ICE STYLE.....2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW: The MEN!

ICE STYLE.....2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW: The MEN!

A Costume Repeat? Maybe...Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan at the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Moscow Russia

This past weekend was the first of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season 2017-2018 international competition events: The Rostelecom Cup of Russia. It was held at the Megasport arena in Moscow Russia. Disciplines in Ladies, Mens, Pairs as well as Ice Dance were on display and the winners of these disciplines earn points to qualify them for the 2017-18 Grand Prix Final...

GOOOO JAPAN!!! Even though the Grand Prix of Russia was held in...Russia, the Megasport Arena was PACKED with the very supportive Japanese fans. Thousands traveled to Russia to cheer on their Japanese skaters, especially Yuzury Hanyu. God bless the Japanese fans, they seem to be keeping the ISU and figure skating afloat many, many thousands of fans at a time!

Now, let's get to the IMPORTANT STUFF: THE COSTUMES!!! As you may know, I love discussing and reviewing the figure skating costumes here on my "Ice Style" blog so let's get started with my Recap of the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Costumes: MEN. I will follow with separate blogs on LADIES, PAIRS and ICE DANCE...



MEN:

Nathan Chen of USA: First of all: Nathan is a QUAD wunderkind!! What I am not so impressed with are his costumes. This all black dress shirt and pants look is what he wore as his "costume" for his Short Program to Nemesis by Benjamin Clementine. I get that the music is sweeping, jazzy, modern...so a sleek all black costume is appropriate but...THIS? Nathan looks like...

The WAITSTAFF at a party!! It's not particularly the all black that I have a problem with, if done right, it can be quite beautiful and interesting...take a look at these examples:

BETTER: (L to R) Jeremy Abbott at 2011 Cup of China, Evan Lysacek at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Max Aaron and his "Carmen" costume at 2013 US Championships--Nathan doesn't have to look like the "hired help" at a party. Just saying.

Free Skate to Mao's Last Dancer (soundtrack) by Christopher Gordon: And kids, it didn't get any better for his Free Skate costume. An indigo blue colored dress shirt (Oh, what a shock!! Color!!). The music is this sweeping score from the film depicting a ballet life of Li Cunxin taken from his early life in rural China to end up defecting to the US. Even the "costume" in the movie's poster is more exciting:

I REALLY REALLY HOPE that these are just "in transition" looks and that his REAL COSTUMES are being made as I type this. PLEASE I hope I am right! I am in AWE of Nathan Chen's multi-quads. His "costumes" leave A LOT to be desired.

Mikhail Kolyada of Russia: Russia's Kolyada skated his Short program to Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Tango. I loved this. Now, this is something I wished Nathan would have worn. It was sleek, fit him well and had enough "costume" excitement but not too much. 

Free Skate to Steamroller Blues, Can't Help Falling In Love, Rip It Up by Elvis Presley--Mikhail did Elvis proud with an interpretation of one of his famous costume looks (seen above from his 1972 concert). I liked the details, the obvious homage to the original costume with the front torso details. This was another nice costume for the young Russian.

Denis Ten of Kazakhstan: Denis skated his Short Program Tu Sei by Vittorio Grigolo in this look above. The outfit consisted of black pants and a wrap-style white embroidered shirt. It gave hints of a classical opera tenor with a little bit of funky style. I especially liked the caviar beaded-like "thread" applique seen in the lower photo above.

Free Skate to SOS d'un terrain by Dimash Kudaibergen: Denis skated his Free Skate to his famous song done by a fellow Kazakh artist. Ten's costume was a sleek, modern look that included silver sequin embellishments as well as chiffon volants/mini-ruffles. Overall, it was a good costume for the beautiful and deep-meaning song. If there was any critique, I don't think he needed the crystal-detailed waist. Otherwise, it was just fine. 

Grant Hochstein of USA: Grant skated his Free Skate to Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber in this midnight blue costume featuring violet, blue and silver crystals highlighting his upper torso. I liked that this was not so overtly a reference to Phantom and that he didn't have any gimmicky faux mask anywhere... 

The slight peeking of white ruffles gave enough of a nod to the Phantom's blouse (seen on actor Gerard Butler above with director Joel Schumacher in the 2004 movie version ) which was nice.

Misha Ge of Uzbekistan: Misha Ge wore this lilac top and black pants costume for his Free Skate to Meditation (from "Thais") by Jules Massenet. The look was a bit "subdued" from some of Misha's past costume looks but it was lovely. The color added delicacy to his skate and I liked the ruffled sleeve cuffs. I just wish the neckline didn't have that mini panel of nude illusion (WHY??) and I would have rather seen a more plunging neckline. Maybe not Max Aaron plunging but a little more than that above. It seemed a bit "Junior Skater" to me.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan: Yuzuru skated his Short Program to Ballade No. 1 by Frederic Chopin. If this sounds familiar, it is because it's almost like "Groundhog's Day: The Figure Skating Edition" when it comes to Hanyu, his Short program AND his costumes. For this 2017-18 Olympic Season, Hanyu has gone back to the same Short Program Music and (almost) the same Costume that he used for the 2014-15, 2015-16 Seasons...

