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

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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 !


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

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Konnichiwa Japan!

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy 2012 (Japan)

This past weekend was the NHK Trophy 2012, the final of six ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions. I have been happily covering each and every event here on my blog. For my Skate America 2012 click HERE; Skate Canada International 2012 click HERE; Cup of China 2012 click HERE; Rostelecom Cup 2012 (Russia) click HERE; and Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 (France), click HERE. Now, we're in Japan for the NHK Trophy 2012, organized by the Japanese Skating Federation, and it took place in Sendai Japan. First, let's get started with the MEN'S Costumes. Since it was the final event (prior to the finals) I've discussed most all of the costumes already, but somehow...there were some boys I had not talked about...But first, can we TWALK...about that awfully TACKY NHK Trophy 2012
"Kiss & Cry" section?? PLEASE!

What. Is. With . All. The. Flowers????

Spain's Javier Fernandez at the "NHK Trophy 2012" Kiss & Cry area

Is this a tacky wedding photo session at your local mall, or a "Kiss & Cry" area of an international sporting competition?? The flowers SLAYED me. Seriously, I thought I was at a Quinceañera! Now, speaking of Javier... 

Javier Fernanadez of Spain: I wrote about Javier's Free Skate (as well as his Short Program) Costume HERE. Essentially, I liked this costume that he wore to "The Mask of Zorro" music. I thought it was a nice non-Period costume interpretation. Modern. Sleek. Me gusta!

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan in his Short Program Costume---and the Daisuke Fans at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Sendai Japan

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan: I have also discussed Daisuke's costumes for both his Short Program and Free Skate in the ISU Grand Prix 2012-2013 Series HERE  . I LOVED his Short Program red and black ensemble, which he skated to "Roll 'n' Roll Medley", "The Stroll", "Rudy's Rock". 

For his Free Skate to "Pagliacci", his costume was PERFECT! I said that it "was a very thought-out look and costume. Kudos to this modern, yet still Figure Skating theatrical-perfect Pagliacci costume". Amen. And may I add, that at this weekend's "NHK Trophy 2012", Daisuke looked especially cute. Loved the "toned-down" hair, all semi slicked-backed and clean. Hottie McHottie, The Japan Edition.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan: Little--and very skinny--Yuzuru received the HIGHEST Short Program Score at "NHK Trophy 2012" this past weekend for his skate. Oh, and yes, he won the Gold Medal in the end. I have also discussed his costumes HERE. I liked both costumes--to his Short Program to "Parisienne Walkways" as well as his Free Skate, which he skated to "Notre-Dame de Paris". And yes, Yuzuru had his slew of fans at in his hometown of Sendai as well:


Now, I'd like to discuss some MALE Skaters I haven't talked about yet...Costume-wise:

Sergei Voronov of Russia: For his Short Program to "Yablochko" (Russian sailor dance) by Reinhold Gliere, Sergei wore a "Russian Sailor Uniform" of a black and white striped long sleeved shirt and black pants. It makes sense that he would. Unfortunately (or fortunately), he looks like an add for a Jean Paul Gaultier perfume.

For his Free Skate Costume to Music from Romeo and Juliet by Nino Rota, Sergei wore a black lace three-quarter sleeve shirt and  black pants. It had elements of "Romance" and yet was very old-school 1980's figure  skating costume at the same time. I'm a little bit "on the fence" with this one--it might be the black gloves that are throwing me off...

Andrei Rogozine of Canada: Andrei skated his Short Program to "Broken Sorrow" performed by Nuttin but Stringz and "Fanfare" by Black Violin. I liked this black and gold high-necked jacket ensemble. It was very Alexander McQueen--in terms of its styling, shape and detail.

Kevin Reynolds of Canada: Kevin skated his Short Program to "Chambermaid Swing" by Parov Stelar. I liked the purple shirt and sequin-studded double-breasted lapel on his vest. I also appreciated the crystal square buttons. And yes, the pinstripe pants were a great contrast. Overall, it was appropriate for the music and for him.

For his Free Skate to "Concerto No. 4 in E minor for Piano and Orchestra" by Andre Mathieu, Kevin, went a little on the "Costume Kooky" side with the gray, black and white ombre dyed shirt, the black vest with the detailed clasps, sequined-trimmed pants, and those white gloves. Something about it  all screamed "Not Working". And his pressed flat-iron hairstyle from 2009 did not help.

