ICE STYLE.....NHK Trophy 2012: LADIES!

The Bedazzled, Feathered, and Multicolored Ladies...

Top Three Ladies: (left to right) Silver Medalist Akiko Suzuki of Japan, Gold Medalist Mao Asada of Japan and Bronze Medalist Mirai Nagasu of the United States, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy 2012, Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Rifu, Japan

So far this ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2012-2013 Season, I've discussed here on my blog most of these lovely ladies and their costumes--both their Short Program and Free Skate--so I will highlight here the fact that some of my TOP FAVORITE LADIES Costumes were on display at the NHK Trophy 2012 competition in Japan this past weekend--and yes, talk about some skaters I have missed--costume-wise...
Shall we begin?

Agnes Zawadzki of the USA: Agnes's costumes were on my Top Five of Best Costumes for this Grand Prix Season. For sure. I loved both her Short Program costume which she skated to Sex and the City by A. Sigman and her Free Skate costume to Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the Boston Pops Orchestra. I wrote about my LOVE for her Pat Pearsall-designed costumes--especially the Free Skate one HERE. Her "Sex and the City" baby blue costume (top, left) evoked the spirit of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates "Gulf States Princess" of the movie "Sex and the City 2". And her Free Skate costume (top, right) was ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Nothing else to say. Can't change perfection.

Akiko Suzuki of Japan: Akiko's 2012-2013 Season costumes have also gone through the "Nick Critique"--which you can read HERE. I was a bit lukewarm regarding her Short Program costume (above photo) to the "Kill Bill Soundtrack" but...

I LOVED her costume in her Free Skate to "O" from Cirque du Soleil. Here's what I said: Her costume was pretty fabulous. It had a one-shoulder neckline silhouette, was blue and green and had overt Peacock influences--notice the sequin applique and feathers.I also liked the side draped "skirt" section. This was a very well done costume. One of the best of this season for sure. Speaking of my favorite costumes...

Mao Asada of Japan: Both of Mao's costumes--for her Short Program to "I Got Rhythm" variations by George Gershwin (above)...

And what she wore for her Season 2012-2013 Season Free Skate to Music from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky (above) were Figure Skating Red Carpet FABULOUS! I had nothing but effusive costume praise. You can read that HERE.

Ksenia Makarova of Russia: I discussed this sea-foam green asymmetrical modern costume that Russia's Ksenia Makarova wore for her Free Skate to "Megapolis" HERE. Here's a hint: I likeyyy.

Elene Gedevanishvili of Georgia: For some reason, the lovely Elene has escaped my Costume Critique so far this season. She wore this gray ombre-dyed costume for her Short Program to Music from the Schindler's List soundtrack by John Williams. I thought this was clean and modern. It's difficult to evoke--via your costume--the suffering and depth of what the film was about. So, I reserve costume judgement and say that this was OK. It does have a "practice costume"/Jr. figure skater element to its simplicity but I get it.

For her Free Skate costume to Music from Don Quixote by Leon Minkus, she went "Beaded Festive". I like that it was not an overt reference to Spain and all red and black and with a red rose. Good for her--and her costume advisers. The "fringed skirt of her costume is a trend for Figure Skating and she gets points for using that--and delicately--and I do like the paisley-like beading in her torso and the jeweled sequins framing her neckline and underbust. Overall: good Costume Job Elene!

Mirai Nagasu of the USA: I love me some Mirai. I really do. And yes, I have talked about her costumes for this ISU Grand Prix Season 2012-2013--and you can read that HERE. I liked it, overall, and yes, I talked about that fringe skirt--and yes kids--it's a TREND! But what I wanted to discuss here is how much I appreciate the back and how those diamantes continue and miter. She's a bit "Pageant-&-Tiaras" with this costume but my Pageant-Loving side, really likes it.

Sofia Biryukova of Russia:  For her Short Program, the petite Sofia skated to Music from the Seven Years in Tibet soundtrack by John Williams and I really liked her black illusion, sequined and chiffon "skirt" costume. I thought it was sexy, modern and had a nod to the film. I also liked the shot of red in the tassel detail.

For her Free Skate to Music from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini --another very popular theme this 2012-2013 Grand Prix Season--I liked this violet-hued costume that Sofia wore. It featured a nod to the Chinoiserie style, the curved nude illusion torso and the gold embroidery. It was simple, modern yet still costume-y.

***Up Next: Ice Dance and Pairs Costume Recap of NHK Trophy 2012 !