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No categories today: just a selection of my favourite Ladies Figure Skating Dresses as eye candy. Enjoy! (Note: All pictures came from the ...
Russia can send three ladies to the World Figure Skating Championships. Who will be selected?
Figure Skating Fun: Arrival Pose: Nick Verreos at the San Jose, CA International Airport After blogging about the Figure Skating Fashion for the last 2 seasons here on my blog, I decided it was time to see some of these costumes "Up Close" and since the Nationals were almost in my backyard--well, almost--an hour away by plane in San Jose, CA... I, along with my partner, David Paul (who LOVES himself some figure skating!) decided to make a weekend of it! Yes, we hopped on a Horizon/Alaska Airlines propeller plane at LAX and an hour later, we were in San Jose....to go to the 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, HP Pavilion San Jose California This years Nationals were being held at the HP Pavilion and yes, we bought tickets for all of the weekend high-profile events--including the Ladies Finals, Pairs, Ice Dance and Men's short and Long Programs. This is like the "Miss USA" of figure skating...and very very important!!! Skating Goddess: 9-time US National Champion, 5-time World Champion, 2-time Olympic Medalist Michelle Kwan, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships "Hall of Fame" Induction Ceremony I was so excited to attend the Ladies Final Competition--which was held this past Saturday--and as part of the afternoon's event at the HP Pavilion, there was a very special (and a big highlight for me) Induction Presentation of Michelle Kwan into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She wore a bright silk satin mustard yellow top and black skirt during this ceremony and actually got teary as all the congratulatory video montages played on the HUGE overhead pavilion screens. Now, let's get to the Ladies Final and The Costumes!!! The Top Four: Left to Right--Alissa Czisny (Silver) Ashley Wagner (Gold), Agnes Zawadzki (Bronze), Caroline Zhang (Pewter), 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion Gold Medalist Ashley Wagner: I LOVED Ashley's Free Skate costume. She skated to "Music from Black Swan" and yes, this is one of my favorite costumes of the entire season. The one-shoulder embroidered lace applique with beaded detail design is both elegant and directional. Ashley Wagner--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "Music from the Pollock Soundtrack" and wore a red halter neckline costume with rhinestones. It's pretty, it "pops" on the ice and appropriate for the music and theme. Agnes Zawadzki--Long Program: Agnes was First Place after her Short Program but received the Bronze Medal after the Free Skate. For her Free Program, she skated to "Rhapsody In Blue" By George Gershwin and wouldn't you know it...she wore a royal/electric blue costume with a one-shoulder/band mock-neck silhouette design with yes, lots of crystals. On the ice, this costume really stood out and look fabulous! Agnes Zawadzki--Short Program Costume: For her Short Program, Agnes skated to "Harlem Nocturne" and "Whatever Lola Wants" wearing a similar one-shoulder/band neckline costume--but in deep violet. I like that she knows how important these strong colors are, especially on "stage". Up close, these costumes do look about five minutes away from looking too "Figure Skating Betty" however, it somehow works on Agnes. The colors work really well against her skin tone and hair color. On that note, I love that she keeps her hairstyle in an elegant side-parted chignon each time. Alissa Czisny--Long Program: OK, I will have to get this one off my chest right now: I wasn't a fan of this costume. There, I said it! Alissa--whom I love--and I was "pulling for her"--got the Silver Medal after her Free Skate to "La Valse Triste" by Jean Sibelius. The costume was a little too lingerie/corsetry-looking for my taste. It was "Trashy Lingerie"-ish. On a good note: it had "hints" of Rodarte--the much-praised High Fashion brand everyone and Anna Wintour just LUVS--however, it fell a bit short for me, in terms of impact. I am not a fan of the long skirts for Ladies Figure Skating and well, the entire look was not impacting enough. Alissa Cizisny--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "La Vie en Rose" from the Sabrina soundtrack and