Last night were the Ice Dance Finals at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. I had the pleasure of being invited to be part of NBC's "Olympic Ice" show on NBC.com to talk about the Ice Dance costumes with 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes earlier yesterday (yes, I woke up very early to watch the finals here where I live in Los Angeles). You can watch my "Nick Costume Recap" HERE. But, here on my blog it's time to discuss the highlights of the Ice Dance costumes and the running theme: Costume Changes! First off, time to congratulate Meryl Davis and Charlie White for getting the gold medal, along with silver and bronze medalists from Canada and Russia respectfully:

Part Three of my 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships Costume Recap involves the always visually-entertaining ICE DANCE! There is lots to discuss including all the "folkloric"-looking costumes (it's like a Miss Universe Parade of Nations competition!), Cowgirls and Cowboys (in CHAPS!), an IMPORTANT Costume Change (Mon Dieu!) and much more...Here are some of MY highlights from both the Short and Free Dance portions of the Ice Dance competition at the Worlds 2013:

Ice Dance Costume Highlights:


Continuing with my Costume Recap of the costumes from the 2013 Prudential U.S. Championships of Figure Skating, which occurred last week/weekend in Omaha Nebraska, I've discussed the Men's HERE, and Ladies HERE, and  now it's time for the Ice Dancers:

NHK Trophy 2012 Costume Finale: Get 'Em Cowgirl, Geisha Chic and Mod Fab


Finishing my reviews of the NHK Trophy 2012, you can read my "two cents" on the Ladies HERE, the Men HERE, and the Pairs HERE...it's time for the always fantastic, never dissapointing colorful and a little over-the-top ICE DANCE costumes. First...

I think I just DIED and went to Figure Skating Costume HEAVEN:
Nicole Orford and Thomas Williams of Canada: For their Short Dance to "Sold" by John Michael Montgomery and "Tennesse Waltz" by Anne Murray. How. In the Name of the Figure Skating Costume Gods. Did I miss these throughout all my Costume Recaps this 2012-2013 Grand Prix season???? One look at these costumes, and I wanted to jump onto the ice and do the two-step and eat some hot & spicy chicken wings with them! All at the same time! Seriously.

Whoever designed these, please tell me so I can give you credit here on my blog! I demand it. Because they are fantastic. I love Thomas' red Western shirt, jeans, Western belt...he looks like the King of the Rodeo! And Nicole looks AMAZEEENG in her blue denim-like laced-up bustier and the double-tiered skirt. But can I tell you my favorite part (and I think you know by now):

Her Cowgirl Skate Boot Covers Y'all !!!I want a pair...for the next time I hit my local ice rink!


Yu Xiaoyang and Wang Chen of China: The Country & Western theme must have been "in the water" for these Ice Dancers, because it wasn't only Canada who got bit by the Line Dancin' Bug. For their Short Dance, this Chinese Pair skated to "Oh Susanna" and "Twilight Waltz" by Johnny Gimble. These costumes were colorful--sassy and combined all the right elements for the music. Notice how they brought the red color of her notched-collar costume into his ensemble by giving him a red hankie. Smart. And yes kids, you do notice that there was "mini fringe" in her hem. Of course.

Penny Coomes/ Nicholas Buckland of Great Britain: For their Free Dance to "Basement Jaxx vs Metropol Orkest". On a positive note: I do like the colors on her costume; the bright pink and purple, combined with the black background, make for a great contrast. And I do appreciate how the purple was brought back to his gray plaid vest in the welt pockets. However, she looks like an extra in the Eurovision-like "Nutcracker" ballet segment of the "Waltz of the Flowers". It's a bit of a mess, unfortunately.

Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia: I discussed these costumes that Ilinykh and Katasalapov wore for their Short Dance to "Andijan Polka" HERE. They were one of my FAVORITE Ice Dance Costume looks for this season. The colors, the print, her headband, his navy and gold-trimmed coat...all Costume FANTASTIC!

