Les Dames... Ashley Wagner USA: Wagner ranked the highest score of the two Americans competing (poor Miss Alissa Czisny--she's SIXTEENTH!!)--The red sequined dress to her "Pollock" Short Program for this 2011-2012 Season is pretty and expensive-looking. On a (slightly) negative note: it's a bit "Figure Skating Costume 101" and not so Fashion-creative. Speaking of Alissa...Even though she didn't do so well at the 2012 Nice World Championships, I still LOVE her serenely elegant back silver sequined costume--it's a "throw back" to those simple Vera Wang numbers.
The ISU 2012 World Figure Skating Championships are occurring in Nice France and in my last posting, I wrote about the Short Dance Costumes of the Latin-Fabuloso Ice Dancers and now, it's the Ladies' turn...They just did their Short Programs. If you've been a fan and a follower of International Figure Skating Competitions (and my blog here), in terms of costumes, there was nothing really new (the costume changes usually happen with the Ice Dancers) but there was still enough color and fashion worthy of some "Nick Two Cents": Alena Leonova Russia: Skating to "Sirens" and "Pirates of the Caribbean", Leonova's costume reflected her music perfectly. It's rare to see a "pant's-costume" in International Ladies Figure Skating Competition, so I give her 'Nick Points" for going there. I've seen this costume on her so many times now, that I am just DYING to see something different...like add some Swarovski crystals to that vest!!!! Or at least begin with a big ol' Pirate hat and then swoosh it off into the audience when you begin...something! Kanako Murakami Japan: The top Japanese skater (so far after the Short Program), Murakami skated to "Violin Partita No. 2" by Johann Sebastian Bach. Her swirly lilac sequined costume is OK--nothing too "Japanese Vogue Magazine"-fashion earthshaking...but just OK. I'd like to see something more modern and fashion-forward, especially when skating to such classical music. Carolina Kostner Italy: in Third Place after the Short Program Results, Miss Kostner wears this neon green and sequined number for her "Allegretto From Trio. No. 2" skate. Love the bright color and asymmetry of the style lines. However, I want to see more Cavalli or Dolce & Gabbana and less Torino Italia Skating Store . Mao Asada Japan: Skating to "Scheherazade", Asada wore this baby blue costume with tassels, gold trim, embroidery and diamante crystal details...I have to say, that I miss this Pantaloon costume which she wore for the NHK Grand Prix back in November 2011: I like this costume much better. It's daring. Fits the music, theme, and stands out far more--in a better way--than the baby blue number. Sarah Hecken of Germany: I'll give you one guess as to what music she is skating to in this red and black with tassels and rose applique costume....If you thought "Carmen" by Bizet, well, you were wrong. It was to "Malaguena" by Ernesto Lecuona. It looks very much like a Spanish mantilla and therefore, I like it! Ksenia Makarova Russia: To her Short Program of "Maria and the Violin's String", Makarova wore a powder blue costume with delicate crystal beading that is both modern and elegant. I like its simplicity and lack of "Toddlers & Tiara's" details. She gets an "A" in my Figure Skating Costume Book! Although she gets a big deduction for that one nude illusion glove! Maybe she hurt herself and it is a wrist brace and she decided to add some Swarovski Crystals?! If that is the case, then she is back up to an "A"! Valentina Marchei Italy: Skating to "Johnny's Mambo" , her red-and-silver costume strikes me as something one would see from the Ice Dancers. And this is why I'm a fan! It's both tacky and Fab--at the same time. Love the torso sequin detail and then the skirt is all "Fire-and-Ice" with it's "shredded" fabric. The thing that throws me off is the "look at my crotch" applique in the center front of the skirt... Valentina, we might not want to focus there!!!