wore this elegant rose-pink boatneck sleeveless costume with all-over crystals. I liked this--it was classic and serene. And the thin belt at the waist is soooo "Red Carpet"-ready! The back is covered in Silver Crystals and is absolutely breathtaking. The photos do not do this costume justice. Mirai Nagasu---Short Program: Mirai skated to "Danzarin" Tango Lorca to her Short Program. This costume looked like something one could buy off the rack--from one of the skating shops in the Arena. And kids, that's not a good thing--especially for the Nationals. She need to "Bring It On" and for me, she didn't. I can design--and sew this costume--in my sleep! Caroline Zhang: Pewter Medalist Caroline Zhang wore on of my TOP costumes of the Ladies Final Championships. It was a black number featuring original beading detail under her bust and framing her torso. She skated her Free Skate to "Allegro Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104-1" in this and it worked seamlessly into the performance. Tres Chic Caroline! Rachael Flatt: One of my favorite figure skaters, Rachael Flatt--skated to the "Firebird Suite" from The Firebird by Stravinsky for her Long Program/Free Skate. She changed her costume and showcase this new design at the US Nationals. Here is the one she wore before. I liked the multicolored beading that (I am assuming) was supposed to mimic feathers of a bird. The colors, design and crystals--they all looked well-made and expensive. But, the best part of her costume came at the end of her performance--during the "Kiss-And-Cry", when she put on a "Stanford University" (the college she attends) cap. Soooo CUTE! Go Miss Rachael! Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Previewing the Ladies Final: Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Recap'ing Ladies Final Competition:
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Ladies Style--(L to R) Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Alexandra Trusova, Karen Chen, and Anna Shcherbakova--2021 World Figure Skating Championships Continuing with my ICE STYLE BLOG on this past week's 2021 World Figure Skating Championships...in my last post I discussed THE MEN'S COSTUMES HERE, so now it's time for the LADIES... Let's begin with Japan's Rika Kihira: Rika Kihira Japan Short Program--For her Short Program to The Fire Within by Jennifer Thomas, Rika wore this very striking costume which featured a very elaborately sequined deep blue-and-red dress over deep blue leggings. The "dress" had an eye-catching display of fire-like red and blue strips throughout the torso, all heavily beaded, over an ombre-dyed stretch chiffon base. The heavily appliqued bust detail had the effect of a heart "exploding". The rest of the dress featured nude illusion from neckline to shoulder, and to the back. It was a very detailed costume for sure. I'm not sure if the leggings were even necessary but, it did add a slightly modern touch to the look. SCORE: 9.05 Satoko Miyahara Japan Short Program--For her Short Program to Gnossienne: No. 1 by Erik Satie, Metamorphosis Two by Philipp Glass, Satoko skated wearing this aqua-green costume. The design was a very classic ladies figure skating costume with its lace applique, tiny crystal beading, nude illusion, and double-layered skirt. Even though it didn't reach any new heights of style or fashion in the world of figure skating costumes, it was pretty and right for the music. SCORE: 8.99 Kaori Sakamoto Japan Free Skate--For her Free Skate to Main Title Trinity Infinity from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Don Davis, Clubbed To Death from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Rob Dougan, Chateau Vol.2 from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Rob Dougan, Kaori wore this fabulous costume which I loved this past season. This is a perfect example of taking figure skating costume design to new (higher) levels. I loved the modern fabrication of latex-like-faux stretch leather, along with the asymmetrical details. But really, the "stars" were those stunning jeweled crystals that mimicked "The Matrix" code/digital rain. Kaori looked fresh, modern, high-fashion styled, and dare I say it: bad-a** ! SCORE: 9.90 Bradie Tennell USA Short Program--Bradie skated her Short Program to Moderation by Florence and the Machine. I think it's fitting that for this skate to a Florence and the Machine song, Bradie would