Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Cup of China Costume Wrap-Up--The Ladies & Pairs!

The Ladies & Pairs' Ladies Dazzle in China...in their Costumes!

Neon Kostner: Italy's Carolina Kostner (who captured the Gold at the Cup of China here) dazzled in her Short Program neon yellow/green costume to "Allegretto From Trio. No. 2" by Shostakovich--Kostner's costumes for this season are fabulous--love them both, especially this side gathered "wrap dress" style with heavily encrusted crystal top and sleeve detail.

Two weekends ago was the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Cup of China 2011-2012--I talked about the Ice Dancers and the Men previously on my lovely blog site. In the meantime, I had to take a week-long trip to NYC for business meetings and to film backstage and Pink Carpet Coverage of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (which will air on CBS on November 29th!) for Look TV, a new YouTube Channel. Therefore, I got behind (just a little bit) on my bloggin' (Note to Self: must hire blogging assistants!!). Anyhow, better late than never for my Figure Skating Costume Fans here...And don't worry, I know that Grand Prix Japan is happening right now, so I'll have my "Nick V Figure Skating Costume Two Cents" on that later of course! For now...here are my thoughts on the Ladies and the Pairs.

Let's begin with the Ladies:

Kanako Muarakami of Japan: I LOVED Kanako's Free Skate costume which she wore skating to "Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64" by Mendelssohn. The light blue, aqua and turquoise colors were exquisite and so was the bugle beaded-and-crystal "bow" detail of the torso/top section of her costume. One of my favorite Ladies costumes of the season for sure!

For her Short Program to "Violin Partitia No. 2" by Johann Sebastian Bach, Murakami also went with a colorful (this time lilac, raspberry, light violet with hints of olive green tones) costume. It was a "one-shoulder" style featuring swirl designs, light beading and a flower choker. I think she could have done without that faux rose neck detail (looked a bit 70's for me) but the rest was just right. And both costumes are a HUGE improvement over last year!

Mirai Nagasu of USA: Cup of China 2011 Silver Madalist Mirai Nagasu wore one of the most High Fashion and prettiest costumes for her Free Skate at the Cup of China. I'm "NICK OBSESSED" with it!

She skated to "Adagio" from Spartacus and naturally, she wore a "Grecian Goddess" draped/gathered one-shoulder baby-blue costume with shoulder and midriff pieces that hinted at "Spartan" costume touches. She gets a TEN out of Ten in my Figure Skating Costume Book (didn't really know I had a "Figure Skating Costume Book" but now I do, I guess!).

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia: Adelina Adelina Adelina...She got the 3rd place Bronze Medal for her skating at Cup of China 2011. For her Short Program to Ravel's "Bolero", her costume was a little on the kitschy side. The cascading flower detail looked a bit cheap and slightly garish (as opposed to elegant and UBER feminine which is what I think of when I hear "Bolero"). The overall effect was "Cirque du Soleil" in Reno, Nevada (oops!).

But...for her Short Program was skated to Ravel's Boléro, and she done BROUGHT IT! Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, an ELECTRIC BLUE stretch and chiffon JUMPSUIT. In an international competition! Three words: you go girl!

This costume was Krazee Planet Pluto Princess Love! I'm not so sure what this has to do with the Spanish Dance Boléro (as the composer intended), but who cares?! She looks like some background dancer/character from a Fellini movie--or Roger Vadim's "Barbarella", for that matter! It's SOOOO out there, that I get it...and secretly love it.

Now...my Two Favorite Pairs:

Kavaguti and Smirnov of Russia: The Gold Medalists in Pairs at the Cup of China 2011-2012 Season were this Russian pair of Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov. Kavaguti was born in Japan and has represented Japan, the USA and Russia and is fluent in all three languages. She gave up her Japanese citizenship to compete at the Olympics with Smirnov (Japan does not allow dual citizenship). But back to the Costumes:

For their Free Skate to "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, she wore a fabulous royal blue long-skirted costume that has shirred, a one shoulder neckline silhouette and the most exquisite jeweled crystal strap detail. In terms of fashion, one can take that dress to the floor and it would make for a very impacting runway look (can you tell I loved it?!). The color--and crystals-- of her costume were brought back to him, in terms of Smirnov's blouson top and silver crystal-studded waistband. I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of his top, but, I was just happy that he wasn't wearing ALL BLACK. I also wasn't sure the length of the skirt would work on tiny Yuko, but because of the fact that the designer used only one layer of chiffon and kept it light, it was perfect.

Zhang and Zhang of China: My other favorite costumes for the Pairs, were China's Zhang and Zhang. They clinched the Silver Medal for China--at Cup of China--and both of their Free Skate and Short program Costumes were on point! For their Free Skate, they skated to Liszt's "Totentanz". I really liked her lilac-colored costume with draped bust and midriff and crystal vertical detailing. It was VERY Donatella Versace.

