ICE STYLE.....Trophee Eric Bompard 2012: MEN

Bonjour Paris!

Jeremy Abbott of USA skating his Free Skate at Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 at the Omnisports Bercy, Paris, France

This weekend was the next in a series of international figure skating competitions, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. Elite skaters from all over the world are entered in the individual events either by being seeded or by invitation. The seeding of top skaters at Grand Prix events basically takes into account their placement from the previous World Championships, as well as their ISU international ranking. Skaters who are not seeded can be invited by the hosting country and each country can invite up to three of their own skaters for each discipline. This is to give a balanced field throughout the series, as well as allowing the hosting country a chance to showcase their top competitors.

We started with Skate America, Skate Canada International, Cup of China, Rostelecom Cup (Russia) and now, it's France for the Trophee Eric Bompard 2012. The French installment of the Grand Prix of Figure Skating is held at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, often abbreviated as POPB or Bercy, an indoor sports arena and concert hall on boulevard de Bercy located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. But enough of the where, how and when...it's time for my Costume Recap. Let's begin with the MEN:

Jeremy Abbott of USA: Last month for my "Skate America" blog, I discussed this hot little costume that Jeremy Abbott wears for his Short Program to "Spy" by Nathan Lanier.  Here's what I said back then: I really LIKED this costume. The asymmetrical holster--very Hipster Fashionista, the slick back hair, the (almost) fingerless gloves...

For his Free Skate to "Bring Him Home" performed by Steven Jamail --the song "Bring Him Home" is from "Les Misérables" and as some theater-aficionados know, is probably Valjean's best known solo, where he is begging for God to save Marius and send Marius home to him and Cosette. Abbott's costume does give a nod to the clothing worn during 19th Century France with the puffed-sleeve shirt and waist wrap/cummerbund. The colors are rather drab but it's understandable knowing what the song is about and the theme. And also, as a skater and when it comes to his costumes, Jeremy tends to stick to a very safe and masculine style.  I'm not sure we'll be seeing frills, ruffles, Swarovski crystals and feathers a la Weir or Lysacek any time soon from him. With that being said...it doesn't mean I, for one, can't wish he would. At least once! But for this program he stays true to the theme and it works. On another note: CONGRATULATIONS for getting the Silver at Trophee Eric Bompard 2012! Good job Jeremy!

And speaking of frills and Swarovski Crystals...

Brian Joubert of France: Little French Hottie McHottie Joubert skated to Music from the Inception soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.The costume features a unique lace-mesh top and a very impressive sequined "exploding heart" right on the chest. I'm not sure what it all means and how it pertains to the film but I am sure someone who's an "Inception"-buff would quickly school me here if they want to.

 Ken Watanabe and Marion Cotillard in "Inception"

This is the style of costume that is becoming more and more popular with European and Japanese skaters. And I, for one, am all for it! I think it works especially well for Joubert who is known as an athletic-style skater. It helps to bring a visually artistic and more delicate side to his rather masculine approach to skating. I'm sure this isn't an accident amongst his "team" in creating his entire look for the season.

Nan Song of China: He skated his Free Skate to "Symphony No. 4" and "Romeo and Juliet Overture" by Tchaikovsky in this red and black satin and velvet costume with crystals, insets, and criss-cross and pointed details. I appreciate the color and Barry Manilow "At The Copa...Copacabana" aspect of this costume, but it all looks so 1984. It's like they went to the "Figure Skating Costume Archives" and dragged this out from the back of a now-retired male figure skaters suitcase. It's just so polyester-y and two seconds away from a "Carnival Cruise Ship" Dinner Theater Show.

 Pass the Paella: Japanese figure skater Takahito Mura skating his Short program to

"Malaguena" by Ernesto Lecuona

Takahito Mura of Japan: I've already discussed the costumes that Japanese figure skater Takahito Mura has worn during this 2012-2-13 Grand Prix Season for both his Short Program and Free Skate. You can read my reviews HERE. But since he did win the Gold at Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 this weekend, I felt that he--and his costumes--should be included.

Above is his Spanish Bullfighter-themed costume he wore to his Short Program to "Malaguena" by Ernesto Lecuona. I liked it overall-the beading and jeweled trim on the shoulders, neck and side pant panels were fantastic and the shot of blood red in his waist sash was just right for the music and fiery skate.

For his Free Skate to Music from the TV series Shogun, he wore this above. I also reviewed this already HERE and I also liked it. And from looking at the metallic grommeted details throughout the top of the costume in the top right photo, I am now an even bigger fan!

Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver Medalist  Jeremy Abbott of USA, Gold Medalist Takahito Mura of Japan and Bronze Medalist Florent Amodio of France, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 at Omnisports Bercy, Paris, France

***Up Next--The Ladies Costume Recap of Trophee Eric Bompard 2012