ICE STYLE.....2018 Costumes Recap: Figure Skating COSTUMES 2018 LADIES!

Skating Costume Divas--(L to R) Russia's Alina Zagitova, Japan's Rika Kihira, Korea's Eunsoo Lim, Russia's Sofia Samodurova

This past Season/Year of Figure Skating has been very exciting, much due to the manner of which Ladies Figure Skating is stepping up its QUAD (yes QUADS!) and Triple Axel game between Russia and Japan. But, more importantly, this Season of the Grand Prix 2018-2019 did not disappoint in terms of costumes...

Sparkle Ladies--(L to R) Russia Elizavveta Tuktamysheva, USA's Starr Andrews, Japan's Satoko Miyahara, USA's Bradie Tennell

I will be recap'ing some of the Top 2018 Figure Skating Costumes for all the disciplines, including LADIES, MEN, PAIRS and ICE DANCE here on my "Ice Style" blog. First up, it's time for the LADIES to shine. Here are some Costume Highlights of 2018 seen on the LADIES, divided up by their respective countries, beginning with...

RUSSIA:

Alina Zagitova Short Program to The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber--I really liked this costume worn by Russia's Alina Zagitova giving a new spin on the rather tired musical/costume theme of "The Phantom of the Opera". The design featured an off-the-shoulder white beaded chiffon draped top with a fitted corset that had the look of washed denim (although it obviously isn't denim! but just dyed to have the effect). The corset was also sprinkled with crystals flowing into the skirt section. There was a hint of the Period of the musical but done in a modern (and almost Country Music-like) manner. 

Alina Zagitova Free Skate to Carmen Suite by Rodion Shchedrin--For her Free Skate to (yet another been-there-done-that musical choice!) "Carmen", she wore this red and black costume also featuring lots of crystals. The black lace top came down to the mid-torso, giving a nod to the cropped Spanish Bolero and the skirt was gathered at the side, mirroring what one would see from a Gypsy and her off-kilter garments. The entire look was impacting on the ice but I wished maybe it looked a bit more refined; less beaded lace and less crystals perhaps. It looked a bit Junior-like.

Evgenia Medvedeva Short Program to Orange Colored Sky by Natalie Cole--This blue colored costume evoked the essence of the "sky" theme of the music (even though its titled "Orange Colored Sky"). I liked the sleek and modern silhouette and star-like shape created by the crystals. I also liked the 3/4 length sleeves and "car wash"-like flaps at the hem of the skirt. I wouldn't say that it's one of my favorite costumes that she has worn, but it was nice.

Costume Change Alert:

For the recent 2018 Russian Nationals, Evgenia changed her costume to this red and black one above. She also skated to different music, E lucevan le stelle from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini to a program choreographed by Misha Ge. I liked this costume in that it evoked the same emotions one would expect from the powerful "Tosca" Opera. The spaghetti binding around the midriff suggested a corset shape which was great. I also liked the well-placed crystal sequins throughout.

Evgenia Medvedeva Free Skate to Mumuki by Astor Piazzolla, Sur Regresso Al Amor by Astor Piazzolla, Libertango by Astor Piazzolla--This costume was Evgenia's answer to a "tango" look. And it was effective. The black ensemble featured see-through illusion, chiffon, wide stretch netting  and a side-slit skirt. I thought it was sexy and moody. I also liked the fuchsia and violet colored rose sequin appliques on the torso.

Costume Change Alert:

For the recent 2018 Russian Nationals, Evgenia also changed her costume for her Free Skate to the one above (this time, she kept the same music). I actually loved this all-black costume much better than the previous one she had been wearing; it looked more elegant, more expensive and certainly  had more of a "High Fashion" quotient.

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva Short Program to Assassin's Tango (from "Mr. and Mrs. Smith") by John Powell--Elizaveta is going for an sexy and aggressive vibe this season. This look which featured a tank-top shape, flowy skirt and drop-waist belt, was modern and sleek. 

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva Free Skate to You Don't Love Me by Caro Emerald, Petite Fleur by The Hot Sardines, Cat Groove by Parov Stelar--I really liked this costume Elizaveta wore for her Free Skate. This costume was more in line with what I would expect from her. It featured a black base with golden sequin applique at the torso and fringed hem. The black gloves added a finishing touch to it. I almost wished she would have added one more finishing touch--as in a hair accessory. 

Sofia Samodurova Short Program to Nyah (from "Mission Impossible 2" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer--Portraying Tom Cruise's femme interest in "Mission Impossible 2" (played by Thandie Newton in the film), Sofia donned a black and red costume with sequined rose details. The costume was pretty yet a bit "basic" for my taste. I did, however, like the rose embellished nude gloves.

Sofia Samodurova Free Skate to Welcome to Burlesque (from "Burlesque") performed by Cher
Show Me How You Burlesque (from "Burlesque") performed by Christina Aguilera--Hello Costume Fab! I loved this fabulous purple and silver costume worn by Sofia for her Free Skate. It was very much on the theme of the "Burlesque" music with its flash, sparkle and that amazing fringe. I loved how the sequins radiated through her torso and the look of a white satin inner vest.

JAPAN:
I want to start with Satoko Miyahara and she did several costume changes throughout the season, for both her Short Program and Free Skate...Starting with her Short Program to Song for the Little Sparrow by Abel Korzeniowski, performed by Patricia Kaas...

At 2018 Skate America, she wore this above, which was quite pretty and delicate. The blue costume featured a v-neck strappy neckline with silver sequins and a pointed gored skirt.

