Completing my Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Costumes RECAP "Ice Style" BLOG, it is now time to discuss the final discipline and competition, the PAIRS! If you missed my others...

Click HERE for the MEN...Click HERE for the ICE DANCE...and Click HERE for the WOMEN!

Let's begin with the Gold medalists from CHINA:

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Free Skate to Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon, performed by Lina Eder, and Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon, performed by John Legend--For their Gold medal-winning Free Skate, they went more delicate, soft, and pretty when it came to their costumes, very appropriate looks to go with the music. I thought they looked just the way a traditional Olympic Pairs skating duo should look...to win a Gold. She wore a stunningly beaded silver and white costume with an ombre-dyed blue overskirt that perfectly matched the "Beijing 2022" blue boards in the background. He contrasted her look with a deep midnight blue outfit featuring a delicately sequined shirt.

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Evgeniya Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov ROC Short Program--For their Short Program to Metamorphosis Two by Philip Glass, Experience by Ludovico Einaudi, Tarasova and Morozov looked like the Olympic versions of Romeo and Juliet in these costumes. I especially liked her blue costume which featured a gathered bust, crystals highlighting the seams, and silver sequined "straps" wrapping around her midriff. It was both Period-style and High Fashion.

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Free Skate to Lighthouse by Patrick Watson--Their Free Skate costumes were done in pink and light purple/gray hues with ombre shading and crystals. I wasn't a fan of these (as much as their Short Program costumes). I thought they were a bit "muddy" looking and I didn't understand the silver and black detail in their front chest sections.

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Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov ROC Short Program--Skating to Variations on the ballet Esmeralda by Cesare Pugni, arranged by Alexander Goldshtein, Mishina and Galliamov embraced the costume aspect with gusto! The ballet itself is inspired by the novel Notre-Dame de Paris and involves a beautiful Romani girl Esmeralda and Captain Phoebus, her love interest. Anastasia looks beautiful in this strawberry-colored costume with side sequin embellishment and Aleksandr is dashing in his Captain uniform/outfit featuring a matching strawberry-colored neck scarf.

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Free Skate to The Snowstorm by Georgi Sviridov, The Snowstorm (The Vocal Octet) by Georgi Sviridov performed by Valeria Staroverova, and Time, Forward! by Georgi Sviridov--For their Free Skate at the Pairs Competition, they wore these lavender colored costumes with crystal details. I really liked the delicate ombre shading of the lilac/lavender colors and especially loved the way the sequin embellishment was done on both of their costumes. I appreciated the slight design detail on Aleksandr's collar in that one side was a Notch Collar and the other was a Shawl. 

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BTW: This is what they wore to the Team Competition Pairs Free Skate:

They wore more elaborate costumes for their Free Skate during the Team Competition. These were much more "Baroque" and gaudy, especially when compared to the ones they wore in their Individual Pairs skate. One thing (kind of) stayed the same and that was his Notch/Shawl Collar design detail. 

Aleksandra Boykova and Dmitrii Kozlovskii ROC Short Program--For their Short program, Boykova and Kozlovskii skated to Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski. They looked like two ballet dancers from the Bolshoi in these dramatic, elegant designs. Dmitrii's shirt was gorgeous in its black with silver crystal applique and see-through arm/shoulder panels but it was Aleksandra who really gave you Couture Black Swan in this stunning design with fabulous sequin embroidery at the front bust/torso, and luxe lace skirt detail. 

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Free Skate to Malaguena by Ernesto Lecuona--Fiery, Andalucian Style was the costume theme here, as seen on the designs worn by Boykova and Kozlovskii. She wore a fire red dress with side draped wrap skirt and gold embroidery, and he was "Matador Lite" in black pants and an elegant white shirt with gorgeous black sequin applique. I especially loved the red "cuff links:" detail subtly matching her fire red dress. Together they painted a very strong image on the ice.

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Cheng Peng and Yang Jin CHINA Short Program--Skating to Piano & I: Moonlight Sonata by L. v. Beethoven, performed by Alicia Keys, No One by Alicia Keys, the Chinese Pairs team wore these deep lavender-and-blue colored costumes. Hers featured ocean wave-like sequined "scrolls" throughout her upper torso and arms, along with an almost see-through midriff, and ombre-shaded skirt. But it was Yang Jin who was a standout in that delicately draped top with sequins and matching ombre shading. 

