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ICE STYLE.....NHK TROPHY Grand Prix of Japan 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: MEN & ICE DANCE!

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ICE STYLE.....NHK TROPHY Grand Prix of Japan 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: MEN & ICE DANCE!

NHK Trophy 2020 Ice Dance & Men Costumes--(L to R) Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi (far left, second from left), Yuma Kagiyama, and Kazuki Tomono--NHK Trophy 2020

Finishing up on my "ICE STYLE" Figure Skating Costumes Recap of this past weekend's 2020 NHK Trophy Grand Prix of Japan, it's time to discuss some of the MEN and ICE DANCE costumes...

Let's start with the MEN:

Yuma Kagiyama of Japan Short Program to Vocussion by Yo-Yo Ma & The Silkroad Ensemble, Rabih Abou-Khalil--For his Short program, Yuma wore this outfit comprised of black pants and a white shirt. The shirt had gold and silver fabric details, along with a revere collar-like lapel. The overall look reminded me of an outfit a young violin or piano player would wear for orchestral performance. It was OK but I wish the top looked more luxe and less polyester-y.
COSTUME SCORE: 7.75

Yuma Kagiyama of Japan Free Skate to Jake Enters His Avatar World  (from "Avatar" soundtrack) by James Horner, The Bioluminescence of the Night  (from "Avatar" soundtrack) by James Horner, and Gathering All the Na'vi Clans for battle (from "Avatar" soundtrack) by James Horner--For his Free Skate to the music from the movie "Avatar", Yuma went with this emerald green outfit that included a long sleeve top and matching color pants. I liked that it was an entire look, as opposed to the oh-so-boring "top and black pants" outfit that male skaters wear. I also liked that it had some detail down the front of the torso with the shiny satin panel and crystal accents. Besides that not-so-appealing nude illusion panel down the front of his neck (why doesn't the color match his skin??), this was an appropriate costume hinting at the "Avatar" green landscape.
SCORE: 8.00

Kazuki Tomono of Japan Free Skate to Ascension/Nature boy from "Moulin Rouge" performed by Ewan Mcgregor, and El Tango De Roxanne from "Moulin Rouge" by Jose Feliciano, Ewan Mcgregor & Jacek Koman--Kazuki skated his Free Skate to the music from "Moulin Rouge", looking like the sexy version of Harry Zidler, the owner of Moulin Rouge. There were the usual "Moulin Rouge" colors of red, black, with gold (in sequins), but done in a very Figure Skating Costume manner to command sleekness as well as stage presence. I would have liked more of the top's details in the pants somehow as well, maybe down the sides, but other than that, this was a good effort.
SCORE: 9.00

Kao Miura of Japan Free Skate to A Way of Life (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, Spectres in the Fog  (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, A Hard Teacher  (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, Red Warrior  (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, and The Way of the Sword (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer--When Kao first stepped on the ice, I sat up and took notice. First and foremost, because this was a TOTAL COSTUME MOMENT. The red and black design was inspired by "the Last Samurai" and you can see this in the cap sleeve details, Obi-like waistband, and pointed peplum. It was like a Samurai "Mini-Me" costume that worked fine for little Kao. In addition, I also loved the gold sequin work in the collar and throughout the top. Nice job!
SCORE: 9.45

ICE DANCE COSTUME HIGHLIGHTS:
Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto of Japan Rhythm Dance to Blues: Dreamgirls (from “Dreamgirls” soundtrack) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen; Swing:  One Night Only ( from “Dreamgirls”) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen performed by Jennifer Hudson; Disco: I Meant You No Harm/Jimmy’s Rap (from “Dreamgirls” soundtrack) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen performed by Eddie Murphy; Disco: One Night Only (Disco Version) (from “Dreamgirls” soundtrack) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen performed by Anika Noni Rose, Beyoncé & Sharon Leal--For their Rhythm Dance to "Dreamgirls" music, Komatsubara and Koleto wore these costumes above. The razzle-dazzle flashy looks were very "Dreamgirls" in their styling, design, and details. Koleto wore a snazzy silver tuxedo jacket, along with black pants and a colorful bow tie, and Komatsubara shined in her stage-perfect pumpkin orange dress featuring beautiful sequined fringe. 
SCORE: 9.25

Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto of Japan Free Dance to Une histoire d'amour by Francis Lai performed by Mireille Mathieu and No Title by Hugo Chouinard--For their Free Dance, Komatsubara and Koleto looked delicate and romantic, in these lilac-hued costumes. Misato wore an ombre shaded dress with a nude illusion panel and sparkling silver crystals. Koleto's matching color top was nice, especially with the addition of a 3D "leaf"-like applique that was also seen on her costume. If there's anything I would suggest is maybe to add a subtle sequined headband/hair accessory on her, to give her even more of a defining presence.
SCORE: 8.75

Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi of Japan Rhythm Dance to The Business of Love (from "The Mask"), Let the Good Times Roll by Fleecie Moore and Sam Theard, arranged by Alexander Goldstein, and Hey Pachuco! (from "The Mask")--All eyes were on 2010 Olympic bronze medalist, 2010 World Champion, and 5-time Japanese national champion Daisuke Takahashi, who made his Ice Dance Debut at the 2020 NHK Trophy with his partner Kana Muramoto. They skated their Rythm Dance to music from "The Mask" in these UBER FABULOUS costumes: I LOVED THEM! Both Kana and Daisuke were the STARS here, equally enhancing and supporting each other with their A++ costumes. I loved her fringed bronze-copper look with gorgeous crystal work on the torso, and Daisuke's highlighter yellow pants, black suspenders, white shirt, and geo-bold tie ensemble was OUTSTANDING as well. Excellent.
SCORE: 10 (!)

Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi of Japan Free Dance to La Bayadere Act 2 No.29 Andante by Leon Minkus, La Bayadere  Act 2 No.30 Tempo Di Valse by Leon Minkus, La Bayadere No.37 Allegretto by Leon Minkus, La Bayadere No.39 Vivace by Leon Minkus--Before seeing their Free Dance costumes, I wondered how Kana and Daisuke would outdo themselves-costume wise. And they made me proud. These costumes for their Free Skate to the classic "La Bayadere" ballet were gorgeous, elegant, sublimely luxe. Daisuke looked perfect in his wine-colored jacket with gold-and-silver embroidered trim, but Kana was a beautiful Prima Ballerina in her rose-pink one-shoulder dress with the gathered torso, nude illusion midriff, and rich jeweled sequin details throughout. The crown was just the "icing on the cake"; she looked like a Temple Princess Dancer worthy to only dance with...Japanese Olympic skater Daisuke Takahashi.
SCORE: 9.99

Click below to watch the FREE DANCE of Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi of Japan from NHK Trophy 2020:



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ICE STYLE.....NHK TROPHY Grand Prix of Japan 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: LADIES!

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ICE STYLE.....NHK TROPHY Grand Prix of Japan 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: LADIES!

Ladies of Japan--(L to R) Kaori Sakamoto, Marin Honda, Kaori Sakamoto, and Wakaba Higuchi--NHK Trophy 2020 Grand Prix of Japan

This past weekend was the sixth in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Competition series, the 2020 NHK Trophy, or Grand Prix of Japan (although Skate Canada and Internationaux de France were both canceled due to the pandemic). It was held in Osaka Japan and featured some of the top figure skaters, mostly from Japan and South Korea. Naturally, it made for some new COSTUME COMMENTING here on my "Ice Style" BLOG so...let's get started on the NHK Trophy 2020 Costumes Recap, The LADIES:

Marin Honda Japan Short Program to The Giving by Michael W. Smith--Honda skated her Short Program to this sweeping, very melodic music by Michael W. Smith wearing this gorgeous costume. The design featured a purple multilayered and paneled base, with jagged hem edges. The top was accentuated by elaborate sequined applique that framed her torso, beautifully placed atop a nude illusion top and sleeve section. She looked like a rich yet delicate fairy or flower princess, especially with the lovely hairband.
COSTUME SCORE: 9.90

Marin Honda Japan Free Skate to La La Land by Justin Hurwitz--For her Free Skate to "La La Land", Honda wore this blue dress with yet another gorgeous neckline filled with expensive-looking flower and sequin applique, and beautifully draped upper torso, highlighting the upper area of the costume. It was sweet and striking at the same time, especially in this vibrant blue hue. The dress (I am guessing) was inspired by the blue halter dress that actress Emma Stone wears in the movie when she goes out with her girlfriends.
SCORE: 9.50

Mai Mihara Japan Short Program to It’s Magic (from "Romance on the High Seas") performed by Doris Day--For her Short program to the Doris Day song "It's Magic" from the film "Romance on the High Seas", Mai Mihara wore this fuchsia pink costume with crystal sequin applique throughout. The color was striking, especially against the white ice, and the crystal detail was nice. Part of me wanted a little bit more of a "1949 Doris Day Style Moment"...

