ICE STYLE.....2013 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals: Ladies, Pairs

 Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia--ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Marine Messe Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

This weekend the ISU 2013 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final took place in the city of Fukuoka, Japan at the Marine Messe Fukuoka indoor sporting arena. This is where the six highest point-earning skaters from each discipline (Ladies, Men's, Pairs, Ice Dance) from the Grand Prix season got to show their "stuff" and compete for the top Grand Prix of Figure Skating prize.

I have discussed most of the skaters' costumes this entire season (you can check my Recaps here in this blog searching under "Ice Style") so there's not much to say but, I felt I could highlight some that made it to the Final here. And to my surprise, there was still a Costume Change (!) from one of the Ladies skaters. In fact, the eventual Gold medal-winning one! Time for my Recap...

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Short Program: For her Short Program to "Habanera" from the "Carmen" Suite by Georges Bizet, Adelina wore a deep red costume consisting of an ombre-shaded skirt, one flutter sleeve, peek-a-boo front neck, and sequin detail. I liked this different, darker and a bit more "fashionable" take on the been there/done that "Carmen" costume.

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Free Skate: For her Free Skate to "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28" by Camille Saint-Saëns, Adelina wore this costume above. It featured a chocolate-colored sheer tulle layering with delicate sequins and a golden crystal-encrusted neckline. It was delicate, modern and right for the skate. I think it is incredibly unique and daring, my only hesitation is that she is just 17 years old! I wonder if it isn't just a bit too revealing for her age.

Ashley Wagner of the US, Short Program: My thoughts on Ashley's SP costume are HERE--and yes, I like it! The costume is elegant, just the right amount of "flashy" and compliments her. And I think the high ponytail is the perfect style for this look.

Julia Lipniskaia of Russia, Short Program: This costume was a "Costume Change" which she debuted at the Rostelecom Cup /Cup of Russia 2013. You can read my review HERE. Let's just say this was a very good costume change.

Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program: For her SP to “Nocturne” by Frederic Chopin, the Japanese figure skater changed her costume! She wore this ombre-shaded burgundy and lilac colored costume featuring a multi-layered skirt, nude illusion halter neckline with built-in sequin necklace and applique torso detail. I'll be honest here: I wasn't a fan. I liked this look below better:

 Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program Costume at NHK Trophy 2013

Mao Asada of Japan, Free Skate--Her Free Skate costume to Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff, I did like and I have talked about it HERE. This costume was not the costume she wore for her first appearance in this season's Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition at Hilton HHonors Skate America:

 Mao Asada of Japan, Free Skate at Hilton HHonors Skate America 2013--Which one do YOU guys like best?

Throwing Skating Shade: (Left to right) Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia (Silver), Mao Asada of Japan (Gold), and Ashley Wagner of the USA (Bronze) pose with their medals in the Ladies Free Skating Final victory ceremony--ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2013/2014 at Marine Messe Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

Pairs: I want to highlight these Pairs Costumes seen at this weekend's ISU 2013 Grand Prix Final...

Cheng Peng and Hao Zhang of China, Free Skate: For their Free Skate to "Yellow River Concerto", Peng and Zhang wore these costumes above. I really liked them--read my review HERE.

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany, Short Program: For their Short Program to "When Winter Comes" by Andre Rieu, the German pair wore these costumes. While I liked the "watercolor"-like blue and sequins effect, there was also something I didn't necessary like. Read my full "Costume Critique" HERE .

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia, Short Program: For their Short Program to "Masquerade Waltz" by Aram Khatchaturian...HERE are my thoughts of these great costumes.