GRAMMY AWARDS 2016: is this the worst red carpet of the year?

GRAMMY AWARDS 2016: is this the worst red carpet of the year?

Yes. 

I am not trying to sound mean, but that is a fact: the 58th Grammy awards wins #TEB's trophy as the most underwhelming red carpet of the year. 

Music on point, fashion...next.

Beyoncè skipped the red carpet, no Rihanna, no Nicki Minaj, no JLo, and I hate myself for saying this but no sign of the Kardashian/Jenners (however I would hide too after wearing those terrible creations at Yeezy season 3). All that is left is a bunch of generic (sometimes boring) outfits, except for Lady Gaga of course, I mean nothing is generinc when it comes to her.

Ready? Let's have a closer look to the Grammys red carpet:

ANGELIC VISIONS

Chrissy Teigen in Yousef Aljasmi; Beyoncè in Inbal Dror

We are borderline with the bridal territory, but we can not deny how effortless and classy these dresses look. Pregnancy is looking good on Chrissy Teigen, and fashion-wise I do love her glamorous maternity-style. As for my queen Beyoncè, I was expecting more from her: she has been wearing sheer dresses for too long, and it starting to feel boring, however I do like the tastefull design of this one.

SPLASH OF COLOR

Taylor Swift in Atelier Versace; Kacey Musgraves in Armani Privé Couture

Color-blocking looks good on ex-country star Taylor Swift, even if I have problems to call this Versace number a dress, I mean doesn't it look like a two-pieces swimsuit witha fancy sarong? Anyway this new shorter (Anna Wintour-inspired) hair-do sealed the deal, so gets my nulla-osta.
The actual country princess Kacey Musgraves choose something more elegant and nailed it: this Armani Privé Couture dress from the Fall 2015 collection looked flawless on her.

BOWIE TRIBUTES

Zendaya in Dsquared2; Lady Gaga in custom Marc Jacobs

Tributes are the highest form of respect to someone that has passed away: this year we have lost many big artists, among which the legendary David Bowie.
Lady Gaga had the honor to perform a tribute to the singer at the awards show, and given her personality and character it make sense to see her bringing her tribute also on the red carpet. If you don't stare at the shoes to much, it works, believe me.
As for Zendaya, I can not really decide whether I like the execution of the tribute or not: she took the androginus path, sporting Bowie's famous Ziggy Stardust mullet and wearing a black suit by DSquared2. This is another unexpected yet bold choice made by the young star and her stylist, that unfortunately failed to convince me. A++ for the effort.

IN CHARACTER

Janelle Monae; Florence Welch in Gucci

It's costumy, but I love it...on Janelle Monae: it's Grammys night at the end of the day, what did you expect?
Moving to Florence Welch..., well Gucci is on a roll this year: this is another A-list celebrity wearing an Alessandro Michele's design without looking like a cartoon. Good job.

DIVAS

Jazmine Sullivan in Micheal Costello; Adele in Givenchy

I could listen to their voices for days, but who wins the fashion game? Personally I love Jazmine Sullivan choice better: the RnB diva wore a feminine yet elegant piece by Michael Costello, which fits her like a glove. Adele went classy in Givenchy all night, however the ruby red piece she wore on stage totally outshined this black number on the red carpet.

(OLD) LADY LIKE

Demi Lovato in Norisol Ferrari; Megan Trainor in Micheal Costello

Take to beautiful young rising stars in their 20s...and dress them like they were 40. Pardon 35.

SEXY SEXY SEXY

Bella Hadid in Alexandre Vauthier Couture; Ciara in Alexandre Vauthier; Alessandra Ambrosio in Versace

Plunging neklines, slits, cut-outs, dark smokey eyes and lots of skin: girls you are beautiful, but I am officially bored. It is not even funny anymore. "Less is more"they say, but I do not belive they were referring to the amount of fabric...

1 SINGLE FLAW

Selena Gomez in Calvin Klein; Ariana Grande in Romona Keveza; Lianne La Havas in Vivienne Westwood

Everything was on point except for...

