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Showing posts with label Skate America 2021. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skate America 2021. Show all posts

ICE STYLE.....Skate America 2021 Costumes: PAIRS and ICE DANCE!

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ICE STYLE.....Skate America 2021 Costumes: PAIRS and ICE DANCE!

Billie Eilish Meets Janet Jackson: (L to R)  USA Ice Dance pairs Madison Chock and Evan Bates skating to Billie Eilish, and Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue skating to a Janet Jackson medley--Skate America 2021, Las Vegas NV

Continuing with my ICE STYLE figure skating costumes recap of this past weekend's Skate America 2021 competition held in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas...in my last post HERE, I talked about the LADIES and MEN'S costumes, so now it is time to discuss the PAIRS and ICE DANCE costumes of this 2021-2022 season. 

Let's begin with the PAIRS:

Pairs Style: (Clockwise L to R) Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan, Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov of Russia and Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson of USA-Skate America 2021 Las Vegas NV

Photo by Robin Ritoss

Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier of USA Short Program: Skating to House of The Rising Sun by Heavy Young Heathens, from the 2014 film "Revenge of the Green Dragons", a film about Chinese American gangs. I would venture to guess that perhaps the deep red color in Alexa's sparkly costume may reference a traditional red cheongsam in Chinese culture, but besides that, the nods to the film and what it is about, end there. I liked her look and the spaced-out multi-sized silver sequins as well as the uneven illusion panel down the front. Brandon was the quintessential non-costumed Pairs partner in basic black. At least, he gave you a somewhat plunging v-neck!  
8.25

Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson USA Short Program: For their Short Program to Come Together by The Beatles performed by Gary Clark Jr. and Junkie XL, Calalang and Johnson were perfectly dressed for the Las Vegas Rock & Roll ICE stage! Jessica's black costume featured a curved high neckline highlighted by the sequined sweetheart-shaped bust top plus a fishtail skirt hem. I loved that for Brian's costume, they didn't just go with basic; at least they upped the shirt ante by giving him one with contrasting sheer/solid paneling and sequined trim around the collar and front placket. Both looks were great for the music.
9.10

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Japan Free Skate: Skating to Woman by Shawn Phillips, this Japanese pairs team wore the costumes above. While Riku looked pretty and more like a "Junior Figure Skater" in her costume of illusion, crystals, and blue-black/nude ombre shading... Ryuichi was more directional and fashion-forward in his look. I really liked his costume more than hers. I loved the play with texture using faux leather and lightly sequined stretch Ponte knit, as well as asymmetrical fishtail hemming on the shirt. She was cute, he was dark, mysterious, and stylish.
8.99

Aleksandra Boikova and Dmitrii Kozlovskii of Russia Short Program: Skating to the classic Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski, it's difficult to go "off-script" costume-wise when it comes to Swan Lake, so naturally, Boikova and Kozlovskii vibed their best "Black Swan" couture for this. I liked the "evil" look of her costume which reminded me more of "Maleficent" especially with the horn-like front detailing and the broken glass-like sequined effect. Her eye makeup was, in addition, very complimentary to her look. Not forgetting about Dmitrii, his costume was outstanding in its top detail and silver crystal wing-like embellishments; he was sexy and oh-so-threatening. 
9.50

Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov Russia Short Program: Skating to Metamorphosis Two by Philip Glass, Experience by Ludovico Einaudi, Tarasova and Morozov wore these costumes above. There was a "Modern Dance" sensuality about these costumes...the delicate draping, side-gathering, asymmetrical styling, sparse crystal work, and ombre shading. I liked all of these details on the costumes but it almost seemed as if each belonged to another pair; I wished either her costume's color-matched his or the other way around. Even though the details were similar, they were mismatched. That said, they were still pretty and fashion-forward.
8.99

Free Skate to Lighthouse by Patrick Watson: This was a better example of how both his and her costumes go together seamlessly. The grays match as well as the crystal display on the tops...there's a symbiotic relationship between the clothing, the details, and both the skaters. 
9.35