Cathy Reed and Chris Reed of Japan: Michigan, US-born half-Japanese brother-and-sister Ice Dance team of Reed and Reed (who represent Japan) skated their Short Dance to "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" wearing these costumes above. The bright pink and shiny fabric of her dress was a bit much, but the overall theme was appropriate for the musical. Well done kids!

For their Free Dance to Selections from "The Beatles", they went pop-art 60's Mod (well, she did!). Again, I really liked these looks. The color-blocked dress on Cathy was very on-trend with 2012 yet seem perfect for the music and ice dance. And notice, kids, how his tie had the SAME colors as her dress. If there was any critique, it's that the costume designer sacrificed him for her "outlandishness" by slapping a white dress shirt and black pants on him. But, I forgive 'em.

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of USA: I talked about these great costumes worn by brother-and-sister Ice Dance team of Shinbutani and Shibutani HERE. They skated their Free Dance to John Williams' "Memoirs of a Geisha" and I thought they were PERFECT.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White of USA: I wrote about these fun costumes HERE in case you might have missed it. For their "Yankee Polka" Short Dance to "Giselle", Meryl and Charlie looked great--and more importantly, appropriate for the music. She was very "St. Pauli Girl" and maybe that's why I loved it! She would make Heidi Klum proud!

Bonjour Nice!
Hello Figure Skating aficionados--as well as KRAZEE Figure Skating Costumes fans: It's time for some more Figure Skating Costumes Fashion Fun... The ISU 2012 World Figure Skating Championships are happening (March 26-April 1) as I BLOG, in (of all places) sunny and beach-y--and very A-List and expensive--Nice France: And, before any of y'all think I flew out there to see these Championships and partake in South-of-France Resort vacation....not so mucheyyyy, I am still in LA living vicariously through the costumes clad skaters at these Championships! But you know who is there: Princess Caroline of Hanover, her daughter Alexandra (in peach-colored skirt and striped blue-black top) and three-time World Championship silver medalist Surya Bonaly--yes, MISS Surya "back-flip" Bonaly (as well as Olympic Champion French-Russian Ice Dancer Marina Anissina with bright orange-red hair). Miss Surya donned a powder-blue suit with a two-sizes too big cropped jacket (why are those sleeves so, umm, big???). Her suit looks very Chanel Vintage 1984--and not in a good Vintage Chanel way. On a good note: very Pan Am Flight Attendant Chic! Naturally Princess Caroline in her navy pea coat, striped dress shirt, and BIG Ol' purse, looked FAB! So let's get started on one of my favorite fashion topics: the Ice Dance Costumes--Short Dance Highlights: Virtue and Moir Canada: Canada's "Golden Dance Couple", Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, did their "thang" during the Short Dance to "Hip Hip Chin Chin", "Temptation" and "Mujer Latina" (it's a Latin Dance Theme this 2011-2012 Season, in case you were out of the loop, kids!). Even though I am NOT a fan of the Ice Dance (and Pairs) Men just wearing an all-black look, Scott does look HOT! Tessa's raspberry-colored and sequined halter and strappy styled dress (which she debuted at Four Continents) is a bit on the "Happy Hands at Home" for me and well, not Latina Sophisticated enough. Just my "Figure Skating Costume" two cents... Davis and White USA: I've said this before and I'll say it again: LOVE THEM!!! I've discussed these costumes before so I won't take BLOG time here so you'll just have to read my reviews HERE. Weaver and Poje Canada: I just can't get enough of these two! I don't know what animal prints have to do with their "Historia de un Amor" and "Batacuda" Samba and Rhumba music, but heck...I don't care! Love her fringed zebra black-and-gold printed dress and his asymmetrically bedazzled jumpsuit. These two belong together, and look like a perfectly-costumed Ice Dance team. And that's it! Pechalat and Bourzat France: Their Short Dance musical theme was "Carnival in Rio". I liked her sequined blue, silver and neon apple green dress, even though, yes, it's a bit on the "Huneeeyyyy, you've had a few too many Cointreau's!" Fabian Bourzat's look is too disheveled. I abhor the un-tucked shirt look (even OUT on the ICE!) and here, he looks like it's 4am and he cannot find his way home from his late-night "Cirque du Soleil" stint. Hurtado and Diaz Spain: They are currently EIGHTEENTH on the official ISU Results after their Short Dance. For their Short Dance, they skated to Brazilian Sergio Mendes' "Mas que Nada" and "Magalenha" and yes, I have high Costume Hopes for these Spaniards. For one, they are already LATINO!!! And they brought it...in terms of color. I love the peach and neon apple green colors of Sara Hurtado's crystal-encrusted halter dress. But it is a bit on the "Toddlers & Tiaras" side (the center front bust bandeau piece is SO unnecessary and costume low-rent). I did like that her partner Adrià Diaz, did not do an all-black look but matched her. Ilinykh and Katsalapov Russia: For their Latin-inspired Short Dance, they skated to "Hip Hip Chin Chin", "Mas que Nada" and "Mujer Latina"--almost the same as Canada's Virtue and Moir. But their costumes couldn't be more opposite. Elena is Supermodel beautiful and she showed off her flawless body in this black asymmetrical open side-back dress. She looked AMAZING! And love that sleek chignon BTW! Nikita: well, you know what I think of those all-black men's costumes. I'll give him some "Nick Points" for the plunging deep-V neck shirt. Shibutani and Shibutani USA: Brother and sister Ice Dance team Maia and Alex Shibutani changed their Short Dance Costumes for this season's ISU 2012 World Figure Skating Championships (well, Maia did!). To their "Batucada", "Skip to the Bip" and "Jazz Machine" Short Dance for this Nice World Championship, Maia donned a violet-colored costume featuring a sweetheart neckline with gold coin-and-sequined detail. It was a change from this: What she wore at the 2012 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships last month in Colorado (above photo). Same color, different style. I like the Nice France version better. Good Costume Change Maia! Stay tuned for more "Nick Figure Skating Costume Two Cents"!!!

