Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--Ice Dance!!

Costume Change-a-Thon!!

Top Ice Dancers: (Left to Right) Silver Medalists Alex Shibutani and Maia Shibutani, Gold Medalists Charlie White and Meryl Davis, Bronze Medalists Zachary Donohue and Madison Hubbell, and Pewter Medalists Logan Giulietti and Lynn Kriengkrairut, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion San Jose, California

Rounding out my Blog Costume Review of last weekend's 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in San Jose California, we are now left with the colorful and always sassy (most of the time, especially those Eastern Europeans!!) Ice Dancers. For this 2011-2012 Season, the Short Dance is a Latin-inspired one, as required and specified by the ISU/International Skating Union. I think it should ALWAYS be Latin...much more exciting that way--musically and costume-wise! Oh, and did I mention there were some Costume Changes this time around. Love that! So, let's begin:

Bronze Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donahue Free Dance Costume: They skated to "I Put A Spell On You". And their costumes, though contemporary, were on the yawn side. I get it--they're supposed to be a couple in the midst of a love spell, and so on and so forth. Now, I understand that her mother makes all her costumes and Kudos to all Mom's and especially ones with Sewing Talents (I LOVE me the Sewing Moms!), but I just wasn't a fan of these in particular. Both his and her "costumes" (if one could call them that) were straight out of a store from a mall: Madison's, from "Contempo Casuals" back in the 80's and 90's and Zachary's, from "Ross Dress For Less".

Hubbell and Donahue Short Dance: For their Latin-influenced Short Dance, they BROUGHT IT!! (Thank Goodness). Now here, I really, really liked Madison's costume. So, Congrats to her Mommie on this one! They danced to samba and rhumba rhythms and her costume reflected this. I loved the black-and-white print, the multicolored strips of fabric mimicking feathers. And I also liked that she slicked her hair back in a FIERCE chignon. She looked like a Fantasy Cheetah from Brazil! Oh, and I almost forgot about Zachary: he looked HOT HOT HOT! The plunging neckline, the sheer and solid panels on the shirt, the "tuxedo" stripe on the pants...all fab!

Madison Chock and Evan Bates: For their Short Latin Dance to "Chick, Chick Boom", Madison wore a coral-red costume and Evan went black (of course). I liked her costume; it moved marvelously on the ice (love the "fringed" strips of fabric on the skirt section), and I liked the sexy styling and contrast velvet and sequined underpiece. Unfortunately, they did not skate they're best and didn't make the podium this year. But they get my Nick V. Medal for sexy costumes!

Costume Change The Ice Dancers Edition:

Silver Medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani: They did their Latin Short Dance to "Batucada", "Skip to the Bip" and "Jazz Machine". Maia wore a deep violet halter neckline costume with silver crystal embellishment and fringed skirt (fringe is BIG this 2011-2012 Season!). I liked this costume--the color is vibrant, the sequins are strong, framing her torso well and it was great to see a sassy semi-backless number on little Maia. Speaking of sassy, Alex's costume (the deep violet stretch shirt in particular) was tight and hunky! I didn't realize there were defined muscles on that boy (I know, he's just 20!).

NHK Trophy: Anyhow, from the minute they stepped on the ice (I was there at the HP Pavilion!), I noticed "Wait, those aren't the same costumes they wore last time in the Short Dance". And after a quick web search on my iPad at the stadium, lo and behold I was right: this above is what her costume looked like when they competed at the NHK Trophy in Japan--also for the Latin Short Dance: a one-shoulder black asymmetrical skirt costume with silver beaded fringe. Alex wore a black tuxedo shirt and pant look.

ISU Grand Prix Finals: this above is what they wore for their Latin Short Dance at the ISU Grand Prix Finals in Canada back in December. Maia's was the same black one shoulder costume but they added pink edge trim to it and Alex's remained untouched.

Shibutani and Shibutani Free Dance Costumes: Continuing with the costume change theme, Maia also changed her costume for the Free Dance to "Selections from the Sun Valley Serenade Soundtrack" by Glenn Miller. Above is the "new" one she wore last weekend at the US Nationals. The orange and fuchsia color was pretty and strong enough to stand out on the ice, and I liked the original "threading" detail through the side of the costume.