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Free Skate to Exile To Snowy West from The Banquet soundtrack by Tan Dun, Only For Love from The Banquet soundtrack by Tan Dun, Sword Dance from The Banquet soundtrack by Tan Dun--These costumes were FABULOUS! I loved everything about these designs and how they paid homage to the beautiful score and Chinese culture. Her lilac-colored costume was sweet in its design but featured a very impacting sequin applique radiating from the waist to the rest of the body.  His look was OUTSTANDING with its vibrant red top and impressive sequined detail. I especially loved the subtle Fuschia belt at her waist, that tied into the Fuschia trim on the collar edge of his costume. They were both classical, romantic, and chic at the same time.

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Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier USA Short Program--Alexa and Brandon wore these costumes for their Short Program to House of The Rising Sun by Heavy Young Heathens. I thought these looks were impactful and strong with their colors and stylings. I loved her barely-there sexy red and nude illusion costume with black bands and stunning gold jeweled studs. Oh, and yes, Brandon looked great too with his subtly shaded black and red top and black pants.

These were designed and custom-created by the fabulous Lisa McKinnon.

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Free Skate to Fix You by Fearless Soul, Coldplay, Redemption Through Love by Karl Hugo--Another fabulous design from Lisa McKinnon, for Alexa and Brandon, this time for their Free Skate. While Brandon was great in his lilac-hued tie-dye, Alexa was again the costumed star in this sexy nude-and-lilac dyed design with open back and GORGEOUS jewel sequin detail. It is an art and technical mastery to make these costumes, and Ms. McKinnon excels at it!

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Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy Leduc USA Short Program--Skating to The White Crow (soundtrack) by Ilan Eshkeri, performed by Lisa Batiashvili, Cain-Gribble and LeDuc wore these designs above. I loved them both! Let's start with Ashley: She wore a one-shoulder-like design with nude illusion "cut-outs" on the side and back, with blue/lilac/silver coloring and beautiful sequin details which I loved. Timothy's look was FABULOUS with his black pants and white shirt studded at the neck, shoulders, and sleeve wrists, adding a luxe look to his design. That shirt was EVERYTHING darlings!

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BTW:

Timothy had worn something different in past competitions (to the same program), as seen here at the NHK Trophy 2021--They had a top matching hers that mimicked the ombre dye colors as well as sequin detail. I didn't mind the look then but...I DEFINITELY like the white studded shirt more!

Free Skate to W.E. (soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski--For their Free Skate, both Ashley and Tim wore these costumes. The designs were one-piece jumpsuits in black with silver/gray ombre shading, highlighted by sequined lace applique embellishment. I really liked the costumes and very linear designs with a hint of Wallis Simpson's style richness (referencing the "W.E." film). But what I really ABSOLUTELY LOVED was the fact that Tim's design was literally almost the same as Ashley's, which has so much more meaning now after they announced being nonbinary--and in addition making history as the first nonbinary athlete to compete at the Winter Games. 

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BTW:

They didn't always wear these matching jumpsuits...here at the World Figure Skating Championships 2021, Ashley wore a very traditional (and pretty) figure skating dress costume, with a skirt.

Vanessa James and Eric Radford CANADA Short Program--Vanessa and Eric skated their Short Program to Shiny Happy People performed by Ruben and The Dark & AG, Daydreamers by Karl Hugo wearing these designs above. Its creator and designer, Feeling by Mathieu Caron, described Vanessa's look as "channeling Goddess glamour in an ecru draped stretch knit dress with gold airbrush and crystal details"...and YES she is! I loved the draping and asymmetrical styling of this costume as well as the gorgeous beading. In addition, Mathieu Caron must be commended for getting the nude illusion color JUST RIGHT since many times, it's either too light or too dark on costumes I have seen on other skaters. Eric's look is equally deserving of praise for being modern and high fashion elegant and for being the perfect complement to Vanessa's. I am a BIG FAN of draping on men and here it is done beautifully.