wear a more modern, sleek costume. I liked this second-skin black jumpsuit for the fact that it was quite a sexy departure from what we normally see her wear (she's more known as being in the "Ice Princess" category in terms of costumes). The costume had the appearance of a separate midriff-baring crop-top and super-skinny tight leggings and featured geometric details, semi-see-through panels, and delicate beading. If she were to really elevate the entire look, I would have liked to have seen a more modern hairstyle. A faux-hawk perhaps?! SCORE: 9.00 Bradie Tennell USA Free Skate--For her Free Skate to Sarajevo by Max Richter, Dawn of Faith by Eternal Eclipse, Bradie wisely contrasted her modern sleek look from the Short Program to this more classic elegant costume. The ivory and black ombre-shaded costume featured an asymmetrical neckline, boning-like details reminiscent of vintage Dior corselettes, and beautiful silver crystals that went from heavy to light throughout the torso. This was quite an exquisite costume and very Ice Style Couture. SCORE: 9.35 Karen Chen USA Free Skate--Karen skated her Free Skate to Butterfly Lover Concerto by Takako Nishizaki - Takako Nishizaki wearing this absolutely beautiful costume. The lilac-colored design featured a rich display of crystals, sequins, and butterfly motifs encircling the torso and bodice, creating a stunning visual accompaniment to her skate and music. SCORE: 9.75 Hae-in Lee South Korea Free Skate--Lee skated her Free Skate to Nina's Dream (from "Black Swan" soundtrack) by Clint Mansell, Stumbled Beginnings (from "Black Swan" soundtrack) by Clint Mansell, A Swan Is Born (from "Black Swan" soundtrack) by Clint Mansell, Perfection (from "Black Swan" soundtrack) by Clint Mansell wearing this gorgeous costume. Even though the music was to "Black Swan", the costume was done in a deep hunter green shade which was unique. I also loved the feather-like crystal embellishment on the torso in green and silver which gave a nod to the swan. Last, but not least, the crystal beaded neckline was EXQUISITE! SCORE: 9.75 Alexandra Trusova *Figure Skating Federation of Russia* Short Program--For her Short Program to Love Story by Lola and Hauser, Appassionata by Secret Garden, Alexandra wore this white and lilac shaded costume. It was a pretty costume and I appreciated the side-back strappy details (very Versace-lite!) and the crystal embellishment throughout the front torso. Although I didn't mind the delicate white-and-lilac color, I feel Trusova looks better in stronger richer colors and I wish the skirt was shorter for her petite frame. SCORE: 8.45 Alexandra Trusova *Figure Skating Federation of Russia* Free Skate--For her Free Skate to O Verona (from "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong, Montagues & Capulets (from "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack), Come, Gentle Night (from "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski, and Dance of the Knights (from "Romeo and Juliet") by Sergei Prokofiev Alexandra wore this black and fuchsia-colored costume. The design was "dark" and "mature" for the young lady but fit the imposing "Romeo and Juliet" Prokofiev music. I liked the "skeletal"-like details around her ribcage/torso and web-like back strap embellishment... The Thorn Queen...but not at Worlds ...As her skate neared its second half, I was waiting for her to do the release of her sleeve thorns which was a highlight (for me) of her skate and costume...however...it never came. It seems that the Russian Federation might have gotten some "costume notes" from previous judges who possibly suggested to not have that (maybe too gimmicky??)...Oh well...because I liked it! Elizaveta Tuktamysheva *Figure Skating Federation of Russia* Short Program--Elizaveta skated her Short Program to Lovely by Billie Eilish and Khaled. She wore this "fashion forward' look, consisting of a see-through stretch mesh leotard/bodysuit with a crop black top and a very mini skirt with silver belt/chain details. She accessorized the look with black gloves and a silver metallic wrist bracelet. She looked like a sexy back-up dancer for a 90's Paula Abdul. The costume was more in line with something one would see for a "Show"/Exhibition look but it works for Elizaveta because as we all know, she's ALWAYS ready for a show! SCORE: 9.00 Elizaveta Tuktamysheva *Figure Skating Federation of Russia* Free