First, A Question: What Does This:
Have To Do With This:
Continuing my "Nick Figure Skating Costume Two Cents" on last weekend's Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (which I had the pleasure of attending in San Jose California). You can click HERE for my Ladies Review and HERE for my Men's Review--but now, the Pairs. Shall we get started... Pairs Bronze Medalists Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig: For their Short Program to George Gershwin's "The Man I Love", their costumes were on-point! His was a tailored look of a lilac dress shirt, plaid vest--very fitted--pink tie and black pants. Normally, I am NOT A FAN of the dress shirt-tie-and-pant look for male figure skaters but within the Pairs context this works. This combination suits him just right--and works with the music. Amanda's costume was beautiful. Loved the light rose pink color, the one-shoulder styling and delicate beading. The open back detail... Was sublime. These costumes worked seamlessly together. There were elements of understated traditional elegance, romance, and a little bit of "high fashion" all at once. Evora and Ladwig Long Program Costumes: For their Long Program to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe" and Debussy's "Reverie", they decided to go more "Period" costume. I liked hers but his seemed, well, too blouson-y. I get the theme, their costume pairing...yet something was "throwing me off". Oh wait, maybe it was those darn black pants! I guess I wished they would have been the color of her midriff corset--more of a burgundy color. I think it would have made the look even more unified. Silver Medalists Mary Beth Marley and Rockne Brubaker: For their Long Program to Rachmaninov's "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor", Mary Beth wore a fuchsia costume with black and rhinestone detail. The strong color definitely popped on the ice. She looked so pretty in this. I also loved that she continued the elegance of this costume to her chignon hairstyle as well. Rockne donned a black cropped jacket suit with a shirt matching Mary Beth's costume. Both costumes worked very well together, especially to the classical music soundtrack they skated to. Marley and Brubaker Short Program: They skated to "Singing In the Rain" for their Short Program. Their costumes were bright, safe and oh so cute. But...soooo "Junior Champions" for my taste. Both costumes were so "Figure Skating 101" and something one could purchase off the rack from a Skating Store. Give me a little creativity here. Something... Gold Medalists Caydee Denney and John Coughlin: Now, we finally get to the Pairs who won the entire thing--and who I began my blog posting here with. I love their skating. I have now "experienced them" twice--while attending Skate America and again in San Jose, at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. And in both occasions, they got me up on my feet (yes, I even put my bucket of popcorn down for these two!). They are athletically wonderful--and John is a corn-fed tall glass of water! (sorry, I was supposed to use my "quiet voice"!). And Miss Caydee..."bless her heart", as they say in The South... For their Gold Medal-winning Free Skate to "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's Turandot, she wears an aqua blue-green applique lace and sequin costume with a band collar that is a bit too 1986 Figure Skating Costume for my taste. But that's really not my biggest critique. It is her garish eye makeup that did it for me. Part of me loved it--the part that loves "Toddlers & Tiaras"-- but simultaneously, that's why I also thought it was so trailer-trashy. I think the combination of her blond hair, the pastel costume and her "I just had too many Bloody Mary's in Vegas" eye color, all made it wrong. I love her skating and think both of them are wonderful but...she needs a Costume--and Make-up-- Intervention. Denney and Coughlin Short Program Costumes: For their Short Program to "East of Eden" (the TV Miniseries), I also thought their costumes were a bit of a letdown. His was just a variation on what we would see during their Long Program (wow, a convertible collar with beading--as opposed to no collar with beading!). And hers: on a good note, I liked the deep lilac color. On a not-so-good note, there was absolutely no interesting design element. This was again, Figure Skating Costume 101, bought from a store. When you are at World Class Competition Level, it's time to "Bring It On". I'm hoping they will--and change their costumes, for Worlds or at least try to "Step it up" for the 2012/13 season! Next Up: The Ice Dancers!!!

San Jose Menzzzz!!!!
Last weekend I attended the 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships--the US Nationals--in San Jose California. In my last post on my time there, I talked about my "Nick Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" of the Ladies Costumes--and now, I'm onto the Men's. But, before I begin my tale on the oh-so-not-exciting Men's Costumes (Guys!!! STEP IT UP!!!), I must share my excitement over meeting two-time U.S. National Champion Rudy Galindo (see photo above). He actually approached me first (I was only 1.2 seconds from approaching him!), and confessed his love of "Project Runway" to me and that he was a "big fan". I returned the praise naturally! Needless to say, this was a big Photo Moment!
I also ran into my Figure Skating "Twitter Buddies", author and photographer Sarah S. Brannen, Drew Meekins, who write the FAB blog "The Inside Edge with Sarah and Drew" for IceNetwork.com. They brought along their friend, Midwestern Sectional Junior Men's Champion Tim Koleto, who actually competed at the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. He was third after the short program and ended up sixth after the long in the Junior Division. He was so sweet and had the MOST PERFECT eyebrows!! He wins if there were medals in eyebrows!