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Free Skate to Falling by Harry Styles, Maelstrom by Karl Hugo--For their Free Skate costumes, Vanessa wore this super sleek and high fashion jumpsuit from ASTRAEE Couture. I thought the design certainly highlighted Vanessa's perfectly toned figure and with the addition of the well-placed and well-done crystal work, made the jumpsuit much more luxe. Eric looked minimalist chic in this navy blue silk knit turtleneck design from Feeling by Mathieu Caron.

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Last but not least...

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara JAPAN Short Program--Skating to Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, performed by Kathryn Dawn Lang Riku and Ryuichi wore these looks above. Hers was a baby blue halter-neck almost-sheer costume with heavy jeweled embellishment. The color and style were pretty for Riku. I also liked Ryuichi's costume of midnight blue pants and shirt with beautiful light blue (matching her color) branch-like detail on the top. 

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Free Skate to Woman by Shawn Phillips--For their wonderful Free Skate, they wore these black-color-based costumes above. Riku's featured an ombre-shaded overskirt with black-to-gray-to-peach colors and silver crystals throughout the front torso. I especially liked the nude illusion "open back" with what looked like sequined back "straps". Ryuichi wore an all-black consisting of pants and a modern shirt in crystal-detailed knit with a faux leather panel.

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BTW:

Riku had previously worn a different version of the costume that had less beading and embellishment--as seen above from Skate America 2021. She also wore this particular costume for the World Championships and Autumn Classic International as well. Maybe it is the same costume, but their style team decided to bump up the sequin details!

There are A LOT of costumes to discuss for all the skaters and disciplines but since the Men's Competition just ended, let's begin with the MEN:

Yuzuru Hanyu Japan Short Program--In his much-anticipated return to the Olympics, Yuzuru skated his Short Program to Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso by Camille Saint-Saëns, performed by Shinya Kiyozuka. He wore this lilac and pale blue ombre dyed design featuring diagonal strips of sequined chiffon in silver and gold with raw-cut hem details and a nude illusion neckline. The intricate top was paired with simple clean pants. I liked the delicacy of the design and fabrication of the top, and especially the 3D effect, which added fluttery interest as he skated.

Score: 8.95

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Free Skate to Bolero (Boléro IV New Breath) by Maurice Ravel, performed by Tomotaka Okamoto--Skating to a more "dance club" version of Ravel's iconic "Bolero", Shoma wore this toreador-like costume which I loved. I thought the black with gold leaf-like sequin applique look was beautiful and reminiscent of something I would find at Versailles. I also thought the placement was smart in that it was not overpowering for such a small guy. I especially liked how the sequins were on the sides as well as framing the bolero jacket. Elegant and very pretty. Also designed/created by Feeling by Mathieu Caron.

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Yuma Kagiyama Japan Short Program--Yuma skated his Short Program to When You're Smiling by Michael Buble for both the Team and Men's Competitions, wearing this look. The shirt-and-pant costume was very representative of a "Lounge Act" look, or at least the more "razzle-dazzle" Vegas version. Normally, when male skaters skate to something like this, they cheapen out and bore me to tears with some yawn-inducing white shirt and black pants look, so I was happy that Yuma's costume team took it further. I liked the gold crystal details framing the shirt and his torso, as well as the sleeve bands/cuffs. The look made me smile...just like his skate.

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Free Skate to Gladiator Rhapsody (from "Gladiator") by Hans Zimmer, Not Yet (from "Gladiator") by Hans Zimmer, performed by Lisa Gerrard, I Gladiatore (from "Gladiator") by Hans Zimmer, Nelle Tue Mani (Now We Are Free) ( from "Gladiator") by Hans Zimmer, performed by Andrea Bocelli--Yuma wore this black and gold costume for his "Gladiator"-themed skate. As you can tell, there was a costume homage to the film and its protagonist, represented by a gold "chest plate/armor" on the top, as well as the sleeve details. The costume and details were delicate and not too "Halloween" costume-like. 

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Nathan Chen USA Short Program--Skating to La Boheme by Charles Aznavour, USA's Nathan Chen wore this look above. Let's just start with the fact that Nathan is not known for his costumes. He veers between looking as if he just went in his closet to find the most comfortable item, to looking as if he's at some tie-dye hippie festival! I do not fault him since well...the man is A QUAD BEAST! But as a fashion guy, I'd like to see something...from Nathan, every now and then. For his Short Program, he wore this black tuxedo/dinner jacket outfit which goes with the music of the famous French Chanson crooner Monsieur Aznavour; it was his effort to look as if he was the singer at a French Cafe, performing to chic guests. The jacket was not really a jacket since it didn't have proper front closures, and was more of a pullover top. He wore it with matching black pants, a white pocket hankie, and a white t-shirt. While I wish he would have worn a proper white dress shirt/tuxedo shirt, unbuttoned of course...the t-shirt was definitely more Nathan.