-Selena Gomez hair and make up. She is beautiful but she reminds me of JLo..and not in her 20s.

-Ariana Grande make up and hair: imagine a low ponytail and a softer make up. Is it better?

-Lianne La Havas shoes: too heavy for me.

WORST

Medison Bier; Wiz Kalifa in Thom Browne; Tove Lo

The ultimate cheap-looking party dress, an embellished shrunken three-piece with tails and a beautiful lace nightmare. Impressive.

Sorry, I need to heal my eyes: maybe it's better to look back at the BAFTA red carpet.

Written by: Stella

***

58th annual GRAMMY AWARDS

RECORD OF THE YEAR

“Really Love” – D’Angelo And The Vanguard

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran

“Blank Space” – Taylor Swift

“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Sound & Color – Alabama Shakes

To Pimp A Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar

Traveller – Chris Stapleton

1989 – Taylor Swift

Beauty Behind The Madness – The Weeknd

BEST NEW ARTIST

Courtney Barnett

James Bay

Sam Hunt

Tori Kelly

Meghan Trainor

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Alright” – Kendrick Lamar

“Blank Space” – Taylor Swift

“Girl Crush” – Little Big Town

“See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth

“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE

“Heartbeat Song” – Kelly Clarkson

“Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding

“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran

“Blank Space” – Taylor Swift

“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE

“Ship To Wreck” – Florence + The Machine

“Sugar” – Maroon 5

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar

“See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM

Piece By Piece – Kelly Clarkson

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence + The Machine

Uptown Special – Mark Ronson

1989 – Taylor Swift

Before This World – James Taylor

BEST DANCE RECORDING

“We’re All We Need” – Above & Beyond Featuring Zoë Johnston

“Go” – The Chemical Brothers

“Never Catch Me” – Flying Lotus Featuring Kendrick Lamar

“Runaway (U & I)” – Galantis

“Where Are Ü Now” – Skrillex And Diplo With Justin Bieber

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM

Our Love – Caribou

Born In The Echoes – The Chemical Brothers

Caracal – Disclosure

In Colour – Jamie XX

Skrillex And Diplo Present Jack Ü – Skrillex And Diplo

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE

“If I Don’t Have You” – Tamar Braxton

“Rise Up” – Andra Day

“Breathing Underwater” – Hiatus Kaiyote

“Planes” – Jeremih Featuring J. Cole

“Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)” – The Weeknd

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE

“He Is” – Faith Evans

“Little Ghetto Boy” – Lalah Hathaway

“Let It Burn” – Jazmine Sullivan

“Shame” – Tyrese

“My Favorite Part Of You” – Charlie Wilson

BEST R&B SONG

“Coffee” – Miguel

“Earned It” – The Weeknd

“Let It Burn” – Jazmine Sullivan

“Really Love” – D’Angelo And The Vanguard

“Shame” – Tyrese

BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM

Ego Death – The Internet

You Should Be Here – Kehlani

Blood – Lianne La Havas

Wildheart – Miguel

Beauty Behind The Madness – The Weeknd

BEST R&B ALBUM

Coming Home – Leon Bridges

Black Messiah – D’Angelo And The Vanguard

Cheers To The Fall – Andra Day

Reality Show – Jazmine Sullivan

Forever Charlie – Charlie Wilson

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE

“Apparently” – J. Cole

“Back To Back” – Drake

“Trap Queen” – Fetty Wap

“Alright” – Kendrick Lamar

“Truffle Butter” – Nicki Minaj Featuring Drake & Lil Wayne

“All Day” – Kanye West Featuring Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom & Paul McCartney

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION

“One Man Can Change The World” – Big Sean Featuring Kanye West & John Legend

“Glory” – Common & John Legend

“Classic Man” – Jidenna Featuring Roman GianArthur

“These Walls” – Kendrick Lamar Featuring Bilal, Anna Wise & Thundercat

“Only” – Nicki Minaj Featuring Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown

BEST RAP SONG

“All Day” – Kanye West Featuring Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom & Paul McCartney