I also ran into other friends, including Jimmy Nguyen who happened to have his Flip Cam and filmed some fun cheeky videos of us giving some Fashion Skating Fashion Commentary (at the end of this post)...But now, let's get to why you guys are really here reading this: to see my "Two Cents" on the Men's Costumes. So...Here we go: Gold Medalist Jeremy Abbott--Long Program Costume: For his Gold Medal-winning long program where he skated to "Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3" by Muse, Jeremy wore a costume that was simple, modern and not distracting to the performance. I like the diagonal lines/seaming in the long-sleeved shirt as well as the contrasting matte and iridescent/glittery fabrication. One could argue that on the scale of exciting men's costumes, this might end up on the lower end of that scale. But hey, Jeremy doesn't really do "Glam" "Fabulous" or anything near that, when it comes to his on the ice fashion. When you land an incredible quad like he did, he really doesn't need the costume bells and whistles (although you KNOW I would love it!). Jeremy Abbott Short Program Costume: His short program costume to "Sing, Sing, Sing" and "Bei Mir Bistu Shein" is one of my favorites of the season. I've gushed HERE about how much I LOVE this look on Jeremy. The suspenders/braces, the high-waisted pinstripe pants, the SPATS...All fashion fab!!! Silver Medalist Adam Rippon Long Program Costume: twenty-two year-old curly-haired cutie Adam Rippon, captured the Silver Medal at the Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships last weekend. For his Long Program to "Air" and "Tocatta & Fugue" by Johann Sebastian Bach, he wore a nymph-like costume consisting of a long-sleeved nude-colored Ombre-dyed draped top, gathered "cummerbund" waistband piece and brownish-black pants. I think this costume worked well with his skate and music and his very lithe figure (can you say "figure" for men?? Well, I just did!). It had an ethereal quality which was perfect for him and his skating and I loved the draping.
Adam Rippon Short Program Costume: He skated to "Korobushko" by Bond, based on a nineteenth-century Russian folk song about a peddler and a girl...therefore it makes sense Rippon would go all "Russian Fold Dancer" in terms of his costume: a bright red satin "blouse" with waist tie and off-center black-and-gold placket. Although simple and very to-the-point, with it's Russian reference, it worked. In my "Nick fantasy" world, I would have LOVED a BIG OL' FUR HAT to help finish off the look, but A) That may not have been good when he goes up in the air and tries to complete a Triple Axel...and B) He already has a perfect "Head Accessory": his own curly locks! Coach Style Sidebar:
Bronze Medalist Ross Miner's coaches are three-time U.S. Figure Skating Championship medalist Mark Mitchell and former Swedish national champion Peter Johansson and I'm fascinated by them--they look like perfect coach "twinsies"--a brunette and blond version!
Mitchell and Johansson are always dressed impeccably, perfectly groomed and also boast near-fat free figures. I don't know why, but every time I see them sitting with their skaters, I can sooo easily picture them in Mykonos in Speedos having a lot of fun! But, I digress... Let's discuss their pupil--and 2012 U.S. Bronze Medalist, Ross Miner: Bronze Medalist Ross Miner Long Program Costume: For his Long Program to "The Untouchables" by Ennio Morricone, I liked that he wore a head-to-toe costume--as opposed to what most of the male skaters do by just throwing on a same-old, same-old pair of black pants. I LOVE it when a skater dons an entire costume, especially one that works, and this midnight blue-colored ensemble with sequined trim did. What it had to do with "The Untouchables" is beyond me, but it looked modern, elegant and still, had good "costume" factor. It is subtle, yet stylish, just like his coaches. Ross Miner Short Program Costume: Ross skated to "Para Ti" for his Short program, and this was one of my favorite costumes for the Men's. Yes, he wore those aforementioned skin-tight black pants that have become de rigueur for the male competitors...but his top was EXQUISITE. I loved the interesting seaming--both in the front and back--also, the contrast of the sequined, embroidered fabrication with the black velvet was great. There were elements of 15th Century Spanish Court Costume and yet contemporary skating costume detail as well. Pewter Medalist Armin Mahbanoozadeh Long Program Costume: Armin skated to "Kill Bill" soundtrack for his Long Program. As we all know, "Kill Bill" heroine, actress Uma Thurman wore that iconic bright yellow catsuit with black stripes down the sides of her sleeves and legs in the film: Which obviously "inspired" Armin's costume. His was all black with yellow tape on the legs. However, at first glance--if I didn't know what music he was skating to--I would have asked "Why is their CRIME TAPE on his pant legs?". I get the correlation to the film and Thurman's jumpsuit but...it just fell a bit flat for me. I wished (oh how much do I wish!), that he would have gone ALL the way and donned a bright yellow costume with the black trim on the sides. If he was a Russian or Japanese male figure skater, you just KNOW he would have done that! Or at least the reverse and wear a black jumpsuit with yellow trim. Armin Mahbanoozadeh Short Program Costume: For this, he skated to "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin. The song--as we know--contains distinctive musical patterns of classical Moroccan, Indian and Middle Eastern music. His costume reflected this. Or at least the top did. The interesting patterns on his shirt had Near East influences as well as an "Art Deco" touch. Again, I wish he would have taken it a bit further--maybe included some of that trimmed pattern down the sides of his pants.
Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen, Nick Verreos and Tyler Duckworth:
Up Next: My "Nick Costume Two Cents" on the Pairs from the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships!

The Ice Queens...
This past weekend was Skate Canada, the Canadian arm of the 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating. I've already given my "Nick V. Two Cents" on the Pairs, the Ice Dancers, the Men (scroll though my "Older Posts" to check those out), so now, it's finally the Ladies turn.
I generally liked most of their costumes--they were appropriate for their programs and had some elements of FASHION, or evening gown red carpet appeal--which, as a designer, is always good to see--as opposed to tackety-tack "Toddlers & Tiaras" madness! (although, I do love me some Figure Skating Costume KRAZEENESS since otherwise, life would be SO boring without it!). Akiko Suzuki of Japan: I LOVED BOTH Akiko's Short Program and Free Skate costumes. At the top of my post is the photo of her Short Program costume, which she skated to "Hungarian Rhapsody". The silver grey with black diamond-cut and beaded detail was so modern and "Haute Couture"-esque. You could take those details and that top section and make a fabulous floor-length gown out of it. A Ten for me! For her "Die Fledermaus" Free Skate, she wore a soft lilac and ivory look that again, worked for her and the program--and still looked High Fashion and not tacky. Whoever is doing her costumes: bravo! But Not Bravo was... Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (say her entire name FIVE times fast!!) of Russia: 15-year-old Elizaveta, skated her Gold Medal-winning Free Skate to a Medley of "Besame Mucho" and "Caravan". She was supposed to give an "air" of Latin-ness with her costume, I assume. It was pretty and the center front torso jeweled beading was OK, but there was just nothing special about it to me. It hit all the points a costume should, but it was fairly predictable and boring (especially compared to Ashley Wagner--keep scrolling). It almost looked recycled from the bygone Soviet Figure Skating Era. Continuing with the Russian Ladies... Alena Leonova of Russia: 4th place Leonova skated to Hans Zimmer's "Pirates of Caribbean" for her Short Program as seen in the above photo (of course!). It is not every day one sees a Ladies Figure Skater--in an international competition--wearing leggings as opposed to the typical skirted costume. Therefore, it woke me up! I thought it was fun: the ultra-fitted vest, the worn blouse, the "Pirate" gloves. I just wished she would have somehow worn a mini Pirate hat atop her head! Kidding! Alena is always a figure skater who brings a bit of the wacky to her costumes, lest we forget the now-infamous "The Witches of Eastwick" dingle-berry madness she wore last season (it deserves TWO photos darlings!!):
Miss Canada: Cynthia Phaneuf of Canada: The "home town girl" Phaneuf--who incidentally ended up in 7th place--looked gorgeous in her costume. Above, is a photo of her in her Short Program which included "Spanish Guitar", "Bordaco en oro", and "Afternoon at Satie's". She chose a black costume with gold embellishment and corset-like detail. She looked like a Spanish Contessa. For her "Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini" by Rachmaninov Free Skate, the contrast of the teal and black in her costume was great, as well as the delicate beading throughout the torso and neckline. I also like the plunging-but-not-plunging neckline. Good job all around for Cynthia in terms of her costumes! She has great style and always knows what works for her. The American Girls: Rachael Flatt of the USA: Rachael placed tenth overall at Skate Canada 2011. Yes, that was the bottom, however (on a positive side), I really liked her Free Skate "Firebird" costume as well as her "East of Eden" Short Program (above). Both looked expensive, well-made and expertly thought-out. Ashley Wagner of the USA: Finally, Bronze Medalist at Skate Canada 2011-2012 Ashley Wagner wore one of my favorite costumes so far in this "one-shoulder" black beaded number for her "Black Swan" Free Skate. It was PERFECT! You go Girl!!!

