Project Runway Recaps: "Rock-a-Bye Runway"--My "Extended" Recap of this week's episode!

Project Runway Recaps: "Rock-a-Bye Runway"--My "Extended" Recap of this week's episode!

Oh Baby!

Episode 11 Project Runway Muse: a "Real Care Baby" doll

Last night's Lifetime Network Project Runway Season 10 episode had CRYING fake babies, Diva Moms, and a nice self-contained ad for Heidi's new fabulous--and oh-so-cute line for children called "Truly Scrumptious"--available exclusively at Babies "R" Us. Oh and yeah, and an ending I didn't like...



First, The Babies and Baby Couture:

 Heidi Klum and her "Truly Scrumptious" line of children's clothing for Babies "R" Us

The Challenge was--not surprisingly to anyone with half a brain--to design a look for a toddler. In fact, it was to design a look for Heidi's new line; there would be TWO winning looks (a boy and a girl look) and each would be put into production and sold at Babies "R" Us.

Designers Meet Mommies and Babies---Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

The designers met their clients--and their mommies. They later found out about a "Twist" (it's Project Runway after all) that, in addition to creating looks for the babies, they also had to make looks for the moms.

 No Mommy Zone: Season 10 designers and their fake babies

As part of some annoying edition to the episode, someone decided that the six remaining designers should also get one of those "Real Care Babies"--that you see on "Dr. Phil" or "16 and Pregnant" that cries and cries and cries--when it needs to be fed, diaper changed or taken care of. The designers spent A LOT of wasted time caring for these babies and not so much time working on their designs. It was, needless to say, annoying (maybe that was the point).

 Boris and Natasha Have Babies

But, my favorite snapshot of all that needless crying baby doll mess, was this pic of Boris and Natasha (i.e. Season 10 contestants/designers Dmitry Sholokhov and Elena Slivnyak), holding their fake babies. They seriously look like a mom and dad who've been "through it"!

 Designer Christopher Palu and his Diva Mom Client, Nanci--Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

There was a "Diva Mom" of course who made for good TV. Nanci--designer Christopher Palu's mom client--was a DIVA from the get-go, especially when she took one look at Heidi's very cute line of children's clothing, turned her nose up and remarked "Baby Dior has Tulle..." Now, I know "Baby Dior" not because I've bought it but because it's known in the industry as the "Caviar" of Children's Clothing. And yes, I looked up what a red tulle little girl's dress from "Baby Dior" would go for...

 Baby Dior red tulle baby dress

And I came up with (wait for it!), $3680 for this red tulle dress above at Bergdorf Goodman (naturally). What Millionaire's Wife is buying this? I want to meet her and I want her as a CLIENT to buy my NIKOLAKI gowns. Period.

Let's Get to The Runway:

Guest judge actress and new mom, Hilary Duff (above), was on hand to see who was IN and who was OUT this week...



The Runway:

Dmitry Sholokhov: one of my top faves was the look Dmitry designed--a very cute red hooded onsesie jumper that was very "FASHION" and had hints of a Superhero Halloween Costume--or at least, one of a CRAYOLA crayon one:

Crayola and Superman Baby Costumes

Truly Scrumptious Boy and Girl: The Winning Boy and Girl Looks from Episode 11--Project Runway Season 10

Heidi Klum with the Boy and Girl Winning Looks for her "Truly Scrumptious" Childrenswear line at Babies "R" Us

Sonjia Williams designed the winning BOY look which was so cute: a gray jacket and pants with contrast lapel, pockets and waistband. Her baby model, Jude, SOLD IT!!! 50% of her win was because of HIM! Seriously. The GIRL winning look was the one by Christopher Palu (yet again!)--Miss Heidi kind of guided him back in the Parsons Workroom when she suggested he do a skirt out of that white fabric with sewn-on applique....so I am sure lots of you might say "Well, Heidi TOLD him what to do!!". I agree, she kinda did.



The Bottom:

Season 10 Contestants/Designers Elena Slivnyak and Melissa Fleis were the bottom vote-getters. Elena's was TOO MUCHEEY. Michael Kors thought it was very "Sample Sale" (she's right). And Melissa's white too-short/too-tight dress with bland black jacket was...THE WORST. In my eyes. However. Melissa stayed and Elena was OUT.