“Alright” – Kendrick Lamar

“Energy” – Drake

“Glory” – Common & John Legend

“Trap Queen” – Fetty Wap

BEST RAP ALBUM

2014 Forest Hills Drive – J. Cole

Compton – Dr. Dre

If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late – Drake

To Pimp A Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar

The Pinkprint – Nicki Minaj

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA

Empire: Season 1 – Various Artists

Fifty Shades Of Grey – Various Artists

Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me – Various Artists

Pitch Perfect 2 – Various Artists

Selma – Various Artists

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA

“Earned It” – The Weeknd

“Glory” – Common & John Legend

“Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding

“See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth

“Til It Happens To You” – Lady Gaga

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL

Jeff Bhasker

Dave Cobb

Diplo

Larry Klein

Blake Mills

BEST MUSIC VIDEO

“LSD” – ASAP Rocky

“I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)” – The Dead Weather

“Alright” – Kendrick Lamar

“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar

“Freedom” – Pharrell Williams

BEST MUSIC FILM

Mr. Dynamite: The Rise Of James Brown

Sonic Highways

What Happened, Miss Simone?

The Wall

Amy

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Grand International 2017 National Costumes: My Top 15!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Grand International 2017 National Costumes: My Top 15!

It's officially the start of International Beauty Pageant Season!!! To begin all the Sashes and Tiaras fabulousness is the Miss Grand International 2017 beauty pageant which is occurring in Vietnam with the Final Crowning Night taking place on October 25th. A couple of nights ago were the much-awaited Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The 77 contestants--from all over the world--from Argentina to Wales--showcased costumes representing their nations, islands and territories...

 Fantasy Fab: (L to R) Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita, Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain and Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Gorasing--Miss Grand International 2017 National costume Competition

Photos courtesy of Miss Grand International Facebook Page

 Flora and Fauna: (L to R) Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don, Miss Grand Panama Andrea  Torres and Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition

These costumes ranged from Traditional and Festive, "Victoria's Secret"-like feathered Pre-Columbian Goddesses to Fantasy Couture and they did not disappoint in terms of visual costume candy for pageant lovers everywhere! The pageant organizers are allowing EVERYONE around the world to vote for their favorite by Liking and Sharing the individual photos on the Official Miss Grand International Facebook page HERE.

Traditional Couture: (L to R) Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza, Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer, Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen May Tran Nguyen--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition

The Top 15 Liked & Shared contestants/costumes will then move on for another round of voting until the BEST NATIONAL COSTUME (or the one with the most votes!) will be announced on the final night (October 25th). Now, I don't have to wait until then because here are MY TOP 15 Favorite National Costumes from Miss Grand International 2017, beginning with my FAVORITE:

1. Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita--One word: WOW. Leave it to Indonesia to BRING IT when it comes to national costumes at beauty pageants. Lately their representatives have been seriously upping their Costume Couture game! This UBER intricate costume needs A LOT of explanation...

Indonesian Empress: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume

According to Miss Grand Indonesia 2017, her national costume is entitled "MOTHERLAND: The Sky is my Father, and The Earth is my Mother" and it was designed by Morphacio and Maya Ratih. This costume has the meaning of a circular shape taken from the base form of the Moon and its about the mother figure, the queen, and the woman. Here are some more details:

*The blue color depicts the glory of Indonesia as a Maritime Country. 

*Five blue crystals in the circle of the moon symbolize the harmony of Indonesian people in the ideology of Pancasila.

*The three blue crystals on the headdress symbolize the perfection of body, soul, and spirit. 

*Five yellow crystals depict the young generation are like buds of the nation which is the hope and successor/future of the nation...

Now THAT is a TRAIN: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume

*The wings on the shoulders symbolize the tenderness and strength, the prayers and the songs of the ancestors. 

*The backbone symbolizes Indonesia is the "backbone of the World" where Indonesia holds abundant natural wealth and Indonesia is a very influential country in the world political map.

*The wing belt symbolizes fertility and a close brotherhood. Fingers and right arm describe the wisdom, skill and soul that protect the society. 

*The temple symbolizes "our bodies are temples, our bodies are His temple", as well as Indonesian people from various social and cultural backgrounds to individuals seeking self-enlightenment. 