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BTW:

The above was what he wore, for the same music, for his 2019-2020 Season, at Skate America. He went more "I'm a waiter for a wedding in La Jolla" vibe, I guess.

Free Skate to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (from "Rocket Man") by Elton John, Bernie Taupin performed by Taron Egerton & Jamie Bell, Rocket Man (from "Rocket Man") by Elton John, Bernie Taupin performed by Taron Egerton, and Bennie and the Jets (from "Rocket Man") by Elton John, Bernie Taupin performed by Elton John, Pink & Logic--Skating to an Elton John Medley, Nathan skated to Olympic GOLD history...and he also wore this. He paired what were probably the same black pants he wore in his Short Program, with this colorful tie-dye-like top. I didn't hate the top, but I didn't necessarily like it; I kept thinking whether or not those white marks were BLEACH stains?! And it also had a certain "Star Trek" vibe. Well, who cares! He won the GOLD!

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BTW:

Earlier this year, Nathan wore this version of the top at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in Nashville Tennessee. It was more kaleidoscope-y like and looked more like an interstellar planetary explosion...with what looks like a GREEN planet starting it all...

He also wore this one back during the 2019-2020 Season, at Skate America to the same music. One thing is for sure, he likes the tie-dye!

Which top do you guys like best? Beijing Olympics or U.S. Nationals? Or None?

Junhwan Cha Republic of Korea Short Program--Skating to Fate of the Clockmaker by Eternal Eclipse, Flynn Hase Spence, Cloak and Dagger by Bianca Ban, Junhwan wore this black costume which featured black pants and a black solid-and-see-through top. The top had delicate details including minimal sequin applique and interesting see-through panels. The overall look was not necessarily costume-exciting but what I did love was the surprise of the fluttery "ruffles" in the back, which you can see in the photo above. These flutters were quite lovely to see as he skated, reminding me of wings.

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Free Skate to Popoli de Pekino by Giacomo Puccini, Violin Fantasy on Puccini's Turandot by Vanessa-Mae, Turandot, Act 3: Nessun Dorma (Turandot, Act 3) by Giacomo Puccini, performed by Jose Carreras--Skating to Puccini's "Turandot", Junhwan wore this deep indigo blue top with gorgeous sequin yoke details and blouson sleeves. I thought the sequin work framed his face and neckline very well and gave a slight air of the iconic opera and its Near East/China theme. 

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Jason Brown USA Short Program--Jason Brown skated his fabulous Short Program to Sinnerman by Nina Simone wearing this sexy, gorgeous look. The music is Nina Simone and I thought this costume was a perfect costume foil to her sultry, silky voice and that music. I absolutely loved the modern dance-like sleek styling, and especially the solid panels layered over see-through stretch fabric seen on the top, molding to his torso like a second skin. The crystals were also a nice touch, complementing this chic look.

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Free Skate to Auschwitz-Birkenau (from "Schindler's List") by John Williams, Theme from "Schindler's List"  (from "Schindler's List") by John Williams, I Could Have Done More  (from "Schindler's List") by John Williams--For his Free Skate to "Schindler's List", Jason wore the costume above, which featured a gray/silver top with red, yellow and black color accents in an ombre/tie-dye effect. The dye effect had a violent look to it, with hints of fire, perhaps war with an almost barbed wire treatment. I am sure the subtle-yet-not-so-subtle artistry on his top was an intentional nod to the subject matter of the film and music.

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BTW:

Jason had skated to this music back in the 2019-2020 Season, for which he wore the grey look above, with a sequined "skyline"-looking motif around the midriff. This was his costume for "Schindler's List"  then.