I am normally not a fan of those shoulder-exposing sleeves, however, here they worked. Again, I wasn't even looking at him (sorry!). Her very romantic but still Milan Fashion Week Runway Chic costume was all that I needed to focus on.

I also thought that their Short Program costumes were just as high fashion as their Free Skate. They skated to "A Transylvanian Lullaby" by John Morris and therefore, there was a slight Dracula touch to their ensembles. But so more modernized and fashionista. Notice her costume in particular. The black bust piece and the Empire shaped torso and skirt plus the red sequin vertical accents were perfect and very fashion with a capital F. Again, one can take that costume, extend it, make a cocktail dress or a gown, and look FABULOUS! Therefore, me likey!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Cup of China--The Men!

The Boys in China

Jeremy Abbott of USA: Gold Medal Winner Jeremy Abbott at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Cup of China 2011-2012

The Grand Prix of Figure Skating Cup of China occurred this weekend and so, naturally, I scoured the web for all the photos I could find of the skaters and their lovely--and sometimes not-so-lovely, costumes. Because after all, that's what I do! In m past Cup of China posting, I wrote of the Cha-Cha Krazee Ice Dancers HERE, and now, we are onto The Men.

Here were my Faves:

Nobunari Oda of Japan: Second Place Nobunari Oda skated his Free Skate to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg by Michel Legrand. The 1964 musical (all the dialogue is sung)--starring the great Catherine Deneuve is about a Madame and her daughter who sell umbrellas in Paris. She falls in love, becomes pregnant, and so on and so forth (Wikipedia it kids!)--What his black with royal blue jeweled crystals very fitted double breasted suit has to do with that, I have no idea.

Other than, well, he looks rather "Parisian" and chic! It's a very interesting idea for a costume. I would just think that it is so hard to move in a tailored suit, but I am sure the amount of Stretch in that suit was A LOT! (I hope so for Oda). The crystal detail on the jacket is quite exquisite. I want a jacket JUST like that to wear to one of my red carpet/TV appearances!

For his Short Program, Nobunari skated to "Memphis Soul Stew" by King Curtis. His costume included the ubiquitous tight black pants used by most of the men, and a multi-colored very bright printed shirt. The colors on the shirt were great! I always do love when one of the male competitors, first of all A.) Doesn't BORE me to Skating tears, with a vest-and-shirt ensemble, and B.) Gives me COLOR!!! It was an interesting modern and abstract print that went well with his music and skating.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan: 17-year-old Hanyu had some trouble in his Free Skate performance but was still one of my favorites. Also, one of my favorites: his incredible costume. He skated to "Kissing You" (Love theme from Romeo and Juliet) and "Escape", both by Craig Armstrong. His costume tried to vibe the Shakespearean Romeo character. Whoever designed and created it, did a FABULOUS job! The top was Romantic and has the essence of a Period costume blouse, but it was very modern with its horizontal ruching and ombre color effect. But the best part were the jeweled straps across his body: INCREDIBLE!

I've been saying (in some of my past Costume Critiques) why doesn't anyone do jeweled/ Swarovski crystal straps in a Men's costume (as opposed to BORING faux leather), well, I think someone heard me! (or read me, that is).

In his Short Program, Yuzuru Hanyu skated to "Etude in D minor, op. 8, no. 12". Here again, Hanyu gave the audience some visual costume "candy" with this multi-hued blue chiffon and velvet with ombre black details as well as crystals and diamante's throughout. Now this is a top Johnny Weir would LOVE! And actually, the reason I think these costumes work so well for him is he has a very lyrical quality to his skate, not unlike Johnny Weir.

Nan Song of China: Nan Song got the Bronze overall at home in the Cup of China this weekend. His Free Skate costume did feature two of my most dreaded Men's Costume Elements: a vest and a dress shirt. But...this was a different kind of vest-and-shirt ensemble. Therefore: Me Likey. The silver-and-black sequined vest with the purple crystal-encrusted band-collared blouse--sorry, I mean shirt--was very Peter Allen "The Boy From Oz" Fab (even though that wasn't the music). And yes, that's why he gets "Nick V Figure Skating Costume Points"!


Jeremy Abbott of the USA: Finally, it's Gold Medal Winner Jeremy Abbott. His Free Skate was absolutely GORGEOUS. Sublime. I was so moved, I even Tweeted him (Hi, am I a sixteen year old girl??? Don't answer that!). EVERY single second of that Free Skate was not wasted. It was lyrical, beautiful and strong. OK, sorry, let's get to his Free Skate Costume...

He skated to "Exogenesis: Sympony Part 3" by Muse. It was black, simple, elegant...just like his skate. He wore those basic black pants, and a fitted stretch long-sleeve top with a horizontal "V" and black crystals throughout. Normally, I would have huff'ed and puff'ed about a costume like this requiring, well, more "Umph!"...but no huney, it was just right!

*Up Next , More Cup of China Costumes--The Ladies and Pairs!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Cup of China--The Ice Dancers!

China Costume Madness!