*And finally, five Nusantara fabrics illustrate the cultural diversity in Indonesia which contain the thoughts and philosophy that accompany the journey of the Indonesian people to be a whole person, as a true person.

Regardless of all this very detailed costume description...for me, it translates into THE BEST ONE of the competition! I loved how impacting it was, the colors, the unique shapes...it was a work of fashion art! 



Moving on...my other Favorites in my Top 15 List are:

2. Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain--Anukriti's gorgeous costume was my second favorite of the 76 contestants. The theme for this look was "Evolution and Expansion of Indian Royalty, from the Palace to the workplace". The national costume--designed by Melvyn Dominic Noronha--according to the contestant herself, shows the balance of an Indian woman with her delicate beauty of compassion and the strength of her determination. She goes on to say that the design also shows how through the evolution of time, the spirit of a few queens magnified and today every Indian woman is a queen in her own right. I loved how this costume combined traditional Indian dress with Hindu God-like imagery. I also thought the combination of bold gold/blue/red colors made for a very strong stage impact.

3. Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Norasing--This national costume is inspired by the Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. The Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang is an ancient and important architecture of Laos, and is a center for the spirit of the Lao people. The design of the costume is a unique feature and character of the Buddha image, adapted to the composition of the ensemble. The jewelry was also inspired by the shape of the Buddha image. The color and the various embellishments added to this costume present Lao's cultures, customs and unique identity. I thought it was thoroughly impacting, very striking and made for a stand-out costume presence at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. I am still so baffled how any of these costumes get packed and shipped through customs and onto a plane and then reassembled to be worn again! 

Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer (top photos) in her "Manta Guajira" National Costume and (lower photos) Wayuu Guajiras and their Mantas (caftan dresses)

4. Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer-- Tulia's costume represents the Manta (or caftan/tunic/dress) Wayuu Guajira, a Native American ethnic group of the Guajira peninsula of  northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. The brightly colored costume featured the designs and pom-pom accents commonly seen on these Wayuu Guajira caftan/tunics worn by the women of this South American indigenous group.

Sketch of Miss Grand Venezuela Talia Aleman Ferrer's National Costume--designed by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernandez

This was also one of my top favorites of all the 76 contestants for the way she showed it onstage and how colorful and striking it was. I also loved the representation and homage of an indigenous group through this beautiful costume. The design was created by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernanadez.

5. Miss Grand Panama Andrea Torres--Andrea wore a Pre-Columbian (before Christopher Columbus) Feathered Empress-like costume to represent her nation of Panama. And I LOVED it! There were several of these feathered-and-sequined looks in the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costumes Competition, and yet this was THE MOST IMPACTING of the bunch! The design was created by Panamanian designer Cristo Athanasiadis who is known for these types of pageant costumes...and he's obviously very good at it! I loved the colors, the sequins, the feathers...well, I just loved EVERYTHING! Muy bien Cristo and Muy bien Andrea!

Vietnam Queen: Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen in her Ao Dai Traditional National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017

Sketch of Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen Tran Nguyen's National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017

6. Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen My Tran Nguyen--I absolute ADORED this costume worn by Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen. The costume represents a traditional Ao Dai and is inspired by the patterns of the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. It took 3 months to create this gorgeous 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds!)-weighing costume and it was designed by Vietnamese designer Ngo Nhat Huy. If you get to see the video of the actual Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition (at the end of this post!), you can fast forward to when she comes on and showcases this gorgeous costume. I especially loved how the sleeve brocade print/design mitered (matched) when she put her arms/hands together.

Viva Mexico: Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez in her National Costume at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition

A young Tehuana de Oaxaca in traditional dress--Oaxaca Mexico

7. Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez--Yoana wore this very beautiful and colorful "Tehuana de Oaxaca" traditional costume, worn by the indigenous women of the city Tehuantepec in the Mexican state of Oaxaca (think Frida Kahlo). The design itself paid tribute to the traditional dress and at the same time, had enough Fashion with a Capital "F" impact and stage fabulousness to make it into my Top 15 Favorites.