ICE DANCE------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Madison Chock and Evan Bates Rhythm Dance: Skating their Rhythm Dance to Myboi by Billie Eilish, Therefore I am by Billie Eilish, Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, Chock and Bates looked fresh, modern, and in tune with the sensuous yet somewhat spooky Billie Eilish melody. Naturally, I loved the pop of "highlighter" green color on Madison Chock in her fishtail hemmed sequined dress. While I wasn't that much of a fan of the UBER pointed "witchy" neckline...I did like her fabulous gloves (those nails!). In addition, her eye makeup was EVERYTHING! Not to be left out, Evan's costume was pretty cool on its own: From the sleek top and pants, the neon green bias binding to the faux leather chest harness...he looked like he was ready to NOT play nice. 
9.40 

Free Dance to Contact by Daft Punk, Touch by Daft Punk, Within by Daft Punk, Touch by Daft Punk: Skating to a Daft Punk medley, the American team wore these lavender/purple-based looks. These costumes blended a "Mood Board" of Futuristic Space Explorer-Meets-Extraterrestrial which went pretty well with Daft Punk's French Electro-House Techno vibe. I imagined that Evan--in his deep purple fashion space suit--was this astronaut from 2221 who happened to land on a planet where he fell in love with Madison's sexy lizard-like stretch chiffon-and-sequined creature with a cascade ruffle spine. I want to go to that planet ASAP!
9.75 

Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue USA Rhythm Dance: Hubbell and Donohue skated their Rhythm Dance to Nasty by Janet Jackson, Rope Burn by Janet Jackson, Rhythm Nation Janet Jackson. Their costumes were very Jacket Jackson Rhythm Nation Retro for sure...almost to a fault. While as a kid of that era (and who LOVED Miss Jackson!), I almost thought it was too on-the-nose and almost went "Halloween Costume-y". But, the (fashion) nostalgic part of me still appreciated those silver epaulets and late 80's Military Hip Hop accouterments. 
8.99

Free Dance to Drowning by Anne Sila: These were beautiful, classic figure skating costume looks from this amazing ice dance couple. I loved her romantic lilac-colored sequined dress...the asymmetrical neckline, the paneled chiffon skirt...it looked effortless on her as if it was a second skin.  In addition, I thought Zach looked like a Figure Skating prince...in his deep plum ensemble of skin-tight pants and velvety top. The color shading and the crystal designs were gorgeous and I also loved the asymmetrical neckline. I know the music wasn't to Romeo and Juliet but boy oh boy, they sure looked like a modern interpretation of that classic love story. 
9.65

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ICE STYLE.....Skate America 2021 Costumes: LADIES and MEN!

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ICE STYLE.....Skate America 2021 Costumes: LADIES and MEN!

COSTUME SPARKLE: Costumes from skaters (L to R) Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, Alexandra Trusova of Russia, Shoma Uno of Japan, and Vincent Zhou of USA--Skate America 2021 Las Vegas, NV USA

This past weekend was the first of the ISU 2021-2022 Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition series, the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Skate America. Held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Orleans Arena, it was time to see international skaters and their Olympics season programs, as well as their costumes! Let's take a look at some of them, starting with the WOMEN:

Daria Usacheva Russia Short Program: Skating to Never Enough (from "The Greatest Showman") performed by Loren Allred, Usacheva wore this pretty light peach-colored costume. The design featured a lightly draped cowl neckline, a side-gathered handkerchief-hem skirt, and a beautiful display of sequin embellishment. I also liked the light ombre shading and hem crystal detail.
9.00

Free Skate to Nessun Dorma (from "Turandot") by Giacomo Puccini: This was another delicate, very pretty costume from the Russian skater, this time for her Free Skate to the iconic Turandot aria. The lilac background played off the strong violet sequin-and-ombre shaded embellishment. I appreciated the very subtle Asian hand-painting motif as well as a feather here and there. I also loved her strong eye makeup that perfectly matched the colors of the costume.
9.25