...perhaps closer to the costumes worn in the film but of course, updated to now; Mai's costume seemed like it could be more for a "Nutcracker/Sugarplum Fairy" skate instead.
SCORE: 8.00

Mai Mihara Free Skate to Fairy of the Forest, Galaxy (piano version) by Yuko Toyoda--I loved this costume worn by Mihara for her "Fairy of the Forest" Free Skate. This was completely ON POINT: She looked like a beautiful fairy, as she should! The intricate embroidery and sequined applique were the stars of this costume with the various shades of green, silver, black, as well as pinks and violets. I also loved the butterfly wing-like motif on the top portion--and her eye makeup was FANTASTIC!
SCORE: 9.50

Mako Yamashita Japan Short Program to Una voce poco fa (from The Barber of Seville) by Gioacchino Rossini--Mako wore this colorful design for her "Barber of Seville" Short Program. The look was a bit "Court Jester-y" in its design, colors, and scroll-like applique. Not sure what this really has to do with the famous opera or any of the characters (perhaps the "Arlecchino"/Harlequin, wily servant character??) but it did give me a Venetian vibe.
SCORE: 7.85

Mako Yamashita Japan Free Skate to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri--Mako skated her Free Skate to the music from The Twilight Saga film "Breaking Dawn Part I, wearing this deep blue costume featuring a very intricate gathered bodice, gold sequin applique, and nude illusion sleeves and top section. I thought this was quite pretty and very "Going to a Red Carpet" event (or a fancy wedding!) but maybe not so "Twilight"-y but it was elegant and pretty nonetheless.
SCORE: 9.00

You Young South Korea Short Program to Istanbul Grooves by Yasar Akpence, and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (soundtrack) by Philippe Chany--I certainly got the "Cleopatra" vibes from this outstanding design, worn by South Korean skater You Young. I loved everything about it: the bias-binding-like criss-cross detail on the torso, the oversized gold jeweled trim on the neckline, arms, and sides, as well as the golden "belt" wrapping around her waist. She looked like a sculpture of a sarcophagus that I would find at the Cairo Museum! 
SCORE: 9.90

You Young South Korea Free Skate to Lord of the Rings (soundtrack) by Howard Shore, performed by The Piano Guys, May It Be (from Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring) by Howard Shore, and Lord of the Rings (soundtrack) by Howard Shore, performed by The Piano Guys--For her Free Skate, You Young wore this mauve-pink colored costume that looked light as air. The chiffon design reminded me of a Roman tunic made for the wife of an aristocrat. The delicate web-like sequins across the body added to the overall elegance of this look. My one critique is that the illusion sleeve is short and doesn't conform to her body. I would have much preferred the sleeve to be longer and similar to Mai Mihara.
SCORE: 9.50

Wakaba Higuchi Japan Short Program to Bird Set Free by Sia--For Wakaba's Short Program to Sia's "Bird Set Free", she wore this indigo blue costume featuring asymmetrical lines, crystal "icicle"-like sequin detail, and nude illusion panels throughout. The one sleeve design had an overall air of a rocker performance look that reminded me of Blondie or Pat Benatar; it was directional, modern if not even slightly "Punk".
SCORE: 9.00

Wakaba Higuchi Japan Free Skate to Poeta by Vicente Amigo and Flamenco Passion & Soul by Gino D'Auri--For her Free Skate to the flamenco-inspired music, naturally, Wakaba went with a Spanish Senorita "Carmen" look. The costume checked all the boxes: Red, black lace, red roses, Sevillana-like tiered ruffles...heck, all she was missing was a big Mantilla and Peineta (hair comb) on top of her styled chignon! While it was a bit "been there done that" for the music and theme, it was done well and nice design elements such as the asymmetrical neckline and center front nude illusion panel.
SCORE: 8.75

Kaori Sakamoto Short Program to Concerto En Re Mineur, BWV 974: ll. Adagio by Johann Sebastian Bach perf. by Alexandre Tharaud and Bach A La Jazz by Matt Herskowitz and Mary Kerr--I liked this costume worn by Kaori Sakamoto for her Short Program. The design featured pink, lilac, and deep purple ombre hues, nice gathered midriff detail, and gorgeous heavy-to-light crystal work. The neckline was especially beautiful in its sequin embellishment and I also like the "starry night" look of the other crystals on the dress.
SCORE: 9.00

Kaori Sakamoto Japan Free Skate to Main Title Trinity Infinity from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Don Davis, Clubbed To Death from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Rob Dougan, and Chateau Vol.2 from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Rob Dougan--Sakamoto saved the BEST COSTUME for her Free Skate to music from "The Matrix". I loved the modern, chic, and super fashionable design--the juxtaposition of the faux leather with see-through illusion chiffon; it gave it a Pierre Cardin-meets-Jean Paul Gaultier look. But hands down, the costume highlights were the "Matrix"-like sequins in variations of green, turquoise, gold, and blue, exquisitely positioned on the side of her costume as well as on her wrists. And to finish it all off in a severe "Don't Mess With Me" hair chignon: Perfect!
SCORE: 9.95

Click below to watch KAORI SAKAMOTO of Japan and her FREE SKATE from NHK Trophy 2020:


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ICE STYLE.....ROSTELECOM CUP 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: The Men!