Costume Change-a-Thon!! Top Ice Dancers: (Left to Right) Silver Medalists Alex Shibutani and Maia Shibutani, Gold Medalists Charlie White and Meryl Davis, Bronze Medalists Zachary Donohue and Madison Hubbell, and Pewter Medalists Logan Giulietti and Lynn Kriengkrairut, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion San Jose, California Rounding out my Blog Costume Review of last weekend's 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in San Jose California, we are now left with the colorful and always sassy (most of the time, especially those Eastern Europeans!!) Ice Dancers. For this 2011-2012 Season, the Short Dance is a Latin-inspired one, as required and specified by the ISU/International Skating Union. I think it should ALWAYS be Latin...much more exciting that way--musically and costume-wise! Oh, and did I mention there were some Costume Changes this time around. Love that! So, let's begin: Bronze Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donahue Free Dance Costume: They skated to "I Put A Spell On You". And their costumes, though contemporary, were on the yawn side. I get it--they're supposed to be a couple in the midst of a love spell, and so on and so forth. Now, I understand that her mother makes all her costumes and Kudos to all Mom's and especially ones with Sewing Talents (I LOVE me the Sewing Moms!), but I just wasn't a fan of these in particular. Both his and her "costumes" (if one could call them that) were straight out of a store from a mall: Madison's, from "Contempo Casuals" back in the 80's and 90's and Zachary's, from "Ross Dress For Less". Hubbell and Donahue Short Dance: For their Latin-influenced Short Dance, they BROUGHT IT!! (Thank Goodness). Now here, I really, really liked Madison's costume. So, Congrats to her Mommie on this one! They danced to samba and rhumba rhythms and her costume reflected this. I loved the black-and-white print, the multicolored strips of fabric mimicking feathers. And I also liked that she slicked her hair back in a FIERCE chignon. She looked like a Fantasy Cheetah from Brazil! Oh, and I almost forgot about Zachary: he looked HOT HOT HOT! The plunging neckline, the sheer and solid panels on the shirt, the "tuxedo" stripe on the pants...all fab! Madison Chock and Evan Bates: For their Short Latin Dance to "Chick, Chick Boom", Madison wore a coral-red costume and Evan went black (of course). I liked her costume; it moved marvelously on the ice (love the "fringed" strips of fabric on the skirt section), and I liked the sexy styling and contrast velvet and sequined underpiece. Unfortunately, they did not skate they're best and didn't make the podium this year. But they get my Nick V. Medal for sexy costumes! Costume Change The Ice Dancers Edition: Silver Medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani: They did their Latin Short Dance to "Batucada", "Skip to the Bip" and "Jazz Machine". Maia wore a deep violet halter neckline costume with silver crystal embellishment and fringed skirt (fringe is BIG this 2011-2012 Season!). I liked this costume--the color is vibrant, the sequins are strong, framing her torso well and it was great to see a sassy semi-backless number on little Maia. Speaking of sassy, Alex's costume (the deep violet stretch shirt in particular) was tight and hunky! I didn't realize there were defined muscles on that boy (I know, he's just 20!). NHK Trophy: Anyhow, from the minute they stepped on the ice (I was there at the HP Pavilion!), I noticed "Wait, those aren't the same costumes they wore last time in the Short Dance". And after a quick web search on my iPad at the stadium, lo