Season 10 designers Melissa Fleis (top photo)and Elena Slivnyak (bottom)--Project Runway Season 10

Was this a case of the judges looking at the overall designs from the entire season and thinking "Let's keep Melissa" or was Elena's really the worst? I think the former and not the latter...Oh well, viewers rejoice--or take comfort in knowing that...we'll most likely see Elena on Project Runway All Stars Season 3. I am sure of it.



If you want to know how I REALLY FEEL, continue reading...

Rock-a-Bye-Runway



Last night's "Project Runway" was one of those episodes that left me
saying "Wh-Wh-What?", mainly because a designer stayed, even though in
my eyes they did the worst job. In addition, I think it was one of the
first times a designer was NOT eliminated for doing Safe and Boring. The
episode left me quite dumbfounded, trying to justify in my mind the
outcome. All I could think is that the judges looked at the designers'
overall work as opposed to the actual design for THIS challenge at hand.
And they always say they do not do that — but it's obvious they do.
There's more that irked me — and yes, things that I LOVED — so, allow me
to give my "Nick Two Cents" for this week.



Oh Baby!



There are only six designers left on this season and therefore they
are feeling the pressure as they get closer to the grand prize. This
week, they all go to a Babies"R"Us store, where Heidi and Tim are
waiting. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to guess what this challenge
will be. Heidi has a new line of affordable baby clothing, "Truly
Scrumptious", that sells exclusively at Babies"R"Us. The challenge this
week is to create a look for this line that will then, be manufactured
and sold at "Babies 'R' Us". Heidi tells the designers that there will
be 2 winning looks — one boy and one girl — and they only have one day
to do it.





Why Do I Care What The Mommies Like to Wear?

The designers' tepid yet pretending-to-be-excited reactions are
priceless. Before they can run out and say "I'm Outta Here!", the
dreaded velvet bag comes out and each designer is "assigned" their baby
models and respective moms. Each designer confers with the moms as to
what their needs and style ideas are for their toddlers. The mom's are
also describing their own styles, which makes me wonder, "Why do I care
what YOU like to wear..." unless (cue the dramatic music in my brain)
there might be a TWIST later and they have to design for the mommies too
(not my first time at the "'Project Runway' Rodeo"). The only thing
that's memorable from this consultation is when Nanci (Christopher's
baby momma) says "Dior uses a lot of tulle" in talking about the
children's clothes. In case y'all are not aware, a "Baby Dior" tulle
dress — for a BABY — goes for $3,680. I instantly think "Oh no, this
one's a DIVA!" Later we find out, she was.





Faux Babies...Why?

The designers head back to Parsons where Ms. Klum left them dossiers,
fabric, notions and trims from her "Truly Scrumptious" collection so
their creations can coordinate with the rest of her line. There are also
toddler body forms and a "special surprise": Lifelike Crying Baby
Dolls. Yeah, the kind those "16 and Pregnant" girls use. They cry, cry
and cry; when they need to be fed, rocked or diaper changed. Is this
really necessary, I wonder? The explanation — from Poppa Tim — was that
they are there so the designers know "what goes into creating baby
clothes." I don't even think he believed what he said...



Click HERE to continue reading my "Rock-a-Bye-Runway" Blog on mylifetime.com

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--The "Pageant Bettys" and the "Too Short Gowns" Girls!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--The "Pageant Bettys" and the "Too Short Gowns" Girls!

The Pageant Bettys and the Too-Shorts:

Emerald Queen: Miss Universe South Africa Melinda Bam--Why is she in my "Pageant Betty" group? Read on kiddies... 

Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Continuing with my Recap of the "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits", in my last post HERE, I talked about my "Good" list--or favorites--and now, it's time to discuss the "Pageant Bettys" of the bunch plus what I call the "Too Shorts". For some explanation, "Pageant Bettys" are the ladies who well, look like a Pageant Betty--meaning the typical Pageant Girl, "done" from head to toe. They are usually wearing mermaid or full-style gowns, in pastel. Sometimes, there is some applique--usually a little "cheap" looking. And a lot of times, they may remind people of grown-up versions of the little girls from TLC's "Toddlers & Tiaras" . The "Too Shorts" are gowns that are, well, TOO SHORT, on the girls. This is a big NO NO in my book. It looks so "off-the-rack" and for a big moment such as the Miss Universe, it's time to get something Custom Made, or at least, get a seamstress to try and fix the situation.  