Adam Rippon of USA: He skated his Short Program to Puccini's "Nessun Dorma", an aria from the famous opera "Turandot" . He wore this tie-dyed purple and pink shirt with black pant "costume". This ensemble seemed liked a "throw-away" figure skating look for him. I thought it wasn't particularly original, inspiring, especially after seeing what some of the other boys--especially the Japanese ones--wore for their programs/skates. Indecently, it was a COSTUME CHANGE from what he wore earlier to the same skate and music:


I liked this black and white costume look (above photo, from "Cup of China 2012") he wore for his Short Program to Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" much better.
Pant Change: For his Free Skate to Music from The Incredibles soundtrack by Michael Giacchino, at NHK Trophy 2012 Adam also changed his costume--well, his pants. At the Cup of China 2012, he wore gray pants (above)...
And for this most recent Grand Prix,  he wore black ones. Good choice Adam. I likeyyy the pant change.

Ross Miner of USA: Ross skated his Short Program to "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninoff featuring the costume above. It was a bit "Captain Kirk of Star Trek" but I liked the color blocking. Very 2012-2013 Fashion Trend for sure!

For his Free Skate to "Captain Blood" by Erich Korngold, he wore a Cabernet red top with a convertible collar, V-neck and sequins and yes, those ubiquitous male figure skater BLACK PANTS--and (Mon Dieu!) a belt! And it wasn't just any "Ross Dress For Less" belt (which, I am not a fan) but a big ol' gold buckled belt! I like everything...and if he had to wear a belt, a least it was interesting and added to the costume theme. Most of all, I am soooo jealous of his 22-inch waist! (I mean, really, look at him in that above pic!). Just in case you are wondering, both his costumes were designed by Chase Tyler, The Work Room Productions.

Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver medalist Daisuke Takahashi of Japan, Gold Medalist Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan and Bronze Medalist Ross Miner of the United States, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy 2012, Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Rifu, Japan. 

***Up Next: The Ladies, Pairs and Ice Dance Costume Recaps and Highlights of NHK Trophy 2012 ! Stay Tuned!

ICE STYLE.....Trophee Eric Bompard 2012: Ice Dance

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Ice Dance Lovelies:

Finishing my Costume Recap of "Trophee Eric Bompard 2012" ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating--it's now time for the Ice Dance Costumes:

Ekaterina Pushkash and Jonathan Guerreiro of Russia:  I have not discussed this cute little couple from Russia in any of my 2012-2013 Grand Prix of Figure Skating costume blog posts, and after seeing their Short "Waltz/Polka" Dance costumes to Cirque du Soleil's Quidam "Marelle" and "Zydeko", I just don't know how they escaped my "Costume Recap's"! These costumes are certainly attention-grabbing and most definitely fill the "Cirque du Soleil"-influenced requirement as dictated by their music. I loved the colors, the printed details. They were above all, fun. And for some reason, their Short Program costumes TOTALLY reminded me of..

The gloriously bedazzled swimsuits worn by the Gold Medal-winning Russian Synchronized Swimming Duet of Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina seen above--I wonder if they were A) influenced by them, and/or B) created by the same Costume Designer...


Julia Zlobina and Alexei Sitnikov of Azerbadjian: These two compete in the Free Dance program to the following music: "Mahalageasca" (a polka-like Roma Gypsy-influenced song) and "Ausencia" (a tango-esque tune sung by Cape Verde Diva Cesaria Evora), all by Goran Bregović. Bregović is one of the most  internationally known modern musicians and composers of the Balkans and lives in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo.

 Bosnian Folk Costumes
 Romanian Folk Costumes

Zlobina and Sitnikov's costumes reflected a bit of Gypsy/Romani, Balkan and Eastern European Folk-wear to them. I liked the folk-costume nod which included Alexei's vest, Julia's fuller skirt, the red, black and blue color contrasts. I also admired the delicate "looped" colored trim. I just dislike THAT "Ross Dress 4 Less" belt of his. Why oh why did he not wear a beautiful wide sash similar to the traditional costumes?!?

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada: Gilles and Poirier competed in their Free Dance program to music from The Gulag Orchestra, Hungry Ghosts. Piper wears a very sexy and revealing cheetah print tunic/dress with high side-slits, a fishtail hem, plunging back and cowl-draped neckline. He wears a folk-sy costume in black, mustard colors with a vest trimmed in gold.

They make an unusually costumed ice dance pair in that she looks like she should be a character from "The Flintstones" and he looks like a dancer for the Gipsy Kings. Go figure.

Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat of France: The French Ice Dance team got the Gold in France at last weekend's "Trophee Eric Bompard"! I've discussed both their Short and Free Dance costumes HERE in my "Cup of China" Ice Dance posting. Above, we see the costumes for their Short Dance to "Gaite Parisienne" by Jacques Offenbach and "Sous le ciel de Paris" performed by Yves Montand, a very French, very can-can musical number--and their costumes reflected this wonderfully. I loved them!

So, for now, let's bid Adieu to Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 and France

And look forward to Sendai Japan, for NHK Trohpy 2012 this weekend:


There's more figure skating and yes, more of my "Figure Skating Costume Recaps" to come... But, for now: Happy Thanksgiving to EVERYONE!!!