and behold I was right: this above is what her costume looked like when they competed at the NHK Trophy in Japan--also for the Latin Short Dance: a one-shoulder black asymmetrical skirt costume with silver beaded fringe. Alex wore a black tuxedo shirt and pant look. ISU Grand Prix Finals: this above is what they wore for their Latin Short Dance at the ISU Grand Prix Finals in Canada back in December. Maia's was the same black one shoulder costume but they added pink edge trim to it and Alex's remained untouched. Shibutani and Shibutani Free Dance Costumes: Continuing with the costume change theme, Maia also changed her costume for the Free Dance to "Selections from the Sun Valley Serenade Soundtrack" by Glenn Miller. Above is the "new" one she wore last weekend at the US Nationals. The orange and fuchsia color was pretty and strong enough to stand out on the ice, and I liked the original "threading" detail through the side of the costume. Grand Prix Finals: This is what she last wore at the Grand Prix Finals--same color story but had a more "conservative" 1940's feel to it, in its neckline, flutter sleeves. Alex also changed his suspenders and tie to match the colors of Maia's dress which really helped unify the looks. NHK Trophy: And above is the very first version of their Free Dance Costume which they debuted at the NHK Trophy. I really liked these costumes. They reflected the "Big Band" theme of the music, they looked young, fresh and oh-so-cute, like two college kids back in the 40's going out to a dance. But I suspect, they were deemed too cute and young-looking. Therefore the changes. But I have to say, I absolutely love that they keep changing their costumes--whether it is because they and their coaches can't make up their minds in terms of what look works, or if it's to keep the dance exciting and to keep the fans excited--like "what will Maia wear next!?" Whichever reason it is, as a fashion designer and a fan of the sport, it keeps me watching! Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White: And yet, another Costume Change...this time with Davis and White--the "Golden Couple" of Ice Dancing. This time, the costume change was for their Short Latin Dance to "Batucadas", "Life is a Carnival" and "On The Floor". And it was just Meryl who did the change. Again, I noticed it immediately when she stepped on the ice. For the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, she wore a bronzed, copper and gold costume with intricate swirly patterns and fringe (of course!) at the bottom. It was a change from her last two "appearances" on the ice: Skate America 2011-2012: This is what she wore for the Latin Short Dance at the first Grand Prix competition event of the season. It was a bright neon orange halter style costume with keyhole detail, skirt fringe and multicolored stones at the hip and neckline. Charlie wore black pants and striped bronze-and-black shirt... Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012: This was what they wore at the Cup of Russia Grand Prix. I loved this look on Meryl!!! This is my favorite of all the three costume changes. It was the same color story as the one at Skate America but in terms of the styling, it was FASHION FASHION FASHION! Loved the asymmetry of the torso, how sexy it was and the very expensive-looking bead work at the bust. Also, notice that Charlie changed his shirt--to a more wavy pattern (as opposed to striped) print--same bronze-and-black color though. I wished she would have stayed in this costume for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I feel it's much more impacting and Latina! Very JLo On Ice!

