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--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--Pairs

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012--Pairs

The Pairs--Some Fab, Some Blah...Some 80s...Some 90s...and Much More:

Top Pairs: (left to right) Silver Medalists from Russia Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov, Gold Medalists from
Russia Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, and Bronze Medalists from USA
Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012, Megasport Sports
Center Moscow, Russia

Continuing with my Costume Recaps of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012, I've discussed the MEN and then the LADIES and now, it's time for the PAIRS. Some of these costumes I have already talked about in my Skate America, Skate Canada and Cup of China blog postings but I'll still give you a quick recap of what I said of these 2012-2013 Season costumes...

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia: Once again, these two won the Gold Medal for Pairs (they won the Gold at Skate America 2012) and in my Skate America 2012 posting, I discussed both their Short and Free Skate costumes. For their Short Program, they skated to "Love Theme from The Godfather" (top) and for their Free Skate, they skated to "Violin Muse, Partita for Violin No. 2 and Chaconne" (below
photo). Their Free Skate costumes were far more interesting. Although I
did like her Short Program deep violet halter costume with neck chains.

Illusion-less? Tatiana Volosozhar at Rostelecom Cup 2012

I also thought that her high-low dress was especially interesting because if I am not mistaken her back features little or no illusion and instead is held by a very strong elastic nude strap. I will discuss the Illusion vs. No Illusion Dilemma in Figure Skating Costumes on another posting soon!

I liked their Free Skate costumes. I felt they were much more ethereal,
exploratory--costume-wise--than their Short Program. His was especially ultra feminine. PS: it bears repeating that Maxim is a MAJOR Hottie McHottie. Seriously. Can someone tell me how you say that in Russian??

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin of USA: I also commented on Denney and Coughlin's costumes in my Skate America 2012 post HERE. Essentially, I liked both of their Short and Free Skate costumes, even though they were a bit "old school" in terms of styling, silhouettes. Nothing really modern or directional about them, but still OK. For their Short Program though, they made a slight change. Previously his costume was solid black and a SOLID bore, but....they decided to spice it up a bit and add some sequin applique across his chest. I LOVE how some of her sequins "spilled" onto his blouse-y top.Great update!

For their Free Skate, they skated to "Phantom of the Opera". Very old-school figure skating pairs costumes for sure. Safe, cute...and very "American". PS Part 2: John is another Hottie McHottie. Sorry, but...just had to add that.



Speaking of Safe...

Tiffany Vise and Don Baldwin of USA: Vise and Baldwin skated their Short Program to "Open Arms" ( the famous Journey song) by Piano Classic Players. I really love these two skaters and think they are a beatiful pair to watch. However, I am beyond bored by these costumes. This is past the point of SAFE. Her halter-neck tie-dye costume is so uninspiring. the fabric looks like it came from the End-of-the-Year fabric sale at JoAnn's. The only saving grace are the little bits of crystals but even those look like a ten year old glued them on. And handsome Don. A tuxedo. How original. Not.

Now, I know that the Journey song they skated to is a staple of weddings, especially 1980s weddings...and proms...and Jr. proms...but does that mean they need to look as if it's Last Call at someone's wedding in 1981? I guess, that's probably what they were going for, but my suggestion is to take it even further...more campy, more 80s...just Go For It!



Now, moving on to the next decade: the 90s

Nicole Della Monica (R) and Matteo Guarise of Italy: Mamma Mia Rock-and-Roll! They skated to the early 90's power ballad "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.

Maybe I need to retract my above comment about going "campy", because these two did and it did not work AT ALL!  Here shiny black spandex tights mixed with a checked 90's leotard is just not working. Add in his vest and T-Shirt combo and it is a bad night at the Italian Disco all the way around.

Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov of Russia: For their Free Skate to Music from the Spartacus soundtrack by Aram Khatchaturian. I thought these costumes were FABULOUS! They were both on-point with the movie reference yet still had "fashion" elements--such as the arm straps, gold and maroon colors and detailing. They somehow combined both the "old" Spartacus:

 Kirk Douglas in "Spartacus" (criss-cross leather harness)

As well as the New:

Australian actor Liam McIntyre of "Spartacus: Vengeance"...although, a little part of me wishes that they (OK, maybe Yuri) did more of the "new"

Paige Lawrence and Rudi Swiegers of Canada: For their Short Program to "Robin and Marian" , the music to the 1976 romantic adventure period film based on the legend of Robin Hood (of course) starring...

Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn (above)--Lawrence and Swiegers' costumes were a let-down for sure. I wish there was a little more "Period Costume" to them. She looked very "Jr. Skater 2002" and he, was (at least) slightly closer to the music and theme. I LOVED the colors of Paige's costume but the design needs to look a little more "Period Couture". There two costumes were very disjointed and seemed to not be harmonious.



I'll end on Pairs Costume Fab:

Anastasia Martiusheva and Alexei Rogonov of Russia: For their Short Program to "Cornish Rhapsody" by Hubert Bath, they wore these colorful and very "Broadway Dinner Theater Meets Carnival Cruise Figure Skating Show"-like costumes. And I loved it! Anastasia's red and silver sequined costume was very "I'm a Baton Twirler in a James Bond Film" and Alexei looked liked the STAR in the Russian version of "A Chorus Line". Very campy...but I love it! Those two things made me give them a "Nick V. Pairs Costume Star"!



*** Up Next--the final Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2012 Costume Recap--The Ice Dancers!