Mark Kondratiuk ROC Free Skate--Mark skated his Free Skate to Overture (from "Jesus Christ Superstar" rock opera) by Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Temple (from "Jesus Christ Superstar" rock opera) by Andrew Lloyd Webber during the Team as well as Men's Singles Competition, and it went VIRAL! Both for the fact that he skated to Andrew Lloyd Webber's over-the-top musical, but also because of the very Jesus Christ Superstar-y costume. His look was certainly not a subtle nod to the musical but straight-up Jesus-on-the-Cross, along with a thorn-like neckline, and "Shroud of Turin"-like white/gray top. Was it campy? Yes. Did it go with his music? Of course? So, I guess, this worked, even though it was two minutes away from a child's costume from a "Jesus Christ Superstar" musical revue.

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Keegan Messing Canada Short Program--Skating to Never Tear Us Apart performed by INXS

Never Tear Us Apart performed by Joe Cocker, Keegan wore this streamlined costume above. I thought this was a PERFECT way to wear a costume that doesn't look like one (Hello Nathan Chen!). The design featured black pants and a supertight black top with seethrough panels framed with red binding. Besides the sleek silhouette and lack of unnecessary details, my favorite part was that "X" patterned on the side of his upper torso; was the "X" for "INXS" or just a cool design detail? Whatever the reason, the look was sleek, sexy, modern, yet still had stage appeal. The costume was from Feeling by Mathieu Caron.

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Deniss Vasiljevs Latvia Short Program--Deniss skated his Short Program to Sarakiz: II. Romanza by Karl Jenkins, performed by Marat Bisengaliev & London Symphony Orchestra, The Battle Drums by Joe Hisaishi. He wore this blue and black costume that had references to Samurai and  Medieval Warriors, with some Near East influence. I appreciated the details, including the asymmetrical body "armor", the ruched sleeves...and on a non-costume note: His ponytail was a nice accessory...he just needed some hair gel to maintain it!

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Kevin Aymoz France Short Program--I could not do an Olympics Men's Figure Skating post without discussing this look from France's Kevin Aymoz. As if there is any question as to what Kevin is skating to, it's PRINCE, of course...specifically The Question Of You by Prince. Naturally, Kevin wore purple, and he wore it very well! His costume consisted of a purple top, a purple shirt with studs and silver sequin applique as well as front buckles, and gloves. I thought it was just right for the music and the subject at hand. Purple and slightly campy. 

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Free Skate to Outro by M 83--For his Free Skate, Kevin wore this costume above, which I liked, at least the top section. The look included your basic men's black skating pants and an ombre dyed cowl-draped stretch top in violet/purple, raspberry, and delicate green colors. I loved the pretty cowl drape neckline, which traditionally is a design detail related to female garments but here, it is obvious that it can be done for men as well; it provided wonderful top-half interest to his costume and gave his look a nice fashion edge.

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Last but not least:

Donovan Carrillo Mexico Short Program--Probably one of the most beloved skaters during the Beijing 2022 Olympics was Mexico's Donovan Carrillo. He was the first skater from Mexico to compete in a free skate at the Olympics, he famously trains in a mall, and he is very, very sassy when he skates (which I personally love!). Speaking of sassy...Donovan skated his Short Program to Black Magic Woman by Gregg Alan, Carlos Santana, Shake It by Carlos Santana wearing this fabulous costume. I loved the sleek look, the bold gold and silver sequined "stripes" highlighting his upper torso, and the extra chunky crystals around the shoulders...the whole outfit was perfect for him and looked as if Bob Mackie had designed it! 

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Free Skate to Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps (feat. Carlos Rivera) by Daniel Boaventura, Sway by Dean Martin, Maria (Spanglish Radio Edit) by Ricky Martin, and Bailar (Radio Edit) by Deorro feat. Elvis Crespo--Donovan made me happy for a second time by wearing yet another SUPERSTAR of a costume, this time for his Free Skate. The music was Muy Caliente and so was this costume: With the plunging neckline, silver sequined beadwork, and super-tight fit, he looked like he was performing a fabulous show in Vegas, and I wanted Front Row Tickets! This young man knows how to put on a Show...skating AND costume-wise! Muy Bien.

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Yuma, Nathan and Shoma: Congratulations to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists in Men's Singles (L to R) Yuma Kagiyama of Japan, Nathan Chen of USA, and Shoma Uno of Japan--Beijing 2022 Olympics

King Nathan! Nathan Chen of USA wins Gold--Beijing 2022 Olympics