Skate--For her Free Skate to Chronicles of a Mischievous Bird by Bkhima Iunusov, Elizaveta wore this black costume above. The design features wing-like fluttery sleeves, an asymmetrical "skirt" and corset-like details around the midriff. The costume mixes solid and see-through materials for a dark and sexy vibe. While I liked most of it, I am not a fan of the oddly colored "nude" illusion panel in the front neckline; it's just too dark for her skin tone. SCORE: 8.75 Anna Shcherbakova *Figure Skating Federation of Russia* Short Program--Skating to O doux printemps d'autrefois by Jules Massenet, performed by Joshua Bell for her Short Program, Anna wore this beautiful costume above. The blue design had a gathered bust with a keyhole front, semi-sheer sleeves, and crystal-encrusted Empire and waist seams. As a costume, it reflected a romantic, feminine aesthetic with its silhouette but I also liked how the blue-violet ombre shadings and crystals reminded me of a lovely star-filled night sky. SCORE: 9.25 Anna Shcherbakova *Figure Skating Federation of Russia* Free Skate--For her Free Skate to Morning Passages by Philipp Glass, Big Plans (from "The Home of Dark Butterflies" soundtrack) by Panu Aaltio, Beethoven's Five Secrets by The Piano Guys, Anna wore this costume...and honestly, it is one of my favorites of the season. The design is gorgeous, luxe, romantic, and goes well with the music. The costume features lovely ombre shading in ivory, silver to deep gunmetal grays in the torso and skirt as well as beautiful pink/skin-colored sleeves. The crystal beading swirls around her body like shiny stars encircling a midnight sky. All in all, if one added layers of chiffon that went to the floor, I could easily see this on an Awards Show red carpet--once we start having those again! SCORE: 9.85 Click below to watch USA's Karen Chen skate her Free Skate at the 2021 World Figure Skating Championships:
Gold Medal Winner Yu-Na Kim of Korea skating her Free Skate at the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, London, Ontario, Canada Continuing with my Costume Recap of the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships which occurred a couple of weeks back...it's now time to discuss the Costume Highlights of the LADIES--- Mae Berenice Meite of France--For her Free Skate to Selections from "Zarafa" and "Dead Can Dance" and Soundtrack to "Belphegor", Mae Berenice wore one of my favorite Ladies Costumes from the season. It was kitschy, reminded me of Whitney Houston's "Queen of the Night" from "The Bodyguard", it was Cleopatra Fab...all of it. Oh, and it reminded me of the iconic 60's Paco Rabanne couture, as well. Très bien Mae Berenice! Alena Leonova of Russia--Alena skated her Season 2013-2013 Short Program to "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Indian Hip Hop" and I absolutely LOVED her apple green costume. It had great jigsaw-puzzle-like detail in the torso with strewn sequins and gold metal trim. The design had draping, a flirty chiffon "skirt", arm and body straps...that great back! She looked very chic Bollywood dancer. Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia--Elizaveta loves a jumpsuit/unitard/skirt costume combo. She wore two versions of this silhouette for both. For her Short Program to Music from the Love Story soundtrack by Francis Lai, Elizaveta wore this black skating dress and semi sheer sparkly leggings. I like the black with silver sequins and plunging neckline detail of the skating dress but...I'm just not sure how necessary it was for her to then also wear the sparkly tights. Then for her Free Skate to "Dark Eyes", she once again chose to not stop with the skating dress but also added the tights. Now, she's either A) Cold, and/or B) she wants this skating dress-and-tights costume look to be her "thing". I, for one, would advice her NOT to have it be her "thing". The black with red accents and crystals skating dress is fine on its own--I would only say she should have "punched it up" a bit more in terms of more sequins or more upper torso/sleeve detail but to add black tights/leggings to it? Not so mucheey. Viktoria Helgesson of Sweden--I loved BOTH costumes worn by Viktoria Helgesson. For her Short Program to "Poinciana"--an album from jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal--she wore a teal costume (top photo) featuring a beaded torso top section with a fringed (very