Costume Adjustments: MINOR adjustments to the same costume--(L to R) 2014-15, 2015-2016 and now. The "new & Improved" version includes basically the same ombre-dyed blouson top with crystals but gold beading was added to the mock-neckband. He also used the same gold cummerbund as in the previous season. I think this is kind of lazy costuming if you ask me. It's an OK costume but it would have been WONDERFUL to have seen something COMPLETELY NEW! As a Fashion Designer and costume enthusiast, I selfishly want something NEW and EXCITING!

Free Skate to Seimei (soundtrack) by Shigeru Umebayashi: For his Free Skate, Yuzuru also went back to a previous Free Skate Program from a couple of seasons ago. He also used the (almost) same costume but with minor sequin adjustments. 

Yuzuru Hanyu's costume for his 2015-2016 Season Free Skate

Once again, I liked the original (above photo), especially with the music but I am just baffled why he didn't just have a BRAND NEW design and style made??!! We all know he has the MILLIONS to get it done so why??!! Maybe he is superstitious and somehow feels that he should wear the same (or almost the same) to bring him luck??? Who knows...

I know that I probably would have rather seen him in a cute Pooh Bear Costume instead...or this fab little stretch velvet number on this darling little Russian boy!

UP NEXT: The LADIES COSTUMES REVIEW of the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia!

André Bryson - Guerrilla - Emerging Fashion Designers at NYFW

André Bryson - Guerrilla - Emerging Fashion Designers at NYFW

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, Guerrilla is the name given to irregular military combatants, like a 'Resistance' army; not an official army... In my correspondence with the designer André Bryson he tells me that these 60's 70's silhouettes are a reference inspired by the tensions of the day, both in the USA; and tensions in the UK epitomised by the Mods and Rockers. Clearly André sides with the Mods on the style front. And quoting Bryson directly "Only the five primary colors (black, white, red, yellow and blue) I wanted to express that every color known to man is derived from these five colors in hope to bring unity to this collection as a complete story." I suspect the colours chosen also represent a message of unity in more than just the designs. My photos are of some of the highlights from the Guerrilla range, shown with Bracé Designers Emergent De la Mode NYFW at The Stewart Hotel, NYC September 2017.

I love the blocked colours and bold stripes, patch pockets and windowpane broken-checks, black with white or white with black, playing with positive/negative combinations. The innovative Nehru jacket as an open-front blouse with a scarf or pussy bow tied at the collar, a personal favourite of mine. Curiously, weeks later I saw similar concepts being sent down the runway in my news feeds from the Paris shows.. Weeks later.. Bryson seems to have the zeitgeist a fashion designer needs on his side. Love his designs? You can contact him directly via his instagram below. For more shots, just scroll down!

https://www.instagram.com/andre.bryson/
SFS New York Edition is Sponsored by White Caviar Life, Destination Travel.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over..

Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.

0433 796 863

kent@artcommunication.com.au

www.kentjohnsonphotography.com.au

www.fashionphotographysydney.blogspot.com/

Facebook Twitter Instagram

☎ Discount Free shipping woman Europe and America 2017 fashion temperament office autumn and winter hot white lace long sleeved dress long-white-lace-dress Low Price call center

☎ Discount Free shipping woman Europe and America 2017 fashion temperament office autumn and winter hot white lace long sleeved dress long-white-lace-dress Low Price call center

Free shipping woman Europe and America 2017 fashion temperament office autumn and winter hot white lace long sleeved dress long-white-lace-dress

>> Unparalleled Click! <<

Free shipping woman Europe and America 2017 fashion temperament office autumn and winter hot white lace long sleeved dress long-white-lace-dress

Check Price Free shipping woman Europe and America 2017 fashion temperament office autumn and winter hot white lace long sleeved dress long-white-lace-dress This instant

4.8 99

Video Reviews Free shipping woman Europe and America 2017 fashion temperament office autumn and winter hot white lace long sleeved dress long-white-lace-dress

☂ Unparalleled Eycebruee 2017 Chic Women Summer Lace Bandage Dress Turtleneck Long Sleeve Celebrity Party Bodycon Dresses White Mini Vestidos long-white-lace-dress best price pantip

☂ Unparalleled Eycebruee 2017 Chic Women Summer Lace Bandage Dress Turtleneck Long Sleeve Celebrity Party Bodycon Dresses White Mini Vestidos long-white-lace-dress best price pantip

Eycebruee 2017 Chic Women Summer Lace Bandage Dress Turtleneck Long Sleeve Celebrity Party Bodycon Dresses White Mini Vestidos long-white-lace-dress

>> Buy Click! <<

Eycebruee 2017 Chic Women Summer Lace Bandage Dress Turtleneck Long Sleeve Celebrity Party Bodycon Dresses White Mini Vestidos long-white-lace-dress