Grand Prix Finals: This is what she last wore at the Grand Prix Finals--same color story but had a more "conservative" 1940's feel to it, in its neckline, flutter sleeves. Alex also changed his suspenders and tie to match the colors of Maia's dress which really helped unify the looks.

NHK Trophy: And above is the very first version of their Free Dance Costume which they debuted at the NHK Trophy. I really liked these costumes. They reflected the "Big Band" theme of the music, they looked young, fresh and oh-so-cute, like two college kids back in the 40's going out to a dance. But I suspect, they were deemed too cute and young-looking. Therefore the changes. But I have to say, I absolutely love that they keep changing their costumes--whether it is because they and their coaches can't make up their minds in terms of what look works, or if it's to keep the dance exciting and to keep the fans excited--like "what will Maia wear next!?" Whichever reason it is, as a fashion designer and a fan of the sport, it keeps me watching!

Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White: And yet, another Costume Change...this time with Davis and White--the "Golden Couple" of Ice Dancing. This time, the costume change was for their Short Latin Dance to "Batucadas", "Life is a Carnival" and "On The Floor". And it was just Meryl who did the change. Again, I noticed it immediately when she stepped on the ice. For the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, she wore a bronzed, copper and gold costume with intricate swirly patterns and fringe (of course!) at the bottom. It was a change from her last two "appearances" on the ice:

Skate America 2011-2012: This is what she wore for the Latin Short Dance at the first Grand Prix competition event of the season. It was a bright neon orange halter style costume with keyhole detail, skirt fringe and multicolored stones at the hip and neckline. Charlie wore black pants and striped bronze-and-black shirt...

Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012: This was what they wore at the Cup of Russia Grand Prix. I loved this look on Meryl!!! This is my favorite of all the three costume changes. It was the same color story as the one at Skate America but in terms of the styling, it was FASHION FASHION FASHION! Loved the asymmetry of the torso, how sexy it was and the very expensive-looking bead work at the bust. Also, notice that Charlie changed his shirt--to a more wavy pattern (as opposed to striped) print--same bronze-and-black color though. I wished she would have stayed in this costume for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I feel it's much more impacting and Latina! Very JLo On Ice!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Trophée Eric Bompard--The Ice Dance Costumes!

Cha Cha Parisienne, and a French Egyptian Pant Change???

50% Cha Cha: Gorshkova and Butikov of Russia --Does her costume cover 50% of her top body?? (Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com)

This weekend was Trophee Eric Bompard, the Grand Prix of France 2011-2012 --I gave my "Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" on The Men in my previous post so now, we're onto one of my favorites: The Ice Dancers! For this 2011-2012 season, the ISU/International Skating Union specified a Latin theme for the Short Dance and therefore all the Ice Dancing Competitors had to do a Short Dance that had some Cha-Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, and maybe some Gloria Estefan here and there.

Trophee Eric Bompard Grand Prix of France

In terms of costumes, beginning this season (maybe because of the HOT HOT HOT Latin music??) the USFA/US Figure Skating Association states in it's "Handbook for Officials" that "the dress of the ladies must not give the effect of excessive nudity" Oh Dear!), and "the majority of the body must be covered". It goes on to state that the "surface" of the body (front, back, sides) must be covered at least 50%. Basically, the costumes have been getting a bit "racy" as of late and well, the officials are trying to "tone 'em down", make them a little less "Rated R" and more "PG" (Awwwww!!! I liked those "Rated R" ones from the good ol "Torino Italy Olympics" days!). Anyhow, we'll get to some of the Ice Dancer's costumes that might be inching very close to that 50% rule later, let's first discuss the Classy ones:

Virtue and Moir of Canada: These two took the Gold (again!) and did it with such class and elegance. I reviewed their costumes HERE when they were at Skate Canada. I wasn't such a fan of their Free Dance ensembles; I just felt they needed a little more "punch". They were fine but not "Wow!". But I did like their Short Dance costumes--hers especially.