8. Miss Grand Jamaica Jenaae Jackson--Jenaae stated on her Instagram that in this costume, she is a "depiction of a Jamaican Arawak Queen"  and all I have to say is "Go On Girl!". I absolutely loved this costume for its colorful, feathered and sequined glory! It looked well-done, finished and high-end. I really admired the stunning jeweled sequins on her bandeau top and skirt yoke and I also liked the muted green feathered skirt. This "Arawak Queen" is UBER Costume Fabulous!

9. Miss Grand Sri Lanka Visna Fernando--Miss Grand Sri Lanka wore this golden "Lion"-inspired costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The costume was inspired (obviously) by the "Ceylon Lion" seen in the Sri Lankan flag. I thought it was impressive, sexy-hot and stage impacting enough to be one of my Top 15 Favorites! The headdress alone was EVERYTHING! I just wished those nude pump/heels were a little more "designed" as opposed to looking as if she went online and bought a pair of heels and just added them to the costume.

10. Miss Grand Cambodia Kea Khloem: This was another gorgeous showing from an Asian contestant at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. Kea's costume was inspired by Cambodian Buddhist temples and the types of traditional dress of the country. I thought this design looked rich, well-made and the different shades of gold were very striking onstage.

11. Miss Grand Philippines Elizabeth Durado Clenci--"Last night for the national costume competition I chose to represent an indigenous tribe from the south of Philippines," Clenci wrote on her Instagram, sharing a photo of her intricately made headdress. The ensemble which she wore as her national costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 was designed by Jearson Demavivas. This dress was inspired by the T’boli tribe and is a representation of a modern T’boli princess in haute couture and their uniquely designed guitar called hegulung. Philippine’s T’boli takes pride on its T’nalak fabric which designs are spawned from the dreams of the weavers. The design of this national costume represents the cultural structure of the T’boli tribe along with the colors and intricate beadwork, which speaks of their careful yet impressive art. I thought Elizabeth looked sexy, chic and still "National Costume Diva Traditional" in this design. It wasn't out-of-this-world impacting like Miss Grand Indonesia or Miss Grand India, Miss Grand Laos...but, it was still Costume Couture Runway Fab.

12. Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don--Yoana wore this sequined and feathered "Fantasy Showgirl"-like costume representing the city of Corrientes which is the Argentinian national capital of Carnival (Carnaval). The gorgeous costume--which ended up being one of my Top 15 Favorites--was designed and created by Marcelo Pendola who creates many of the Miss Argentina national costumes for international pageants. I LOVED the golden crystal sequined applique, the strawberry red feathers...the leg sequined accessories...it was all MUY BELLO and MUY FAB.

13. Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--The Pavo Real Blanco (white peacock) is in danger of extinction in the South American Amazon and was the inspiration for Miss Grand Peru 2017's national costume. The beautiful costume was designed by Peruvian designer Beto Pinedo. Of all the "Pre-Columbian/Victoria's Secret Feathered Divas"...this one was definitely one of my faves. Therefore, it need to be in my Top 15 List! It meshed both the bird inspiration with sexy stage presence. If there was any critique...yes, it would be the shoes., If you're going to create a gorgeous and intricate costume, create the shoes as well! Those need to be silver and sequined and fabulous. Right now, they are just $25 nude pumps from the internet!

14. Miss Grand Paraguay Lia Duarte Ashmore--Miss Grand Paraguay decided to give "Indigenous Tribal Couture/Making a Statement" Costume. The lovely Lia wore a hi-lo design which,  at first glance, gave the viewer an Angelic/Runway model vibe. Then, as one got more focused, you could see the "Stop Chaco Deforestation" and "Stop the Violence" marking on her arms. The costume is inspired by the "Allegory of the Pajaro Campana", a white bird with green-hued beak and face (lower photo, above). In addition to this, the look seems to be suggesting the dangers of deforestation and this ivory tull'ed "Couture Angel" coming to save the human destruction. I thought it was impacting and thoughtful enough to make my list. It would have almost too obvious to add wings to this costume a la "Miss Grand Peru", "Miss Grand Panama", so I like this more "runway" direction.

15. Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza Daulon--Analia's costume was a traditional Ecuadorian costume designed by Maria Isabel Diaz Design  . I loved the colors, the high-lo style of the dress/skirt section and overall impact of the design. If there was any critique, once again, it would be THE SHOES! The costume looked fab but the shoes seemed like an afterthought. 



Those were MY TOP 15 Favorite Costumes from the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition...Let me know which ones were YOUR favorites!

**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more!



Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE:

Click below to watch the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition:

ICE STYLE.....2017 World Figure Skating Championships Costumes Recap: LADIES & PAIRS!

ICE STYLE.....2017 World Figure Skating Championships Costumes Recap: LADIES & PAIRS!

Queen Evgenia: Gold medalist Evgenia Medvedeva from Russia during her Short Program at the 2017 ISU World Figure Skating Championships Helsinki Finland

This week/weekend is a VERY IMPORTANT time in international figure skating competitions: It's the 2017 ISU World Figure Skating Championships!! It's like "Miss Universe" or "Miss World" of figure skating (naturally, I have to put it in beauty pageant terms!).

This year, it's doubly important since it also determines the number of entries for each country for the 2018 World Championships and the MOST IMPORTANT 2018 Winter Olympics. This year's Worlds are being held in Helsinki Finland at the Hartwall Arena and medals have already been given in the Ladies and Pairs disciplines. Now that we got all the basic stuff out of the way, it's time for my "Ice Style" Costumes Recap! Let's begin with the Ladies....

Top Three: (L to R) Silver medalist Kaetlyn Osmond of Canada, gold medalist Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia and bronze medalist Gabrielle Daleman of Canada--2017 ISU World Figure Skating Championships Helsinki Finland

Evgenia Medvedeva Russia Short Program to River Flows in You by Lorenzo de Luca, The Winter by Balmorhea: Evgenia wore this blue ombre-shaded costume featuring crystal and blue beading in the top section. The design made her look like she was a beautiful sea creature from the Mediterranean and I liked the ombre multicolored shading at the skirt. The gloves are a little "junior-ish", in my opinion, but in terms of a costume detail, they do help in accentuating her beautiful hand movements...and yes I know, they help her not cut her hands while grabbing her blade for those amazing spins!

Evgenia Medvedeva Russia Free Skate to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and Piano Lesson with Grandma by Alexandre Desplat: It's not every day one sees a top ladies' singles figure skater wearing a dress this long as her costume but it's worked for Medvedeva this season. This design had purple-to-lilac ombre shading and an Empire-waist look that featured sequin embroidery. There was almost a Medieval/Game of Thrones look to it providing a somewhat ethereal quality to the background of the somber 9/11-inspired music.

Ashley Wagner USA Short Program to Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) by Annie Lennox: I have commented on this costume on Wagner throughout this past season and it bears repeating: I LOVE THIS! It's chic, superfab and so right for the Annie Lennox music. Ashley wore this blue asymmetrical design which featured great sequin details on the shoulders, neckline and throughout the costume's torso. I also loved the slight royal blue color "peek-a-boo". And to finish everything off, her smoky eyes and red lipstick were 90's New Wave on-point. Really, this is one of THE BEST costumes of the entire 2016-2017 season!

Kaytlyn Osmond Canada Short Program Sous le ciel de Paris and Milord performed by Edith Piaf: I thought this design was a nice choice considering her music. The neck-tie costume with sequin applique midriff was "Parisian" in its flair and reminded me of the iconic Yves Saint Laurent pussy-bow sheer chiffon blouse. And while I am normally not a fan of the gloves (refer back to Evgenia Medvedeva), I think they were correct in this look.

Kaetlyn Osmond Canada Free Skate to Mimi Tells Her Story (from "La Boheme - The Ballet") by G. Puccini, arranged by K. Hocking and Sono Andati (from "La Boheme") by Giacomo Puccini: The red design worn by Osmond does give hints of a 19th Century corseted dress with the neckline and front pointed bodice detail and therefore I can see the overt "La Boheme" inspiration. It was pretty but part of me wished for more "Skating Couture"!