Check Price Eycebruee 2017 Chic Women Summer Lace Bandage Dress Turtleneck Long Sleeve Celebrity Party Bodycon Dresses White Mini Vestidos long-white-lace-dress Learn How

4.8 107

Video Reviews Eycebruee 2017 Chic Women Summer Lace Bandage Dress Turtleneck Long Sleeve Celebrity Party Bodycon Dresses White Mini Vestidos long-white-lace-dress

☀ Top Quality 2017 Autumn Dress White Hip Hop Fall Fashion Plus Size Women Casual Winter Club Party Womens Cute Long Sleeve Shirt Dresses long-white-lace-dress Immediately call center

☀ Top Quality 2017 Autumn Dress White Hip Hop Fall Fashion Plus Size Women Casual Winter Club Party Womens Cute Long Sleeve Shirt Dresses long-white-lace-dress Immediately call center

2017 Autumn Dress White Hip Hop Fall Fashion Plus Size Women Casual Winter Club Party Womens Cute Long Sleeve Shirt Dresses long-white-lace-dress

>> Unparalleled Click! <<

2017 Autumn Dress White Hip Hop Fall Fashion Plus Size Women Casual Winter Club Party Womens Cute Long Sleeve Shirt Dresses long-white-lace-dress

Check Price 2017 Autumn Dress White Hip Hop Fall Fashion Plus Size Women Casual Winter Club Party Womens Cute Long Sleeve Shirt Dresses long-white-lace-dress Revise

4.8 108

Video Reviews 2017 Autumn Dress White Hip Hop Fall Fashion Plus Size Women Casual Winter Club Party Womens Cute Long Sleeve Shirt Dresses long-white-lace-dress

All the Moves - Hawthorne (Part 3)

All the Moves - Hawthorne (Part 3)

March 2017

We hated the neighbours and quit, there was a gas leak (a coincidence) and we left in a hurry. I procrastinated too long and never got pictures of the room all set up, so these last minute shots are the best we can do. Lighting was not on my side. We had to leave everything for months before it was safe to return to move.

Do excuse the mess, I didn't plan to take photos that day, and there was a gas leak. The bag on the floor doesn't live there, that's laundry to be put away. The fan wasn't meant to be there either.

In the far back under the window (covered in baking/tracing paper to soften the light) is my photo board next to the freezer chest. The draws, on top is where I kept a small cleaning kit and the 'to be washed' pile lived.

To the right of the entry was the corner for bags, hats and things that were for going out. Train/tram timetables and the likes. In the draws were things I often took out (bag hooks, ear plugs, passport), all the chargers, reusable bags, shoe kits and I don't recall what else.

On top of the fridge lived a bag off plastic bags, and my lunch bag. On the side of the wardrobe I stuck up some magic hooks (3m) and put up some belt hangers for my necklaces. You'll see on the back of the door we've used over the door hooks (refer to the North Melbourne House). I didn't get a picture of the wardrobe, but there's two hanging parts, then three draws on one side. The other side is just shelves, for cleaning stuff, shoes, suitcases, water supplies and books.

My desk wasn't against the wall, but rather in a position where I could see the door and out the window. We didn't have room for a bedside table so I had a tray on the table behind the laptop. This desk is small, but the unit on top is perfect!

Yes that clothes horse (which looks nothing like a house) always lives there, for towels, tea towels and gloves/sponges/aprons to be hung upon. That white dress was a project I was working on.

Behind the clothes horse I had a trolley for props, flowers, backgrounds, little things to use in photo shoots. I also had gold painted/planted dishes and cups, and lots of scatters. In the background to the left is the laundry basket.

A bookshelf. I've got more in the wardrobe. Stationary also lived here. An under utilized space. I did consider putting shoes here, but it was a bit far from the door.

This is the pantry. A well used space. Sections for baking ingredients, baking stuff, all the ingredients, a spice rack. Plates and co. in the pull tubs. I had it all. I even used the doors. On the right I added an over the door rack which had hooks too (from an asian shop).

And on the left I had my pinboard ($2 revamped from goodwill) with appointment reminders, the pantry stock list, shows I wanted to see and menus from restaurants I wanted to eat at.

This shot was taken long before moving day, it's the mantel of the fireplace where I display pretty things. Like crystal glasses and candles, also snowglobes, I love those.

We came back a couple months later to pack. Packing took literally two months as for the first month I used my preferred style of using bags. But it turned out that I need to pack them into boxes. The boxes picture above are only half of the room, this half was sent into storage (along with my fitbit charger!) while the bags went home.

Monet took about 20min to wrap in about 20 metres of bubble wrap. We were meant to wrap it again in kraft paper, but I forgot to bring it. For others involved it was a nightmare, but for me it was less of a nightmare than being in that house.

So, where to next? I'm working on it. But I know no boarding house will take me on ever again, because those neighbours I hate, they're a growing bred and are working on world domination. One organization at a time, they took down my office, and I quit. I rather die than accept their rule.

What did I learn from living with others? People really suck. And I'm after a Christian Girl's Boarding House, but there aren't many around in this area and in this era.