In the above two photos, they are wearing their Short Dance "Latin" costumes at this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard. Her electric blue and silver crystal beaded and fringed dress was OUTSTANDING. The jeweled neckline is gorgeous, the color can stop traffic and the movement of the fringe is perfect for the performance. I just wish he didn't look like he just showed up for 2 pm rehearsals in his Deep V American Apparel long sleeve tee, since Tessa looks like she's ready to BRING IT for the "8pm Dinner-and-Drinks Salsa Extravaganza Show at the Riviera"! But, it seems that, especially with Ice Dancing and the Male, that yes, the woman is the "Peacock" while the man, a costume "afterthought".

Huang and Zheng of China: These two don very "LOCO" Costumes for their Latin-inspired Short Dance (bright yellow ones that would make one of my FAB Drag Queen Diva friends BLUSH!), but for their Free Dance to "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla, they wisely decided to well, tone it down (photos above and below).

I think she looks exquisite and very Fiery Hot Latina, but still elegant and chic, in a black full circle skirt, nude mesh, black and red sequined applique ensemble. She's like a Buenos Aires-born Diva, who happens to be of Chinese descent. His striped shirt, suspenders and black pants looks is appropriate for this Tango-influenced number.

Now, let's discuss the Sexy, Hot and "My Eyes Hurt" Costumes:

Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com

Gorshkova and Butikov of Russia: For their "Rhumba and Cha Cha" Short Dance, they seriously look like background dancers from a Barry Manilow "At the Copa, Copacabana" dance number in a Princess Carnival Cruise Ship Show. These green, orange and yellow stretch velvet, mesh, sequins and feathered costumes are OUT of CONTROL: they're like an entire "Miss Universe National Costume Parade of Nations" all rolled up into two costumes! Her costume, by the way, is borderline covering the "50% Rule". And so is his, for that matter.

For their Free Dance, they covered up a little bit, but in terms of the KRAZEE colors, nope, not so much. They actually skated to a "Tango Selection", but by the looks of their costumes, it should have been an ABBA or Elton John Tribute Soundtrack! Purple, bubblegum pink, multi-colored printed bustier top and fringed skirt and asymmetrical "half-jacket"(her).

Meanwhile, Vitali looked like a Casino Blackjack Dealer at Circus Circus Las Vegas . Here's the deal, as a fashion designer, I LOVE seeing color, inspired costumes, SOMETHING! But that something shouldn't be tacky, and yes, be able to enhance the program not necessarily distract from it. And while these costumes fit the "lots of color" and "Inspired" categories, they didn't fulfill the other ones: just too much stuff for a Tango performance. Even for me.

Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com

Ilinykh and Katsalapov of Russia: I think these two are one of the sexiest couples/ice dancers on the ice. Especially in their Latin-inspired Short Dance. If there were points for "Sexy", they'd get LOTS! They skated to "Samba, Rhumba, Samba" and let's just say, her costume in particular really PUSHED the 50% coverage rule. I think it was more 39% but that's just me (you can't see it in the photo above but her back is completely in nude mesh, in other words: backless). Irregardless, Elena looked HOT HOT HOT! Loved her turquoise one-shoulder jeweled crystal and fringe costume. It was part "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" and part "Dancing With The Stars". She's my new "Figure Skating Fashion Sexy Muse"!

Costume "Change: The French...

Pechalat and Bourzat of France: I have already talked about these two and their "Curse of the Mummy Couture" costumes which they wear for their Free Dance to their "Mummy and Pharaoh" program. While I watched this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard Free Dance Competition, I noticed something in terms of costumes, was a bit "off". Then, I looked back at what they wore less than a month ago at Skate America:

Skate America French Pharaoh and Mummy

YES, I was right!! He changed his top and pants! The "King Tut" mesh and gold hieroglyphics top he wore at Skate America had two styles of sleeves--a short one and a beyond-the-elbow one. But, at this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard, they were both the same: short. And also there was a minor change in the golden sleeve hem width accent detail (see photos). More importantly, the pants were completely changed. For some unknown reason, the "powers that be" decided that his pants should be washed indigo denim-like blue as opposed to how they were at Skate America. Maybe they felt that they needed some color. Who knows. The team gets feedback from the judges and "other folks" that maybe led to this change. I have to admit that I liked the Skate America grey ones more. Oh well, what do I know!

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...