Strap Malfunctions, A new Hairdo and some 80's Flashbacks...
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final ended this past weekend in Quebec City, Quebec Canada. In the previous postings here in my blog, I've discussed the Ladies, the Men, THAT Disco Jumpsuit, so now, I'm "wrapping up" my Costume Review with the couples: the Pairs and Ice Dancers. Throughout this Grand Prix season, I've pretty much covered/discussed most of the Pairs and Ice Dancing costumes. But this weekend we saw some "surprises", including an (almost) new Pairs costume and hairstyle, an (almost) Wardrobe Malfunction and a TIGHTER Charlie White. Let's begin... Savchenko and Szolkowy of Germany: Aliona Savhenko and Robin Szolkowy won the Gold this past weekend--barely--by .18 points (!) over their Russian counterparts, Volosozhar and Trankov (PS: He's such a Hottie!). Now, in terms of costumes, I thought I noticed something "different" during their Hans Zimmer "Angels and Demons" Short Program: a white with silver-gray sleeve and hem accented dress with torso crystal detailing. I had remembered Aliona's "Angel" costume being this ivory almost-sheer jumpsuit with a crystal beaded top and flirty attached mini "over-skirt", and to be honest, it wasn't a favorite of mine--it looked two minutes away from a tacky Eurovision Contest! So, naturally, my heart began beating a bit faster with the thought of "Did she do a Costume Change?". But alas, she did not. After about one minute's worth of web research (and my brain working, finally!)... Chignon Angel: I realized that no, she had already worn this "new" dress-costume to the Rostelecon Cup/Cup of Russia last month, where she "unveiled" it (as seen in the photo above from that Grand Prix). But what she did do different was the way she wore her hair. Usually, during practices, she wears her hair down but ALWAYS in competition, she would pull it back into an elegant chignon. Shag Ice Queen: But for this last Grand Prix Final in Quebec City, she decided to "show the world" her Dorothy Hamill-esque hairstyle in all its shaggy glory. I think she looked great--she looked like one of the singers from ABBA! Hopefully, we will see more of her this way in competition. What do guys think of Aliona's hair? Down and loose, or slicked-back in a chignon? Let me know in your comments at the end of this post! Now...An (Almost) Wardrobe Malfunction: Zhang and Zhang of China: This great Pairs team skated their "Transylvanian Lullaby" Short Program wearing the same costumes they had been wearing throughout the season. I discussed these great costumes back in my Cup of China blog posting HERE and needless to say, I thought hers was a "Red Carpet" stunner--the colors, the Empire silhouette, the contrasting straps. Speaking of straps: as they began skating their Short Program at this Grand Prix Final, something unusual began happening: Zhang Dan's red sequined strap began slipping off! Now, this is a minute detail but things like this DO NOT happen in figure skating, especially in a world-class competition. These costumes have been tested many, many times, before they ever see the "spotlight" of a Grand Prix event. For Zhang, it proved to be a bit of a problem and distraction since well, it kept slipping (even as her partner would try to pull it back up during their skate). At one point, as she was horizontally in the air during their Throw Triple Twist: Oh Dear: You could really see the strap slipping off. Luckily, nothing else slipped off but in Figure Skating terms, I guess this would come under a minor "Wardrobe Malfunction" but of course not on the Janet Jackson scale! The strap-slippage did not really affect their skating, but I am sure someone will be shortening that strap! Hopefully the Costume Designer won't be chastised too much! Now, Grand Prix Final Ice Dancing Costume Minute: Loose or Tight Charlie? Davis and White of the USA: Now, I've already discussed their J.Lo