Alexandra Trusova Russia Short Program: Trusova skated her Short Program to Benediction And Dream (from "Frida" soundtrack) by Elliot Goldenthal, performed by Lila Downs, Solo tu (from Frida soundtrack) by Elliot Goldenthal, Alcoba Azul (from Frida soundtrack) by Elliot Goldenthal. Her costume was this red-and-deep blue design that was an obvious nod to the "Frida" film. The colors were strong, fiery and the off-the-shoulder detail created a nice look on Trusova. Her red-dyed hair was, in addition, complementary to the entire look.
8.50

Free Skate to Call Me Cruella (from "Cruella" soundtrack) by Florence + The Machine, The True Story of Cruella's Birth (from "Cruella" soundtrack) by Nicholas Britell, I Wanna Be Your Dog (from "Cruella" soundtrack) by John McCrea: I'm a big fan of "Cruella" and especially the movie's costumes so I was excited to see this costume. From the moment one saw it, you KNEW it was "Cruella"; the black-and-white...the blood-like red accents....the silver sequin sparkles...it all reflected the character, film, and music, but in a way that enhanced the presentation. 

I liked how they changed the costume from the original design inspiration to suit figure skating. I think it was a wise choice to alter the color scheme from nude to black and red. The black and red colors instantly tell you that this is Cruella! I also like that they kept the newspaper draped detail at the waist and eliminated the upper portion. While I LOVE a dramatic neckline, this certainly would not have assisted Trusova in completing her difficult jumps!

But the BEST PART was wonderfully hidden within the costume:

Trusova's dogs' names were sewn onto her costume! Yes, darlings, those are her dogs' names framed in crystals surrounding her torso. LOVE.
9.75

You Young Korea Short Program: Korea's You Young skated her Short Program to Whirling Winds (The Leftovers soundtrack) by Ludovico Einaudi. While the soundtrack/music is from a supernatural mystery HBO drama, there was nothing supernatural or mysterious about this very pretty and elegant costume. She looked like an imaginary night sky fairy in this deep violet design, featuring an asymmetrical hem, ruffled sleeve, and quite stunning sequin work.
9.35

Amber Glenn USA Short Program:
Skating to Circles by Greta Svabo Bech, arranged by Misha Ge, Experience by Ludovico Einaudi, arranged by Misha Ge, Glenn wore this burgundy-hued costume featuring nude illusion sides, hundreds of crystals, and very pretty ombre-dyed arms. The color and halter neck-like silhouette worked well for her and this skate.
9.00

Photo by: Robin Ritoss

Starr Andrews USA Short Program: Andrews skated to At Last by Mack Gordon, Harry Warren, performed by Starr Andrews. First off, yes, you read correctly: Starr sings the music in her Short Program. Now, let's discuss her costume. I liked this nude and blue plunging neckline costume designed by Lisa McKinnon. It featured an asymmetrical hem, STUNNING sequin details throughout, and sky blue ombre dyeing focusing on her midriff. The costume reminded me of a figure skating version of a Miss Universe-style gown, especially all those on-trend "nude" ones that are very popular as of late.
9.00

Free Skate to Bigger by Beyonce, I Was Here by Beyonce: Of the two costumes Starr wears for her routines, this Free Skate one is my favorite (also designed by Lisa McKinnon). I love a draped one-shoulder "Grecian Goddess" moment and this is what Starr was vibing, whether she knew it or not...or more like "Beyonce Grecian Goddess" perhaps! The design was fabulous and the sequin details were expensive-looking. I also loved the nude illusion panels in the torso and sleeve area. Besides the ivory color looking great on her, I ESPECIALLY appreciated the RIGHT COLOR of nude illusion that matched Andrews' gorgeous skin color. Well done!
9.75

Satoko Miyahara Japan Short Program: Miyahara skated her Short Program to Song for the Little Sparrow by Charles Dumont & Michel Vaucaire, arranged by Abel Korzeniowski wearing this very pretty costume. The design, done in lavender featured a draped strap neckline and a very embellished upper torso. While the look may not have been directional or fashion-forward, it was elegant and expensive-looking.
8.99

