, performance and the importance of Costumes to the entire show.

China--Pang Qing and Tong Jian--Pang and Tong--Free Skate--For their Free Skate, they skated to "Variations on an original theme Enigma"--She wore a lilac colored costume with silver sequins and he wore a darker lilac v-neck shirt with (yawn) black pants. It's so typical for the guys to wear black pants. I almost give them an instant "Nick Negative 5 points" when I see it. I know why they want to do it. But, by now, I am so "over it", I'd rather see dark BLUE or a very deep PURPLE instead! Seriously. Both her costume and his shirt--even though they look as if they are very intricately and very expensively embroidered--still look very Figure Skating Costume Store bought. These kids needs better and more High Fashion-looking costumes for their Free Skate. Period.

Russia--Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov--They were the Gold Medal Winners overall. For their Short Program, they skated to "Love Theme from The Godfather" (top photo) and for their Free Skate, they did it to "Violin Muse, Partita for Violin No. 2 and Chaconne" (bottom photo). Their Free Skate costumes were far more interesting. Although I did like her Short Program deep violet halter costume with neck chains. But...their Free Skate looks were much more ethereal, exploratory--costume-wise. His was especially ultra feminine, and yes, only Maxim could make wearing asymmetrical pleated chiffon look SO BUTCH.



The Men:

Michal Brezina of Czech Republic--My favorite costume for him was what he wore for his Short Program to "In The Hall of the Mountain King". Dark; both very feminine and masculine; there's slight "bling-bling" with the sequins, and chiffon volants for flutter effect. I like it.

 

Doug Razzano of the USA in his Short Program to "Piano Concerto No. 2  Allegro Scherzando by Rachmaninoff "-- Doug was
appropriately costumed. The deep violet-blue is elegant and the chiffon
neckline ruffles with swirly applique and sequins bring s to mind a
romantic and very classic feel.

 

Konstantin Menshov of Russia in his Short Program Costume to "Lillies of the Valley" looked like a Macy's INC model from 1992. The dress shirt, black pants and that tacky belt? How do you say "Huney. Try again" in Russian?

Japan--Yuzuru Hanyu--Japanese skater Yuzuru Hanyu skated the BEST Skate of his career and the highest score EVER recorded for his Short Program to "Parisienne Walkways". For his Long Program, he skated to "Notre-Dame de Paris". I liked both costumes but especially the one for his long program. 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"!

And Yuzuru was definitely paying homage to Johnny Weir (as seen from the photos above). And if he is not...I'm sure Johnny will be happy to let him know who the ORIGINAL is!

Jeremy Abbott USA: For his Long Program, Jeremy Abbott skated to "Bring Him Home from Les Miserables"--His costume was well, less than a costume. I get that the Men love them black pants Yes, I know...Jeremy's are brown) but I am bored of seeing so many black/brown pants. Like I said above, give me NAVY BLUE at the very least! Also, the costume is still a very integral part of one's performance and while I get that this one is depressing and serious, the costume doesn't have to be depressing also; a beige shirt and brown pants? Jeremy, please, I want to see just a little bit more.

Short Program Love: For his Short Program, Jeremy skated to "Spy".  I really LIKED this costume. The asymmetrical holster--very Hipster Fashionista, the slick back hair, the (almost) fingerless gloves. This costume--even though it's still a gray shirt and very tight dark gray/black pants--works with the music and performance--and still, keeps this Fashion Designer/Commentator (moi) interested.



Blue and Black Theme:

Armin Mahbanoozadeh of the USA: He skated his Free Skate to "Dr. Who" wearing a black and blue stretch top and black pants...

Doug Razzano USA skated his Free Skate to "Queen Symphony by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Tolga Kashif"--he also wore a blue and black stretch top with black pants...WHO, was the BEST blue-and-black Men's Costume?

Finally...Here's my Pick for Best in Men's Costume at Skate America 2012:

Tatsuki Machida of Japan--Free Dance Costume--He skated to "The Firebird" and his costume was FABULOUS! The neckline and upper torso red and yellow sequin detail was marvelous and went perfectly with the black illusion rest of his 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!



*Next Up, The Ladies and Ice Dance Costumes at Skate America 2012