At 2018 Grand Prix Final and 2018 Japanese Nationals, Satoko wore this off-the-shoulder ivory colored costume which was still quite pretty but almost like an 80's bride. I liked the blue costume better. 

For her Free Skate to Invierno Porteno by Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Vivaldi...

At 2018 Skate America, she wore this black one shoulder costume with one sleeve, an asymmetrical skirt and red rose. It was modern and almost "Carmen"-like. 

At 2018 NHK and the 2018 Grand Prix Final, she wore a different costume (much more chic!) featuring a sexy side cut-out and more expensive-looking stone details. She also wore a black rose on her chignon hair style (as opposed to the earlier red one)...

Finally, for the recent 2018 Japanese Nationals, she stuck to the same costume she had been wearing but changed her hair accessory back to the red rose. Finally, I think, she found the perfect look!

Rika Kihira Short Program to Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy--This costume on Rika was the definition of "Doll Like" and Pretty. I liked the baby blue/almost lilac color. The fluttery cap sleeves added sweetness and the gorgeous jeweled sequins at the neckline gave a look of Pageant Pretty. This music is very iconic and invokes words such as "Pretty", "Sweet" and "Delicate". I think Rika hit all the right Costume Notes with this.

Rika Kihira Free Skate to Beautiful Storm by Jennifer Thomas--For her Free Skate, Rika donned this indigo blue colored costume featuring sharp sequins in the form of thunder and lightning, mirroring the "Beautiful Storm" music. I loved this more fashionable--less pretty and delicate--design and it was a nice contrast to her Short Program costume. I also liked the slightly asymmetrical skirt hem and ombre dye shading.

Kaori Sakamoto Short Program to From My First Moment by Charlotte Church--Kaori wore this magenta colored costume for her Short Program. I loved the gathered draping at the bust and torso as well as the off-the-shoulder silhouette. The ombre dyeing was unique and almost had a tie-dye effect. Very pretty.

Kaori Sakamoto Free Skate to The Piano (soundtrack) by Michael Nyman--I really liked this one-shoulder-like costume worn by Kaori for her Free Skate. The white and deep gray colored costume had an ombre effect and really pretty lace sequined applique enhancing her torso. It was a dramatic and stylish costume on the ice for sure.

KOREA:

Eunsoo Lim Short Program to Somewhere In Time (soundtrack) by John Barry--This was one of my favorite costumes form the 2018-2019 Season. Eunsoo wore this blue and white costume by Lisa McKinnon which featured stunning small-to-large pieces over a nude illusion torso base, encircled and embellished with varying sized crystal sequins. This is an example of a figure skating costume that could easily become a fabulous red carpet--or "Miss Universe"--gown. I almost didn't care to know what music she skated to because it was so sublime. #Love.

Eunsoo Lim Free Skate to Chicago (soundtrack) by John Kander, Fred Ebb--Eunsoo did it again: Another fabulous costume!  This time she brought all the sass and shimmying fringed splendor of the "Chicago" music, to her costume. This look was sleek, fashionable and again, could easily become a stunning red carpet gown. I also loved her side-parted chignon hair style. Can we all just say Eunsoo is a Figure Skating FASHIONISTA!

USA:

Mariah Bell Short Program to To Love You More by Celine Dion--Mariah Bell wore this dark magenta colored costume by Lisa McKinnon while skating her Short Program to Celine Dion. I loved this design for its bold color, one-shoulder-like design and bias-cut spaghetti straps that wrapped her torso with great detail and style. I also really liked the nude illusion panel at the waist which broke up the design and added unique dimension. 

Mariah Bell Free Skate to The Piano, Experience by Ludovico Einaudi--This costume, also  by Lisa McKinnon, was another stunner, worn by Mariah. The look featured a nude illusion base, delicately ombre-dyed details and those bias-cut spaghetti straps--this time twisted in tan/skin color. The design was pretty and evoking the twisted pain and dark beauty in "The Piano". Mariah is giving Eunsoo a run for her money for the Figure Skating FASHIONISTA Gold Medal! 

Bradie Tennell Short Program to  Rebirth by High Finesse--Bradie wore this very ice-impacting costume for her Short Program. The look featured a black and royal blue design with peacock-like (or more tree branch perhaps?) panels swirling around her body. The costume was equal parts "Cirque du Soleil" and "Cher" in its boldness, color and design. 

Bradie Tennell Free Skate to Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev--For her Free Skate to "Romeo and Juliet", Bradie went more Elegant and Classic...with a Dramatic twist. I loved the deep magenta color and juxtaposition of nude illusion with solid fabrication. But, the stars here were those multicolored jeweled sequins: WOW. 

Starr Andrews Short Program to Summertime by George Gershwin performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong--For her Short Program to Gershwin's "Summertime", Starr went with a nude colored sequined costume (by Lisa McKinnon) that looked like a "mini me" of all those "Nude/Sequined" gowns that are very popular with top Pageant Queens...and I loved it! The costume featured a halter neck style, sequined covered sheer gloves and delicate ombre-like shading in the torso. It was exquisite and exquisitely gorgeous!

Starr Andrews Free Skate to Africa Tribal Xotica (from "Xotica - Journey to the Heart"), Desert Spirit by Rene Dupere, Under African Skies by John Herberman, Tribal Gathering by Vanessa Mae, Minus One by Greg Ellis--Last but certainly not least was this bodysuit costume, again by Lisa McKinnon) worn by Starr for her Free Skate. You know I had to add this to my list of 2018 Figure Skating Costumes the minute I saw it! The purple design was very "Cleopatra-on-Ice" campy, fun and had 100% stage impact...especially if your stage is the ice! 

**NEXT: 2018 Figure Costumes of THE MEN!!!