popular this past season)"skirt". The double straps were great and I liked the distribution of the diamante crystals. For her Free Skate to "Spellbound Concerto" by Miklos Rozsa, she wore a baby blue costume that looked like something from Versace. The asymmetrical neckline was great but I especially loved the sequins and how expensive and well-placed they were. She "debuted" this costume when she skated at the NRW Trophy at Eissportzentrum on December 9, 2012 in Dortmund, Germany. This costume above is what she had been wearing the rest of the 2012-2013 Season for that Free Skate. I like them both. Gracie Gold of USA-- For her Free Skate to Life is Beautiful soundtrack by Nicola Piovan, Gracie wore this bright blue and sequin costume designed to look strapless--with nude illusion at the upper chest and neck. It was very pretty. Nothing costume "earth shattering", but yes, very pretty. Now, for her Short Program to "Hernando's Hideaway" by Various Artists... Gracie wore this red with sequins costume which I liked very much. Both her costumes were designed by Brad Griffies and he did a fabulous job. Interesting to note that she just began wearing this costume earlier this year--first, at the 2013 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships at CenturyLink Center on January 24, 2013 in Omaha, Nebraska and in February at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships at Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on February 9, 2013 in Osaka, Japan. This costume... ...above (which I also LOVED!) was what she had wearing the entire 2012-2013 Season prior to those two competitions. I said it was ONE OF THE BEST of the 2012 Year. Ashley Wagner of USA--Speaking of great costumes, this canary yellow one on Ashley Wagner was, hands down, one of my favorite Figure Skating Costumes of this past year/season. She wore this for her Free Skate to "Samson and Delilah". From the moment she stepped on the ice, I thought this was Figure Skating Costume Perfection. The bright sunburst yellow with ombré dyeing; the expertly applied sequins, the torso and neckline detail...It was very "Samson and Delilah" for sure and at the same time suggested the works of some of the better-known Lebanese Couturiers like Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad. Therefore, she was Red Carpet Fab and Figure Skating Perfection! Carolina Kostner of Italy--Carolina skated her Free Skate to "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel, performed by Andre Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra wearing this open back black costume. I thought it was elegant, modern and refreshingly void of too many "bells and whistles". It was a great departure from that Swarovski-crystal jumpsuit she wore last season. Mao Asada of Japan--Mao wore this costume to her Free Skate to Music from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky. She debuted this costume at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships at Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on February 10, 2013 in Osaka, Japan. I thought this was a nice interpretation of the "Swan Lake" ballerina theme. The only complaint is that there were one too many feathers. It almost looked like she had been rolling in a feather pillow that semi-exploded. This above (which was one of my TOP FAVORITES of last year in terms of Ladies Figure Skating Costumes) is what she wore for most of the 2012-2013 Season. I wish she would have just kept wearing this "old" costume above. Yu-Na Kim of Korea--For her Short Program, she skated to "The Kiss of the Vampire" and her costume was SPECTACULAR! It was an icy blue color with very expensive-looking crystals in silver, blue and "Vampire Blood" red. It also had a perfectly matching nude illusion shoulder/sleeve section. If you cannot tell yet...I absolutely LOVED it! For her Free Skate to "Les Misérables", Yu-Na did not disappoint--costume-wise. She wore a gunmetal gray chiffon costume with "Period" sleeves, sweetheart neckline and delicately sequined bodice. This is how I like to see my Les Misérables costumes interpreted, not sad and dreary. She won the GOLD at the Worlds and for me, she took home the gold in the Costume Category too. GO QUEEN YU-NA! Top Three Ladies: (left to right) Silver Medalist Carolina Kostner of Italy, Gold Medal winner Yu-Na Kim, and Bronze Medalist Mao Asada of Japan, 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships at Budweiser Gardens on March 16, 2013 in London, Ontario, Canada. **Up Next: The Ice Dance and Pairs Costumes Highlights of the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships
Some Old and Some New...Costumes...that is: Semi-Smile, Basic Smile, and Big-Ol' Smile: (L to R) Korea's Yu-Na Kim (Silver), Japan's Miki Ando (Gold) and Italy's Carolina Kostner (Bronze), 2011 World Figure Skating Championships On my previous post, I gave my "Nick Two Cents" on the Mens Costumes of last week's 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, so now of course, we are onto the Ladies. The ultimate Gold Medalist of the Ladies was Japan's Miki Ando... The Silver, a teary-eyed Yu-Na Kim (who had not competed since last year's World Championships and was "the one to watch") and finally, Bronze went to Italy's Carolina Kostner. Costume-wise there were some same-old same-old for this competition and some new. And speaking of NEW, leave it to Russia's Alena Leonova to shake things up--just a little bit--not on the Costume Front, but the HAIR front. Read on kiddies... Same Costumes: Carolina Kostner of Italy: Roberto Cavalli Muse, Carolina Kostner, stuck to the same costumes she used last year during competitions for both her Short Program and Free Skate. For her Short "Galicia Flamenco" Program, she wore an elegant royal blue with black applique lace detail "one-shoulder" costume. Great color, looks well-made and a nice variation on the "Uh Oh, is she about to do 'Carmen'???" Spanish Sevillana look. For her long--or Free Skate-- again, she stuck to the same costume she's worn before: An asymmetrically draped-and-shirred "Grecian Goddess" number in light pastels and muted golds. I love these kinds of costumes since it kind of reminds me of the one I created for Sacha Cohen on the "Thin Ice" Challenge of Project Runway Season 2 almost six years ago. In other words, you ain't gonna hear any criticism here darlings... Semi-Costume Change: Rachael Flatt of the USA The lovely Rachael Flatt of the USA wore a deep lipstick red "sweetheart neckline" silver crystals and red sequined "Empire line" costume during her Free Program routine at the 2011 Worlds last week. It looked the same as what she had previously worn before. However...I thought something was different: And after a bit of photo research, yep, I was right: She added sleeves! Above is what she wore at the Four Continents in Taipei Taiwan as well at the 2010 U.S. Nationals--sans sleeves. I like it either way, although my preference would be without sleeves. She looks FAB in strong vibrant colors that also play with her strong and vibrant blond hair--as well as her skating! Now onto the Costume Change Ladies: Mao Asada of Japan: For the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, Mao Asada kept her same Free Skate lavender-colored costume which she has worn in previous competitions. However, she has almost always changed her Short Program "Tango" costumes. Here's a sampling: ISU Trophee Eric Bompard in France (above) in November 2010, and... One month later at the Japan Figure Skating Championships, December 2010. Here's the "new-and-improved" red-and-black costume she wore at the 2011 Worlds last week for her short program. Mao is rather hit-or-miss with her costume choices. Sometimes they veer on looking a little too "Toddlers and Tiaras" and something out of a soccer mom's sewing room. And then, when she tries to go a little "sexy", she still somehow has to put some poufy pom-poms or cheap-looking diamante trim. I like the twist-knots and more directional draping of this costume. At least she gets "Nick Verreos Improvement" points. Yu-Na Kim: Yu-Na Kim skipped out last year's entire Grand Prix series, wanting to concentrate instead on last week's 2011 Worlds. She came in a VERY Good Second but was saddened and crying throughout the Medal Ceremony (I just wanted to hug her!). In terms of Costumes, she always picks fabulously designed and very expensive-looking costumes that make her look like a Pro as well as a bit of a Figure Skating Fashionista. Since she hadn't competed in about one year, both her Short and Free Programs Costumes were NEW! (Yeayyy for Yu-Na!). Let's take a look at last year's compared to the new ones: Before: Short Program Costume--This chic one shoulder sequined number was very Art Deco and "red carpet" worthy. Now: Yu-Na is still