Gabrielle Daleman Canada Short Program to Acte IV Prelude from "Herodiade", Scene XIV Ballet Finale from "Herodiade" by Jules Massenet: I loved this costume on Daleman.  The music is from "Herodiade" opera which retells the story of John The Baptist, Salome, Herod Antipas and Herodias. She's playing "Salome", I assume and looks the part, in a modern fashionable sense. The black costume is highlighted by the GORGEOUS gold, silver and lilac sequins that form a breastplate of snakes. I'm thinking the costume designer might have taken some inspiration from these "Salome" Opera Divas:

Gabrielle Daleman Canada Free Skate to Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin: Daleman skated a FABULOUS Free Skate at 2017 Worlds and I thought this royal blue sequined costume was PERFECT for the iconic "Rhapsody in Blue" music. I appreciated the varying sizes of the crystals strewn throughout the costume and especially how the larger ones highlighted her neckline and waist. Also, I think it was smart of the costume designer to make her skirt very short to make her not-so-long legs seem longer. Visual Fashion Illusion courtesy of a Figure Skating Costume!

Karen Chen USA Short Program to On Golden Pond by Dave Grusin: OK, when I first saw Karen in this, I thought that she was skating to "Swan Lake", "Black Swan" or "Nutcracker"...you get the picture. But no kids: She skated to "On Golden Pond". And surprisingly, I LOVE it. It was pretty, well made and exquisitely sequined, down to her fingertips. Gorgeous! She debuted this costume at the 2016 NHK Trophy in late November and I'm glad she has stayed with it.

Karen Chen USA Free Skate to Tango Jalousie by Jacob Gade: Tango anyone? Well, for Karen, it was "Si!". Another very good costume for Karen Chen. The silver and red crystals were beautiful and the scroll-like torso detail was very pretty. For such a young lady, this costume was very mature, and in a super chic way! I also loved her sultry makeup, especially those red lips and Señorita eyes.

Carolina Kostner Italy Short Program to God of Thunder by Kitaro, Bonzo's Montreux by John Bonham (Led Zeppelin): Carolina is returning to figure skating after a two-year hiatus (and being suspended for lying about her ex-boyfriend, reportedly concealing the fact that he was using banned illegal performance-enhancing drugs--Yikes!). Well, anyhow...she's BACK! This black and white costume for her Short Program is graphic, modern and void of typical sparkly embellishments the sport's costumes are known for. I liked the gathered top and asymmetry of the look, as well as the chic metallic belt. It was directional (for figure skating!) and fashionable. #love

Mai Mihara Japan Free Skate Cinderella by Patrick Doyle: Mai is all but 17 years old and now she's joined the Senior's rank, but yet, her costume (and, let's be honest, her music choice too!) was a tad bit on the Junior's side. Yes, her costume was very "Cinderella" but there was something about that jewel teal color, sequin work, and off-the-shoulder silhouette that screamed "young". I get it, but...I just wished the costume was taken to a slightly more mature level.

Rika Hongo of Japan Short Program to O Fortuna (from "Carmina Burana") by Carl Orff: This was a fun and bold costume. Rika is kind of known for her costumes and this was not a disappointment for the 2016-2017 season. I loved the multi-colored jewels at the bust and fire-like detail in the costume. It looked well-made and was dramatic.

Speaking of Drama...

Anna Pogorilaya Russia Free Skate to Modigliani Suite by Guy Farley, Le Di a la Caza Alcance by Estrella Morente, Memorial Requiem by Michael Nyman: Anna Pogorilaya is usually a wonderful skater and I always look forward to her costumes...In terms of her Free Skate at the 2017 Worlds, it was a MAJAH failure. Poor thang just kept falling, and falling, and then cried and cried. In terms of her costume, I liked this costume with some reservations. I liked the mix of washed red with gray and the caviar-beaded sequin side-torso panel was beautiful! Anna is kind of known for sometimes being too-costume-y (and kooky) with her looks, but this verged on Runway Ready. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the awkward cowl draped/pick-up detail of the bottom skirt section; it just looked like a bad Prom Dress from 1992.