Now, as I stated in my last post, I realize that:

A) a lot of these girls might have just been handed these dresses and they may--or may not--have had a choice, and...

B) these may not be their actual Evening Gowns that they will wear to the all-important Preliminaries (I hope not, for some!). With all that said...here we go:

Miss Canada Adwoa Yamoah: Here are two fun facts about Adwoa: she's originally from Ghana but moved to Canada at a very young age. And second of all, she was not the actual winner of "Miss Universe Canada" but she was the First Runner Up. The actual winner hurt her foot only days before having to leave for the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant so, as they always say "if for some reason the winner cannot complete her duties..." And so it's Adwoa's time. Now, the gown. It's SO Pageant Betty! She's the QUEEN of Pageant Bettys in this peach-colored Mermaid gown with silver lace applique. There's really nothing wrong with this, except in my eyes, it's way too sweet and typical for such a gorgeous girl. She needs sexy, red carpet FASHIOOON! Please give this gown back to Miss America Alabama. ASAP!

Miss Honduras Jennifer Denise Andrade: Jennifer looks like she is starring in an episode of MTV's "My Super Sweet Sixteen"! She seriously looks like the daughter of a multimillionaire Honduran business man and she's having her Quinceañera. It's not a bad gown by any means. I think the "Barbie Pink" color may be too "cutesy" for her (if it was black or blush it might have helped). And the Prom-like hairstyle makes things worse. Also, it's waaay too long on the petite 5'2" Jennifer. For a girl that little, she does not need such an overwhelming dress.

Miss Angola Marcelina Vehekeni: Huneeeyyyyy!!!! Now here's another perfect example of a "Pageant betty" gown--and entire look--for that matter. Let's begin with the oversized bun hairstyle. Then, the oversized earrings, the strapless gown in a powder blue TAFFETA...with unexplainable creme applique, a cascade down the side front slit and then...is that an illusion panel trying to cover up the too-plunging décolletage area? I want to see this beautiful woman in a more modern style gown.

 

Miss Sweden Hanni Beronius: Another perfect example of a "Pageant Betty" look--but more updated to now. I would deem this "Pageant Betty" Lite. This strapless mermaid shaped gown is actually very nice. The shirred top section looks well made and I like the asymmetrically-cascading bottom-half ruffles. I think it's the pastel-y pink color with the choker of pearls (why??!!) and the dreaded side-swept ponytail hairstyle, that took her into Pageant Betty zone. This gown, in red, with no pearls and a more updated 2012 red carpet hairstyle: Done and done!

Miss Guatemala Laura Godoy: Here's another example of an actually great gown but not-so great styling--in terms of the hair.This silk duchesse (or is it ziberline?) gown looks well made and expensive. The fit is great (except for the too high pleated neckline). It could also double as a beautiful wedding gown--a "Two-for-One-Dress"! What takes to a "Pageant Betty" moment is the hair style (too "Sweet Sixteen") and the vanilla color of the gown. This gown in black with a modern hairstyle:  Más Bueno!

Miss Philippines Janine Marie Tugonon: This gown is very pretty--delicately pretty in fact. It reminds me of a modified Sari. I think the bright canary yellow color plus the scroll-y applique with lace overlay is what puts her in the Pageant Betty category. This is a gown that would work for the "Miss World" pageant where they like their girls sweeter. But for "Miss Universe", I'd rather see Janine Marie is something more red carpet fab with a little bit of sex appeal!

Miss Great Britain Holly Hale: What most puts Holly in this "Pageant Betty" category is her side swept hairstyle--plus the cascading iridescent POLY organza ruffles on the bottom half of this dress. First, make her hair straight, polished and modern. Next, I'd like to remove those poly organza ruffles and just take the top golden sequin portion to the floor. No need for the mermaid shape, no need for poly iridescent organza cascading ruffles. A simple column shaped gown in the silver/golden sequin equals a gown winner!

Miss Singapore Lynn Tan: The positive is that I like the color--it's like muted coral. The sequin detail is nice as well. But it's the organza (or is it tulle?) overlay in the back plus the darkened gunmetal sequin waist detail, and finally her "Pageant Betty" hairstyle that landed the very pretty Lynn here in this category.