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ICE STYLE.....ROSTELECOM CUP 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: The Men!

Men Style--Male skaters at the Rostelecom Cup 2020 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating--(L to R) Mikhail Kolyada, Petr Gumennik, and Dmitri Aliev--Rostelecom Cup 2020, Moscow Russia

In my previous post HERE, I talked about the latest costumes worn by the LADIES of the 2020 Rostelecom Cup in Moscow this past weekend, so now it is time to discuss some of the MEN and their costumes. Some were creative and very "Costume-y" and some, well, not so much...

Mikhail Kolyada of Russia Free Skate to Nureyev (from "The White Crow" soundtrack) by Ilan Eshkeri performed by Lisa Batiashvili--Mikhail received the GOLD for his beautiful skate to "The White Crow" soundtrack to the Nureyev biofilm. Let's start with his skate: he paid complete homage to the great Nureyev with his ballet-like performance, featuring lyrically beautiful hand gestures, leg extensions, and a presence worthy of a top ballet DIVO. His costume which featured a light blue chiffon-like top with delicate sequins, paired with violet-blue pants, was delicate, pretty, and right for the skate and music. The only detail I wasn't a fan of was the nude illusion tank that peaked from underneath. It's so hard to match a skater's actual skin tone, but you would think with all the advancements we've made with fabrics, we could do better!
COSTUME SCORE: 8.95

Morisi Kvitelashvili of Georgia Short Program to Amsterdam by Jacques Brel--Morisi skated his Short Program to the 1960's song about the exploits of sailors on shore leave in the city of Amsterdam. His costume reflected a nod to a sailor's uniform with the deep blue top and red pants. The top featured neck/torso ties and the pants also had waist ties similar to sailing ropes. It was simple and classic for the music and skate. At least he didn't go full-on Jean Paul Gaultier striped Tee Sailor...or maybe he should have!
SCORE: 8.50

Free Skate to E lucevan le stelle  (from Tosca, Act III) by Giacomo Puccini and Execution and Finale from Tosca, Act III) by Giacomo Puccini--For his "Tosca" skate, Morisis wore this look comprised of a white shirt and gray skin-tight pants. While it was rather boring, I did like the beaded strappy detail in the neckline. But what I didn't like was that Ross-Dress-For-Less belt #NOOOOO 
SCORE: 7.89

Artem Kovalev of Russia Short Program to Adagio In G Minor performed by André Rieu--The music from Artem's Short Program is a neo-Baroque composition composed by the 18th-century Venetian master Albinoni. His costume mirrors this neo-Baroque 18th Century aspect with this all-black look featuring extensive sequin details across the chest and onto the arm in a web/root-like effect. I think it was effective to keep most of this work and interest up at the top, accentuating his upper movements. And while I am not usually a fan of the belts (see Morisi above!), this one, at least had crystals, making it look like part of the costume...and not like something he bought from a local shop in Moscow.
SCORE: 9.00

Dmitri Aliev of Russia Short Program to Waltz Masquerade by Aram Khatchaturian--Reviving his Short Program from the 2017-2018 Season, Dmitri also (sort of) revived the costume, albeit in a different color. The new one was in a deep emerald green, double-breasted military-style jacket, paired with black pants. Elegant details such as a gold leaf collar, epaulets, and cuffs finished the look, along with white gloves. All of the details and styling were the same as the old costume, except for the color and he added gold chains from the epaulet to the front of the jacket. 
SCORE: 9.25

In case you are wondering, here is the 2017-2018 costume:
Red Dmitri

Free Skate to L'immensità by Il Volo--For his Free Skate, Dmitri wore this costume which featured black pants and a black stretch knit top emblazoned with fire ember-like detail in yellow, red, and silver with crystals. Once again, smart of whoever designed this to keep the interest up at the torso and making it fit nice and tight. He also wore gloves since as you know, Dmitri never met a glove he didn't like.
SCORE: 8.98

Petr Gumennik of Russia Free Skate to The Phantom Of The Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber--Last but certainly not least--in the COSTUME category--is Russian Petr Gumennik. Here, for his "Phantom of the Opera" (of course!) Free Skate, he made me proud with this stunning expression of design in his VERY "Phantom"-like costume featuring a black fitted jacket, an intricately trimmed red waistcoat (vest), white lace foulard blouse, and black pants. The costume looked expensive and could have easily gone Boadway cheesy....but it didn't. I especially loved the fluttery chiffon mini capes.

SCORE: 9.95

Click below to watch Mikhail Kolyada's "Tribute to Nureyev" FREE SKATE at Rostelecom Cup 2020:

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