A Ho-Down, A Spanish Señorita and a Black Swan??
Yes, kids, it's Halloween Weekend so it seems oh-so-appropriate to check out the COSTUMES in this weekend's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate Canada 2011. If you've been keeping up here on my blog, last week, I had the pleasure of actually attending Skate America 2011 in Ontario, California (about 44 miles east of LA), the first of the ISU Grand Prix series of international senior level invitational competitions. Well, now, the Grand Prix moves up North, to Mississauga, Ontario Canada (near Toronto). The Pairs skated their Short and Long Programs and here were some of my favorite--and a couple of my not-so-fave costumes: Sui and Han of China: I can only say one thing: LOVED IT!!! These two are certainly "the ones to watch" when it comes to Pairs Figure Skating", not only are they amazing on the ice--athletically and in terms of making "the grade" for all their jumps, throws, etc.. But artistically: they ROCK! Love 'em. For their Skate Canada 2011 Short Program, they skated to a "Country Dance" soundtrack and their costumes were a TEN! The washed denim, the red-and-white gingham, the brown "suede" fringe, and of course, the bedazzling sequins on her corset--all great! Two of my favorite costumes of the entire season! (I know, the season just began--but just let me be "Costume Dramatic"). Sui and Han China: My new favorite pair couple continued their "FAB Costume Parade" for their Long Program. They skated to "Soul of Flamenco" and their costumes were PERFECTION. It was Sevilla Heaven! Whoever is doing their costumes deserves an "A"! I could not get over the way the costumes were so NOT "Toddlers & Tiaras" version of España and especially how authentic 16 year-old Wenjing Sui's "Flamenco" hand movements were. As I like to say: Somebody Done been teaching her right. Olé! Volosozhar and Trankov of Russia: Another one of my favorite costumes were Volosozhar and Trankov's "Black Swan" Long Program ones. First of all: can we talk about how sexy he is? He exudes S.E.X. (Sorry Maxim!). But let's get back to the costumes. Both his and hers were just right. There was a slight nod to the ballet but about 80% was "Figure Skating showmanship". I liked his randomly placed raw-edged chiffon "feathers" and the dark, menacing tone of his ensemble. Now hers: The curved black-and-white feathering detail with sequin applique covered all the "right areas" of her top--mixed with the nude illusion--it was the perfect mix of Black Swan and Ice Queen. It was dark and at the same time, beautiful. I like it much better than what her costume was originally: Here she is when they skated at the Nebelhorn Trophy international skating competition event in Oberstdorf Germany back in September. There was lots more white in her costume: the top section as well as the "Tutu". I like the new-and-improved darker version. Now, a couple of the not-so-good: Volosozhar and Tarankov of Russia: Yes, the same "Black Swan" fabulous pair, skated to "Evanescence" music for their Short Program. Their costumes, I guess, were supposed to be directional, modern, and edgy. But they were anything but... I thought these looked a bit like bad late 80's/early 90's Halloween Costumes. They were vibing a bit of Duran Duran-meets-Toni Basil. It was like I was watching an old skating exercise video from 1992. Iliushechkina and Maisuradze: These two had fabulous "Chorus Line"-inspired costumes for their Long Program featuring lean, mean black with gold accented ensembles that would make Bob Fosse blush. But for their Short program, they totally went Cheap-tastic. They skated to Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" and I get the connection, I just didn't like the result. Especially hers. His bright gold embroidered lapel, fan-pleated neckline-and-cuff look was fine; her costume, however, looked like it was created from cheap trim bought on sale from a local bargain fabric store. Keep his. Change hers. ASAP! *Next Up: More Skate Canada 2011 Costumes!