Miss China Diana Xu Jidan: Diana is one of my favorites of all the 89 contestants this year. She has the height (almost 6 feet tall!), the perfect figure, the model-like look Miss Universe Organization likes; all of this combined can take her to the end. I was disappointed, however, when I saw her in this gown. It's not a bad gown, it's just a little "Pageant Betty" predictable. It's a little"Mother-of-the-Bride" to be honest. After all, this is what she is supposed to be wearing as her National Costume:

Guo Pei Haute "1002th Arabian Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture collection---In other words, I'm expecting COUTURE darling! I hope she wears something else for the Preliminaries. Here's a suggestion of a gown from the same designer:

 Actress Li Bingbing in Guo Pei at the 2010 Venice Film Festival

Miss El Salvador Ana Yancy Clavel: Why are there poly organza faux flowers on this dress? I just want to know. And how, in the Pageant God's name is this supposed to be "Miss Universe" crown material? The very pretty Ana ends up here in the "Pageant Betty" category, first for the color of this gown--this bright canary yellow is very impacting but can veer into "Pageant Betty" in a split second. But it's more the flower detail and side chiffon layers which really put the nail in the coffin.

Miss Poland Marcelina Zawadzka: Marcelina is so beautiful--she looks like a tall (she's almost six feet!) version of one the Olsen twins! I'm sure she--and her pageant directors--wanted to highlight her super long legs in one form or another--but not with the usual HOOCHIE slit gown (that's on a later posting!). So she wore this sea-foam blue-green gown with an iridescent over-skirt. It's the IRIDESCENT OVER-SKIRT that gets me. She looks sweet and great from the waist up. Then it goes into Pageant Betty.

Miss South Africa Melinda Bam: Even though Melinda is short (by recent "Miss Universe" winners standards where the average height in the last nine years has been around 5'10"). Melinda is 5'7" according to this), she's still being considered as THE FAVORITE to win the crown on December 19th. She is stunning, impacting and has that "I'm both Sweet...and SEXY" Miss Universe quality. Now, let's discuss the gown. And it is A GOWN! I was a bit torn by this one. I almost put it in my "best" but then, the iridescent emerald organza over the satin and diagonal sequin detail plus the "Cathedral"-like train...all those things took it to a "Pageant Betty" Diva level. The pose, is A+. I give her that. She's stealing someone's boyfriend...and girlfriend, with that look!

Miss Norway Sara Nicole Andersen: First of all, Sara Nicole is gorgeous. Love her olive skin color as well as her hair. She's so Latina. And yet, she's from NORWAY! The gown is Pageant Betty on Testosterone; it's a strapless sequin bodice gown with a high-low shredded organza attached skirt that ends in a train. In peach. And are those sequins strewn throughout the gown skirt? Seriously. How could this gown NOT end up under "Pageant Betty" !? It's the store-bought version of...

The gown designed by Venezuelan pageant go-to fashion designer Gionni Straccia, worn by Ivian Sarcos when she won the "Miss World 2011" title (above).

The Too-Short Gown Girls:

Miss Lebanon Rina Chibany: Rina, Rina, Rina...why darling? Not only is this black jersey dress too short on you, then you go ahead and wear some 7" platform heels with it...to emphasize the fact that the dress is too short. Gowns should NEVER show the shoes, they should always hit 1/2" above the floor if not TO THE FLOOR. It's a cute dress--to go to a club in Miami, but not to use as your "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portrait".

Miss Denmark Josephine Hewitt: Josephine is one of the most beautiful girls in the pageant. She's got very classic, very "Hollywood" face structure and looks. Once again--like Miss Universe Lebanon--this is a gown that works for a pool party at the Delano in Miami--but not the Miss Universe 2012 Pageant. It is about FIVE inches too short on one side and about a FOOT too short on the other. And then she wears these stacked platform silver heels on top of it; accentuating the very obvious fact that the dress is too short. If she would have worn strappy heels with NO platform, she would have been fine!

Miss St. Lucia Tara Carla Edward: Tara Carla is simply beautiful--and tall (5'11"). This is why this store-bought gown ended up being too short on her. And this is why, she should have gotten a custom-made gown that was made for her height! Here's a lesson in store-bought floor-length gowns: manufacturers make gowns long enough for a 5' 7" woman. It's a "rule" in the fashion industry. So...if you are shorter than that, the gown will be too long, if you are around that, perfect. If you are above that...you get a "High Water/Flood" gown. And this is what happened. Ladies: PAY for a CUSTOM GOWN. The Cheap comes out EXPENSIVE, as Judge Marlyn Milian says: "Lo Barato sale CARO!".