Kaori Sakamoto Japan Short Program: Season after season, it is becoming evident that Kaori likes to embrace the "Fashionista" in her when it comes to her costumes (LOVED the "Matrix" one from the last couple of seasons!) This season, she's back, starting with the look for her Short Program to Now We Are Free (from "Gladiator") by Lisa Gerrard, Hans Zimmer arranged by Cedric Tour. This costume features multiple shades of gray and had elements of "Gladiator"-esque details with the arm banding and draping. I loved the directional style and oversized jewel embellishment on the side and shoulder. As a total package, it was modern, chic, and fashion-forward.
9.55

Free Skate to No More Fight Left In Me by Imany, Armand Amar, Tris by Ellie Goulding, Junkie XL: For her Free Skate, Sakamoto wore this royal blue costume that made a strong color impression, especially against the white of the ice rink. Just as in the Short Program costume, the side jeweled sequin detail was utilized here to a nice effect, providing a nucleus to the "jutting out"-like stripes enveloping the design. I personally didn't think it was necessary to add the little crystals in the bustline especially since there was already so much else happening, but overall, I liked this costume.
8.99

MEN--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jimmy Ma USA Short Program: Skating to Black Swan (based on Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski), Jimmy Ma, wore this black-and-white top and shirt, with overt "Black Swan"-like style references. The outfit included skin-tight black pants and a black-and-white stretch top with feather-like crystal trim detail. I liked the feather/sequin work and also appreciated the "washed" effect of the black on the shirt, adding a layer of texture to the costume.
Score: 8.60

Nathan Chen USA Short Program: Not really known for his costumes, Nathan continued his non-costume consistency for this season, starting here with his Short Program look to Eternity by Benjamin Clementine. Nathan wore black pants with a long sleeve gray-ish top that featured a camo-like hand-painted effect on it. Not much else I could say about this. It was blah.
7.00

Free Skate to Selection of Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: For Nathan, this was a slight improvement, in the costume space. Once again he wore the black pants but this time, he changed his shirt to this stretch knit white, violet, and black ombre dyed one. I liked the color combinations and the effect created by the dyeing. The black at the lower part of the shirt provided sleek continuity blending in with the pants. An improvement. Baby steps.
7.99

Vincent Zhou USA Short Program: For his Short Program to Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean, Josh Groban, Zhou not only reprised last season's music but also the same costume; I was a fan then and still am now. I love the delicate draping on the jersey knit top, the shading as well as the vertically placed crystals. It's a beautiful costume for the beautiful music.
9.75

Free Skate to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (soundtrack) by Tan Dun, Rising Sun by Kiyoshi Yoshida: Reprising is a theme for Zhou, in music and costumes. Here for his Free Skate, he brought back his "Crouching Tiger. Hidden Dragon" music/program he skated to back in the 2018-2019 season. He also wore the same costume. Well,  I am guessing it's not exactly the same since from the looks of it, he has grown "a little" since 3-4 years ago! The costume is great with its kimono-like/wrap jacket styling, red bias sleeve hem trim, black belt, Mandarin-like collar, and great sequin work...
9.25

Teenager Vincent: Here he is at the 2019 Four Continents Championships in the same (or XXS version) of the costume!

Shoma Uno Japan Short Program: Shoma Uno skated his Short Program to Oboe Concerto by A. Marcello, Oboe Concerto (Concerto In C Minor For Cello) by A. Vivaldi. This was BY FAR, my FAVORITE Men's costume! I literally gasped, when I saw it--it was beautiful in its high-end style and silhouette...that side cowl drape was BEYOND...and the crystals on the top were superb! The deep midnight blue color whispered "Evening Elegance". It was blurring the lines between masculine and feminine and really showing people how to do costumes on a higher fashion level. I bow down to Shoma and especially Mathieu Caron, the designer, and creator of this Haute costume.
9.99

Free Skate to Bolero (BolĂ©ro IV New Breath) by Maurice Ravel, performed by Tomotaka Okamoto: Caron also created this gorgeous costume worn by Uno for his Free Skate to Ravel's "Bolero". This black and gold ensemble was giving me Toreador Couture vibes with its cropped bolero vest, gold side trim crystal detail, and super sleek lines. It was modern, stylish and yet, still had enough costume flair.
9.75

**UP NEXT: Skate America 2021 PAIRS and ICE DANCE COSTUMES!

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