Neon Dance: China's Huang and Zheng during their Latin-inspired Free Skate, Cup of China 2011

We're back to Figure Skating Costumes! After Skate America, Skate Canada, now, it's the 3rd stop of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series, the Cup of China 2011. Organized by the Chinese Skating Association, the Cup of China is being held this weekend in Shanghai China.

And in terms of Figure Skating Costumes, it's already proven to be a GOLDMINE of Photo-Critiquing. Let's begin with the Ice Dancers, shall we:

Bobrova and Soloviev of Russia: This Russian Ice Dance couple won the GOLD at the Cup of China over the weekend with their combined Short Dance and Free Skate scores. Above are their Free Skate costumes skated to "Walpurgis Night" (from Faust) by Charles Gounod. Ekaterina's multi-stripped chiffon-and-stretch black costume with silver and red beading was very dramatic. Very Faustian, I guess. To me, it looked more "Black Swan"--the Punk Disco Remix! Those chiffon layers can get "tricky" if not sometimes distracting and dangerous when doing those turns, lifts and Lords knows what else. But I give her, and the costume designer, several "Nick V Points" for "going there" and not holding back.

For their Short Program--a Latin-inspired mix of "Eres Todo En Mi" and "Ooh La La", they also didn't hold back. Again it's all about Miss Ekaterina: she tries to bring the fiery Latina out of her very Russian blood--but she ends up looking a bit Halloween-y in this yellow-orange and black scooped neck look with fringed skirt. I admit though: I liked it!

I also liked that Dmitry (oh yes, I almost forgot he was there!) was not in a Basic Black top and pants. Well, kind of. At least, there were some silver crystal beading to make his costume not look as if he had just gotten it from the local Figure Skating Shop. Thank You Dmitry and Thank you to their Costume Designer--once again!

Coomes and Buckland of Great Britain: These Brits almost made the podium (they got Fourth). For their Latin Short Program they skated to "El Beso del Final" and JLo's "Let's Get Loud". As we've seen here--and in my other Figure Costume postings, in Ice Dancing, it's all about the women, and Penny Coomes, decided to go more JLo and less Carmen Miranda (Thank Goodness!). Her one-shouldered black and gold over-sized paillette costume was very dance-club in Miami.

Counrty Confused: For their Free Skate, these two skated to (wait for it)...no, not the soundtrack to "Walk The Line" (by the looks of their Country Western-inspired costumes I would have bet money on it!) but it began with "2001: A Space Odyssey" and then went into "Viva Elvis" from Cirque Du Soleil. I kinda get the latter--but the former?? Nope, not so much. They needed to begin with Dolly Parton especially in those costumes!

Carron and Jones of France: For their Latin-inspired Short Program, their costumes were very Cha-Cha, very colorful and appropriate for the program, music and dance. I especially loved that he wasn't in all black. These two look straight out of some Nassau Bahamas Carnival Cruise dance troupe. On a Tacky-licious Scale: a 9.5!

Yu and Wang of China: Speaking of a Carnival Cruise Ship...these two really took the (Latin) cake. For their Short "Cha-Cha" "Mumba" "Rhumba" Program, they went ALL OUT! Seriously, just look at those costumes above--They were like "Bob Hope Does Copacabana" after waaay too many Caipirinhas (I don't even think they had Caipirinhas back in the Bob Hope days!). Now I like an over the top Dance Costume just as much as the next person (maybe more!) but I suggest these young teams look more to the FAB costumes on "Dancing With The Stars" as opposed to Old Carmen Miranda Movies!

Now, for their Free Skate, Yu and Wang of China danced to "Howl's Moving Castle" by Joel Hisaishi. I adored the colors (especially in her baby blue, lilac and purple sequined costume). I also liked that he went "Prince Charming On Ice" and broke the all-black mold and competed with her--in terms of a very thought-out complete costume. His jacket was very intricate, heavily appliqued and notice how her baby blue color was brought back to him in the inner collar and sleeve cuff sections.

Shibutani and Shibutani of The USA: I liked their Short Program costumes (above) better than their "Big Band" Free Dance ones (seriously, a red basic sequined costume for that FABULOUS Big Band era? Soooo uninspiring). But in the Short Program, sister Maia Shibutani, really WORKED her one-shoulder black sequined asymmetrically skirted costume overtime: it was CALIENTE!

Huang and Zheng of China: Finally, I must give MAJAH Costume Props to this Chinese Ice Dance couple who began my blog post here. These were their costumes for their Short Program--yes, the Latin-inspired ones naturally (although, they could also be performing at Eurovision with those get-ups!). I really do not even know where to start other than: Fabuloso-loco! As if it wasn't enough that she was wearing neon-yellow, bright orange and FRINGE. But then, they gave her a sculpted headband. And her partner: he was straight (pun not intended) out of a Rio de Janeiro Gay Pride Parade! They are such a bright tacky mess...they are almost FABULOUS! Almost!

*Up Next: More Cup of China 2011 Costumes...