ICE STYLE.....2018 European Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES: MEN!

Man of Europe: Spain's Javier Fernandez performing his Free Skate to "Man of La Mancha" in his new costume--2018 ISU European Figure Skating Championships, Moscow Russia

In my last ICE STYLE post HERE, I talked about the LADIES of this past weekend's 2018 European Figure Skating Championships. There were several COSTUME CHANGES (Hello Carolina Kostner!), but new costumes isn't just a female phenomenon...the MEN are doing it too--well Javier Fernandez is and that's news enough!
Here's my MEN'S "Ice Style" 2018 European Figure Skating Championships Costumes Recap including Javi's new costume (at end of post!):

Mikhail Kolyada Free Skate to to Steamroller Blues, Can't Help Falling In Love, Rip It Up by Elvis Presley--Mikhail did Elvis proud with an interpretation of one of his famous costume looks (seen above, from his 1972 concert). I liked the details, the obvious homage to the original costume including the front torso sequined details, scarf (in different color). I also loved the super slim fit. 

Alexander Samarin of Russia Free Skate to La Naissance de Yaha by Saint-Preux, The Unforgiven III by Metallica and House of the Rising Sun performed by Dave Evans--Russian men's figure skater Alexander Samarin wore this rather "kooky" costume above for his "rocker" Free Skate. The music was hard rock/metal and his costume reflected this in a, shall we say, "unusual" costume way. The top had orange colored "fire" accents (?), a nude illusion with black tribal tattoo sleeve (just one) and for the Rocker/Headbanger Cherry on the Cake...take a look at that skull belt buckle! I know, it's a lot of costume madness.

Dmitri Aliev of Russia Short Program to Masquerade Waltz by Aram Khatchaturian--I loved this costume worn by Russia's Dmitri Aliev of Russia for his Short Program. The "Admiral"-like costume featured a red/maroon colored double-breasted snug-fitting stretch jacket, gorgeous collar and cuffs with sequined appliques and those great frilly epaulets. With the accompaniment of the sweeping music and this costume, I was almost transported to a fabulous ball in Imperialist Russia. 

Free Skate to To Build A Home by Cinematic Orchestra, The Winner Is (from "Little Miss Sunshine" soundtrack) and How It Ends (from "Little Miss Sunshine" soundtrack) by Mychael Danner & DeVotchKa--I have said this before and it bears repeating: I do love when a male figure skater wears a draped top/costume. Full stop. I love that they are strong enough in their so-called masculinity to wear a soft, draped look, usually reserved for umm...the ladies. So, yes, I do like this purple draped top costume worn by Russia's Dmitri Aliev. I also liked the little details, such as the side sequined "buckle" and his purple stretch chiffon-covered hands. 

Alexei/Oleksii Bychenko Free Skate to Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo--For his Free Skate, Alexei donned this costume above for his "Pagliacci" skate. I have to say that this costume above looked more appropriate for "Hava Nagila" than "Pagliacci" (he skated to "Hava Nagila" for his Short Program). This was a bit "Village Extra in a Period Movie" and not really worthy of the opera. The "bloody" pant hems were a little...odd, to say the least. In general, I'm just not a fan of a BEIGE and black costume. Well, if there's any consolation...

At least he didn't go full-on Pagliacci costume clown

Deniss Vasiljevs of Latvia Free Skate to Put the Blame On Mame by Doctor 3, Anyone to Love and Sway by Michael Buble--For his Free Skate, Deniss went for a "Lead Singer of a Las Vegas Band"-look with his shimmering costume. The look had tuxedo-like pants, dress shirt and a bi-colored jacket featuring one gold lace side as well as a blue one. Even though it was a bit Eastern European-like Eurovision "kooky", this was a "costume" that I could totally see Michael Buble wear in one of his concerts so it seems appropriate that this was Deniss' choice so...I'll give him that! 

Michal Brezina of Czech Republic Free Skate to Human by Jamie Hartman, Rory Graham performed by Rag'n'Bone Man; Stand by Me by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Human (MJ Cole Remix) performed by Rag'n'Bone Man--Michal skated his Free Skate to the soul/hip-hop/pop song  "Human", wearing this modern look above. The "costume" consisted of skin-tight black pants, a lose gauze draped top and white t-shirt underneath, accessorized with a thick silver necklace. The look was "Euro Hipster at a Club" which I guess was appropriate for the music. I just wished that he would lose the necklace and instead, maybe add some silver crystals onto his shirt. 

Javier Fernandez of Spain Short Program to Modern Times (Charlie Chaplin soundtrack): Spaniard Javier Fernandez brought back his "Charlie Chaplin" program (as many of the skaters are doing for this Olympic Season) from the 2012-2013 Season. Back then, it was his Free Skate and now, it for his Short Program. And as much as I liked his "Chaplin" costume back then, I am happy that he didn't wear it again. This season's costume was a sleeker-and-sexier Charlie Chaplin look comprised of snug gray pants, a second-skin black stretch velvet jacket and white shirt. The jacket had nice details like sequined trim, satin lapels and a fab flower-like lapel "rosette". It was sharp and fit him well yet still had elements of the character he was playing.

**NEW COSTUME ALERT** Free Skate to Man of La Mancha: For his Free Skate at the 2018 European Figure Skating Championships, Javier wore a new costume. This "Conquistador"-style costume was still appropriate for his music, featuring a very "Man of La Mancha" style. The new design featured a beautifully pleated blouse with ruffled neckline and sleeve cuffs, as well as high-waisted pants...

Blouse Boy: While I'm not necessarily a fan of the beige-and-black costume color story (so not exciting), it was fine for the theme of his skate and at least, that blouse had those gorgeous details of the mini-pleating and I LOVED how the sleeves billowed during his jumps and turns. I also liked the front neckline lacing. Speaking of details and lacing...

I REALLY LOVED the small, almost blink-and-you-might-miss-it detail of the lacing (with gold tips) in the back of his pants. #MuyBien

And in case you had forgotten what Javier wore previously to this Program, it was...well...slightly more "Period" Costume-y:

15th Century Doublet Man of La Mancha

Congratulations to the Top Three Men of 2018 European Championships--(L to R) Silver medalist Dmitri Aliev of Russia, Gold medalist Javier Fernandez of Spain and Bronze medalist Mikhail Kolyada of Russia, all three will go to next month's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Good Luck!

**UP NEXT: The PAIRS and ICE DANCE COSTUMES HIGHLIGHTS from the 2018 European Figure Skating Championships!