PAIRS:

Wenjing Sui and Cong Han China Short Program to Blues for Klook by Eddy Louis: First of all, I am IN LOVE with Wenjing Sui's asymmetrical bob hairstyle! She is definitely a STYLE STAR! These costumes worn for their Short program are nice. There's nothing extraordinary about them but they work--navy blue for the "Blues for Klook" music. 

Wenjing Sui and Cong Han China Free Skate to Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon: Once again, their skating was amazing and her bobbed hair was the "Style Star" but....I just didn't think these were the right costumes for this skate. Don't get me wrong, their is nothing wrong with these costumes. Wenjing's dress is beautiful. I love the asymmetry, beading and coral color, I just don't get what it has to do with a modern interpretation of "Bridge Over Troubled Water"!! Beautiful Skate, Wrong Costumes!

Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford Canada Free Skate to No, je ne regrette rien performed by Patricia Kaas: I've said this before so I hope it's not news: I thought her costume is two minutes away from looking a bit "Toddlers & Tiaras". I think it's the powder pink and crystal applique work but mainly, I just have a strong abhorrence to a sequined applique neck-piece detail; it's just so Miss America 1996. And then, she added a matching sequined hair clip! Oyyyyy! Oh, and Eric, well, he looked handsome and not Toddlers & Tiaras....so there's that positive. 

Aliona Savchenko and Bruno Massot Germany Short Program to That Man by Caro Emerald: These costumes were cute, simple and right for the music. Her powder pink sequined-and-chiffon dress was jazz dancer pretty (going along with the music). I also liked her sequined headband accessory. In terms of the guy, I liked that Massot matched her costume's color with the tie. 

Aliona Savchenko and Bruno Massot of Germany Free Skate to Lighthouse by Patrick Watson: I love these costumes worn by Savchenko and Massot for their Free Skate. They are elegant and subdued with a dash of sparkle with the beautiful over-sized crystals. Hers looks like a figure skating costume version of an Haute Couture Elie Saab gown especially with the sequined waistband. And his, well--I BOW to him for giving me sequins, ombre and semi-sheer. 

Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim USA Short Program Come What May (Moulin Rouge soundtrack): Alexa and Chris were giving purple...in their costumes for their Short Program. I thought these were nice costumes for their "Moulin Rouge" music and I liked her sequined corset-like design and his semi-sheer top with sequin accents.

Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov Russia Short Program to Glam (Electro Swing Remix) by Dimie Cat: I liked these costumes, especially her shimmying silver and gold fringed design. I also appreciated his semi-matching vest. The gold metallic colors and fringe accents were impacting on the ice for sure!

Tarasova and Morozov Russia Free Skate to Music by John Miles: The music was a bit 80's and so were their costumes so...I guess that's good.  They went with a blue and black theme with asymmetrical style lines and minimal silver crystal detail. Not sure how necessary those off-white "sleeves" were though; they were odd. Now, I have said this before and will say it again: She looks soooo much like Claire Danes!

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres France Short Program to Earned It (from "Fifty Shades of Grey") by The Weekend and Maxime Rodriguez: I always look forward to what James and Cipres wear. These two have the most AMAZING bodies and they almost always give fashion folk like me something when it comes to their costumes. For their Short Program they went sexy, 90's Vintage Versace-like (especially with those back straps on James). I especially liked her black-and-nude illusion sequined trimmed top section as well as the crystal-accented shoulders of his Moto jacket. They both look on-trend, fashionable and oh-so-chic!

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres France Free Skate to Sound of Silence by Disturbed and Maxime Rodriguez: There wasn't much to these all black "costumes" from James and Cipres of France. He wore a black top and deep gray-ish skin-tight pants. And Vanessa donned a black Lycra body suit. It was a bit early 80's Disco but I still think it reflected the music and looked slightly directional. I think the most important part was that they looked SUPER SEXY.

**NEXT UP: Costumes Recap to 2017 World Figure Skating Championships: MEN and ICE DANCE!