giving one shoulder but with a "twist".This black stretch velvet with blue and silver sequins is both pretty and modern at the same time. My favorite part is the side and back and how it all seamlessly works its way around her torso. Her last Free Skate Costume was this blue ensemble featuring a halter neckline with a crystal sequin halter neckline. Once again, she stuck to elegant, lady-like and never too gaudy, kitschy or over-the-top. Just right, for her and her routine. Now, she chose a modern serious black and silver sequined costume that was again, almost "figure skating costume" text book perfect. I like the curved sequin detail and I especially like that those sequins look Swarovski-expensive (as opposed to poor Mao Asada's I-just-went-to-Jo-Ann's Fabrics-of Tokyo sequins). And Now, Onto Miss Hair-Krazee: Alena Leonova of Russia Oh yes, kids, that's one of my favorite Figure Skaters (in terms of KRAZEE Costumes), Alena Leonova of Russia. First of all, I won't even go into her costumes, because I have talked about that dingleberry monstrosity already which she wears to skate to (appropriately enough) "Polka (Circus)" and "La Strada" for her Short Program. Her hair now is all poufy, curly and very Bette Midler. If she thinks that's a good thing, her Gay Russian Hairdresser(I'm guessing here!) may have ill-advised her. Here's her hair not too long ago--very "Dorothy Hamill Growing Out". The costume, by the way, has changed if only slightly. It seems that she has had it made in several "color ways" as we can see from above and... Here, both from the ISU Cup of Russia in November 2010. And for her Free Skate last week at the 2011 Worlds, Miss Leonova, slicked it all back-- her hair that is. She is such a CHAMELEON! I think she's just growing her hair out and can't think of nothing else to do. But even then, this look is a bit "Tanya Harding after a couple of Vodka Tonics" for my taste. I still have to defer to this hair above. Keep it simple up top Alena. But go Сумасшедший (crazy) with the Costumes!!! PLEASE????
The Top Three Ladies: (L to R) Russia's Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (Silver), Elena Radionova of Russia (Gold) and Gracie Gold of the USA (Bronze)--2014 Skate America It's Grand Prix of Figure Skating season! This past weekend was the 2014 Hilton HHonors Skate America and therefore, we all know what that means: time to discuss the COSTUMES! In my last post, I talked about the Men's so now it's time for the Ladies. I want to begin with Gracie Gold of the US: Gracie Gold of the USA, Short Program to "Piano Concerto" by Edvard Grieg--This midnight blue and sequined costume was VERY Gracie in its demure and "Ice Princess" style. It matched the music and what we have come to expect from Gracie. But...I somehow wanted a little more; it was pretty yet it bored me. Free Skate to "The Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber--Delicate violet sequined applique highlighted this costume--along with nude illusion and a chiffon "skirt" section. It was pretty and worked well with the music but yet again, I expected a little more. It was definitely in the "classic" folder of Figure Skating Costume designs; nothing extraordinary and frankly, not very memorable. But, with that being said, they are both Elite Level Figure Skating Costumes. You can tell they are well made, high quality and a step above many others in the competition. Gracie has a penchant for changing costumes, so I hope we get to see other options throughout the season. Samantha Cesario of the USA, Short Program to "Danza Mora" by Dr. Samy Farag--I liked the maroon color and sequin details of this costume for Samantha's Short Program. The gold, pink and cobalt blue sequins really stood out and I especially liked the back; it looked like a fabulous spiderweb. Free Skate to "Carmen" by Georges Bizet and Rodion Shchedrin--Samantha skated to "Carmen" and wore this Tania Bass-designed costume above. Since we all know that "Carmen" has been skated to--and designed--over and over again--this was a good costume considering. The sequined applique detail of the bodice was very well done and I liked the asymmetry of the nude illusion placement. Part of me, however, would love to see a big ol' peineta and mantilla! I know, it may be too much and not necessarily helpful when doing jumps and turns. Mirai Nagasu of the USA, Short Program to "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninoff--Mirai wore this deep lilac/violet colored costume with silver crystals placed asymmetrically on the bodice in a feather-like design. I thought this costume was both bold and pretty for Mirai. I also liked the "one-shoulder sleeve" look. Free Skate to "Madame Butterfly" by Giacomo Puccini--Gorgeous! Look at the detail of Mirai's costume worn for her FS to "Madame Butterfly". The black costume had lilac and silver crystals placed to look like fabulously bedazzled butterfly wings. So beautiful. Mirai may not have done so well at this weekend's "2014 Skate America" (she came in 6th), but with her costumes she was definitely on the top list! Elena Radionova of Russia, Short Program to "De Mi Vera te Fuistes" by Pepe Romero and "Ain't It Funny" by Jennifer Lopez--Yes, you read right, fifteen year old Elena skated to JLo! In case you missed it, the ISU has allowed actual vocals for the first time this season in all disciplines. Now, back to the costume--Elena wore this red costume which paralleled the flamenco and "Latino" flair of her music. I thought it was a bit over-designed and was a bit of a mish-mash; the dress didn't really have a stand-out design aspect and what are those tacky fingerless gloves with roses on them? Free Skate to "Piano Concerto No. 3" and "Trio élégiaque No. 2" by Sergei Rachmaninoff--Here's another case of over-designing for a figure skating costume. I thought the beading, sequins and multi-sized pearl detail on top was OUTSTANDING and looked very Couture--and I liked the hair bands--but the rest of the costume was a mess; it was TOO MUCHEEY. The royal blue costume had a gathered bodice, pleated torso detail plus a wrap/twisted draped accent as well. I feel that this costume should have been a simple angelic-like ivory to the top section's beading. Costume Queen: Just a reminder of Elena's costumes LAST season (above photos)--and yes, now when you look at the new costumes--still over-designed--they seem rather tame in comparison! Elene Gedevanishvili of Georgia, Free Skate to "Burlesque"--Ladies and gentlemen...I present to you A Jumpsuit! Elene wore a dark gray/almost black stretch jumpsuit with crystals accents throughout. the costume also featured an "open back". It looked like a very sassy and jazzy workout outfit and I have to say, I liked it! Mae Berenice Meite of France, Short Program to "Hosanna" by Soweto Gospel Choir, "The Groove You Liked (Mala Dub)" by Savanj Rooms and "Freedom"--Mae Berenice wore this creme and gold costume with armor-like bodice detail and gold and ivory beading. the design featured an off-the-shoulder style, held by nude illusion. I am a BIG STICKLER when it come to illusion and making sure it matches the skin color of the skater and here on Mae Berenice, it does! good job! Free Skate to "Conquest of Spaces," "Shadows" and "Run Boy Run" by Woodkid--Mae Berenice wore this exact same jumpsuit with heavily sequined "vest" detail last season and at her appearance at the Socchi 2014 Winter Olympics. Last year, it was a completely different Free Skate (with music by "Europa" by Jean-Pierre Danel, "We Will Rock You" by KCPK and "La Grange" by Jean-Pierre Danel). I guess she decided that the same costume would work for this 2014-2015 season. Or maybe, her new costume wasn't ready in time for 2014 Skate America. We'll see at her next Grand Prix if she wears this costume again. Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia, Free Skate to "Batwannis Beek" and "Sandstorm"--When I first saw her on the ice with this dolman/caftan-like costume with gold sequin and metallic detail, I thought she looked rather "Scheherazade-ish" and Thank goodness, the music started and the Near Eastern sounds blended perfectly with the costume. I liked this look and liked the way the dolman sleeves flowed with her turns and jumps. She really used the costume to extend the theme of her skate. I almost shrieked when I was watching yesterday on NBC and Johnny Weir said something to the effect of "bed sheet" when describing this. Note to Johnny: it's a caftan-like dolman sleeve style darling...NOT a bedsheet. **UP NEXT: The Pairs and Ice Dance Costume Highlights of 2014 Skate America!!
Above: The Quicken Loans Arena, site of the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The same arena hosted the 2000 Nationals as well. When t...
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