***Next Up: The "Slit Queens" and "Cha-Cha Love" Evening Gown Recap of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits

Red Carpet Report: 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards...The Oh Dear! Top Ten!

Red Carpet Report: 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards...The Oh Dear! Top Ten!

Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet OH DEAR! Top Ten!!!

I'm just going to make this Short and Not-so-Sweet--in terms of my Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Two Cents. I present to you my "Oh Dear! Daytime Emmy Awards Ladies"...

The Finalists:

Petal Pusher: Pink Petal Prom Disaster--It's like someone tried to Knock Off something from Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall...but didn't succeed. I loved the hair though (insert Happy Face).

Where's The Rest of My Dress: Oh huney! Did you forget the rest of your dress? This is unacceptable. Maybe on the runway, it looked H.O.T. Hot on a 6 foot tall model from Brazil but here, in real life, on the red carpet, it looks as if you ran out of your secret lover's hotel room right before his wife showed up!

Scuba No: Now, I realize the whole "Scuba" Theme is big for Resort 2012, but...What in the name of Color-Blocking Fashion is this above? And those necklaces? Were they really necessary? On stage, that neckline looked a teeny weeny bit TOO PLUNGING as well. The "sistahs" didn't look so nice. Her hair and make-up look were very good though (see, I try to include some positives).

Tonya Harding Meets Daytime Drama: Bless Her Swarovski Crystal Studded Purse Heart. Let me guess: Judith Lieber? (the purse, that is) The dress is A LOT of Bubblegum Pink--and I'm a fan of Barbie Bubblegum Pink but maybe not so much of it. And why is the top section inspired by a Figure Skating Costume? Tonya Harding We've Got A (Fashion) Problem!

Real Housewives of Orange County Garage Sale: Two Word: Oh No! It's a Handkerchief-y Hem...it's Caftan-y...it's Wrong. Someone made a mistake and told her she was going to a 20th High School Reunion for one of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" as opposed to "Hello, it's the Daytime Emmy Awards"! Maybe at a resort in Marrakesh but not on the Red Carpet.

Pageant Betty: Well well well, it looks like one of Miss USA 2011 Contestants decided to "jump ship", leave the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Telecast and went straight to the Las Vegas Hilton instead! I wonder if her "handler" even knew she was missing? What is with this gown: The garish colors and the feathers on the boobie (sorry for the Kindergarten-speak), the mesh/nude-and-diamante inset...

Athens On a Budget: I get that the Grecian Goddess Look is still very in--I am a big Fan of this, but the dress is a bit of a misstep here. I think it's the "striped" fabrication--why isn't it just gathered and draped like all the other Grecian Goddess dresses? And then the addition of the necklaces, earrings and...is that a "crown"/headband? Oh those Daytime Drama girls love their accessories huney.

Quick, A Steamer: Looks like someone tried to "recreate" that Gucci Spring 2011 "Look of the Season"...and it did not work. This is like "Wet Seal/Contempo Casuals" Does Gucci. And the wrinkling didn't help. Hand-held Steamer anyone?

Runner Up:

Toddlers & Tiaras Red Carpet: Please tell me she is on some SERIOUS medication. Please. Why is she smiling? I guess I give her points for even walking out of the house, getting in a car and doing the Red Carpet. Who thinks of these two VERY different prints and then decides to combine them? Who? My favorite part, though, is THAT "TLC Toddlers & Tiaras" hair-DON'T. Will someone PLEASE stop hairstylists from doing side ringlets?? PLEASE!!!

But The Award Goes To:

My Window Curtains Are Gone: I ABSOLUTELY love this woman. Any person who would have the chutzpah to just go out, in public, to a BIG Red Carpet Event--in THIS Dress--must be a HOOT to be with! This dress is now on my official "Worst Dresses of 2011" List (I just created the list!). It's like she went to Western Costumes and got an old Marie Antoinette costume (or some curtains from a "Period Film") and decided to pair it with an unrelated black dress she had in her closet from 1987. It's either that or there's a new Project Runway copy-cat show filming in LA as we speak and this was the result of one of the unfortunate Challenges.

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!