Cha-Cha Fabuloso costumes in my Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Ice Dancing Costume Review HERE I absolutely LOVE her electric orange fringed-skirt ensemble with the multicolored beading and that modern asymmetrical neckline. I liked his gold and black look too. Together, they looked like the hottest and sexiest couple at a Rio de Janeiro Dancing competition! For this Grand Prix Final, I noticed that Charlie's gold jacquard shirt was TIGHTER! (see photo above) Well, tighter than how it was in Russia: Cup of Russia Loose: I commented in that post that I would have liked to have seen his shirt tighter/closer to his fat-free torso, and from the looks of it, I think someone was listening (or reading). It might be just that he pulled it more into his pants to smooth it and make it "look tighter" or it might be that they realized a "Sexier, Tighter" Charlie was better for this Short Dance and therefore their seamstress got to work and took in A LOT off the side seams. Who knows? Which one do you prefer: Loose-Shirt Charlie or Tighter Charlie? Let me know! Finally--1988 Calgary Winter Olympics Costume Flashbacks: The Ice Dancing and Pairs Edition! Since the Grand Prix Final was in Canada this past weekend (Quebec City, Quebec to be geographically exact), I've been looking back at some of the FAB costumes from the Calgary Winter Olympics in some of my posts (Did you see Brian Orser's??), so I thought it would be fun to do a "Costume Flashbacks" to these Ice Dancing and Pairs Costume Gems of the past: Wilson and McCall of Canada: 1988 Calgary Olympics Ice Dancing Bronze Medal winners, Tracy Wilson and Rob McCall wore this for their Free Dance at those Calgary Olympics. The costumes are so fabulous I can barely talk! The black stretch Lycra, the colored beaded trim straight out of Jo-Ann's Fabrics, Tracy Wilson's "tutu" skirt WITH Lycra LEGGINGS ensemble...and her red ribbon "Scrunchie"!!! Seriously. Amazing. And here they are in their Original Dance "Tango" costumes above, also from the 1988 Winter Olympics. So funny that we were at the END of the 80's decade yet, their costumes, hair, everything was SO 80's still. Usually, toward the end of a decade is when we only begin to see what fashion could be defined as for that decade. Rob looked so dapper and elegant in his tuxedo and Tracy's pink and black fringed skirt number pre-cursed the verging-on Tacky-licious "Toodlers & Tiaras" look of say, an Oksana Baiul. Again, check out her SCRUNCHIE!! Love her--and them! Watson and Oppegard of the USA: The American Pair skaters Jill Watson and Peter Oppegard got the Bronze at the Calgary Olympics. Here they are--above and below--in their Long Program costumes. And kids, these were Gems to say the least. Ocean blue Lycra (they loved their Lycra back then!) with swirl-shaped contrasting-colored panels with beaded outlines. Jill was quite demure and covered up wearing full sleeves and a high "Lady-like" neckline (I guess nude mesh illusion had not been "discovered" yet!). She looked very "Gymnast"-like in her costume. And Peter: Oh Peter!!! I am OBSESSED with this look! Even though they skated to classical music, for some reason, he looks as if he's about to do the National Championships of Rodeo in his gold center-front studded jumpsuit with yes, the contrasting-colored swirl-shaped crystal-encrusted panels. It's very "Blades of Glory" I must say! Peter, as you may know, is a World-class coach and is married to Karen Kwan Oppegard. I am happy to say that I know them personally but I have a feeling I might be getting a "No You Didn't!" talking-to from Peter (as Karen will probably be kissing my cheek at the same time!) the next time I see them! Nevertheless, I love this look and hope he still has this costume somewhere in the basement, attic, or his "Secret Closet"! For a Ice Dancing Video Flashback, Watch Wilson and McCall of Canada and their Free Dance, 1988 World's in Hungary: