ICE STYLE.....Cup of China 2012: PAIRS

Vampire Fab, Asymmetrical Bodysuits,  Chippendale's Hair, Retro Costumes and a Toreador:

Don't Try This at Home: Stolbova and Klimov of Russia, 2012/2013 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Cup of China, Shanghai China

Continuing with my Cup of China 2012 Costume blog recaps here--now--as promised--the PAIRS--we begin with one of my favorite Pairs Costume Looks of this season so far...

Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov of Russia: To their Short Program to "Interview with the Vampire", these two went ALL OUT with their costumes! Ksenia donned an asymmetrical body suit with side lace and brocade section mimicking a corset:

I especially LOVE the tiny sliver of red sequined applique attached to her neckband, representing the blood spilling from the "Vampire Kiss". And take a look at Fedor's too-pale makeup: soooo perfect! 

Speaking of perfect, his costume as well: fabulously detailed waistcoat/vest, ruffled blouse, the contrast back with slit-open back. Both of their costumes were Vampire-PERFECTION!

Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov of Russia: Continuing with the Russians, Pairs skaters Kavaguti and Smirnov skated their Short Program to Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube". The positives: they were semi-elegant and contemporary and I liked the contrast of him being in black and her in ivory. Negatives: I just wished her costume would have had just a little more "drama". And yes, his messy hair looked "Chippendales" douchey. I wonder if there's a word in Russian for that.

For their Free Skate to "February", Kavaguti and Smirnov went a bit "old school" with their Pairs Costumes--his stretch body suit and her bedazzled look both seem to vibe costumes I would have seen many Winter Olympics ago. Yet somehow they still made them look modern.

I especially liked her costume. The high neck combined with the open back and long sleeves was elegant and chic. I think what helped modernize the costumes was the unique color of blue. Also, who doesn't like seeing Smirnov in a body suit! Speaking of Traditional Pairs Costumes...

Kirsten Moore-Towers and Dylan Moscovitch of Canada: For their Free Skate to "Queen Medley", these costumes were very "retro" in terms of the styling and details; including his blouson ombre-dyed top and her "flashy" diamante-studded design. These costumes make sense with the music, but, I wish they were more updated for the 21st Century; they just looked so I-just-got-in-a-local-ice skating shop..in 1984.

Qing Pang and Jian Tong of China: Pang and Tong of China skated on home turf at the 2012 Cup of China. They performed their Short Program to "Scott and Fran's Paso Doble". The costumes were as intense and fiery as the music. His Toreador costume is intricate, expensive-looking and perfectly theatrical (with all that embellishment) for a Grand Prix competition. It was also very traditional in its styling which contrasted her costume: 

I already reviewed these costumes when Pang and Tong competed at Skate America, but upon further inspection I am questioning my opinion of her outfit. Pang wore red and black lace--very typical Spanish costume colors but there was not one Sevillana ruffle in sight. Hers was (supposed to be) a modern and very sexy Señorita. But, it was a little "all over the place" with the details: There is a one-shoulder strap, lace in the midriff, at the hem and on her arms, and then, there's something that looks like a horseshoe detail/design on her torso. Upon closer inspection, it's two steps away from looking like a whickety-wack mess. What do you guys think?

***Up Next: The LADIES Costume Recap from 2012 Cup of China!!