ICE STYLE.....2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES: PAIRS

Pairs Couture--Pairs Skaters (L to R) Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier, and Maria Mokhova and Ivan Mokhov--2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships SAP Canter San Jose

In my last posts, I RECAPED the WOMEN'S Costumes HERE and the MEN'S Costumes HERE...so up next are the PAIRS--Let's Go!

Golden--The Gold Medal Pairs Winners Alexa Knierimm and Brandon Frazier--2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships SAP Center San Jose

Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier Free Skate to Sign of The Times by Harry Styles, Healed Broken Wings by Karl Hugo--Knierim and Frazier wore these costumes for their Free Skate. Alexa's involved a bronze-colored design with sequined applique details, a nude illusion upper torso, and a side-draped mini "wrap skirt". But to me, Brandon was the star here. Although his look was simple--a skin-tight top and black pants--it was impressive (he made Alexa look OVER DRESSED!). I loved the ombre coloring and shading, the beautiful and expensive-looking crystal details, especially around the neckline, but mainly, it FIT HIM LIKE A GOD! 

Short Program to Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey & Steve Perry--This is how you do PAIRS COSTUMES!!! Bravo!!! I am always taken aback when I see costumes that A) Match B) Look like they belong together...and C)Work seamlessly but...hey nowadays I have a low bar I guess! I absolutely loved these costumes from Knierim and Frazier for their Short Program for all the reasons I stated above...plus I really liked the silver, black and red colors, their matching sequin applique, and overall designs. It made them look like the World Champions that they are. Bravo...again!

Ellie Kam and Daniel O'Shea Short Program to The Prayer by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church--For their Short program, Kam and O'Shea wore these costumes which featured matching colors in beige and purple, along with similar crystal details and scooped-out necklines. I especially liked the purple bands around her waist and her matching purple nail colors (can't see it in the photo but trust me!). The costumes were "romantic" and went great with the music.

Free Skate to Selections from Nocturnal Animals Soundtrack--These costumes worn by Kam and O'Shea for their Free Skate were OUTSTANDING! They were delicate, pretty, and expensive looking--worthy of a top Senior Pairs team. I especially loved the jeweled sequins splashed across her costume that then were "blended" onto his top. I also appreciated that her silver-gray colored costume has "highlights" of darker gray/black which then made the background for his costume; a nice job of matching but in a more high-end manner.

Maria Mokhova and Ivan Mokhov Short Program to Malaguena by Roni Benise--Brother and sister Pairs team Mokhova and Mokhov wore these costumes to their 'Malaguena' Short Program. It was obvious even before the music started that these were Spanish-themed looks; his sharp and elegant bolero, bullfighter red cummerbund, as well as her small red Sevillana details. They were costumed in an "old school" Russian Ballet sort of way, and I appreciated it.

Free Skate to Overture - Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II--For their Free Skate, Mokhova and Mokhov did it again, in terms of keeping it "old school" with these very costumed looks. From the moment they stepped on the ice, I was having (good) flashbacks of Olympics competitions of the past, when figure skaters would be costumed as if they were doing a performance at the Bolshoi. I liked how formal, fancy, and well-dressed they were--especially Ivan with his tuxedo. For her costume, it was sweet but I would have done without the faux necklace (and have a better nude-colored illusion).

Sonia Baram and Daniel Tioumentsev Free Skate to Pilgrims on a Long Journey, Primavera--These costumes were successful in being pretty, stage-effective, and in their matching details. I liked the light blue/white ombre-shaded colors but more importantly, I loved the scroll-like red crystal applique that looked like roots (or veins) crawling through their bodies.

Nica Digerness and Mark Sadusky Short Program--Making their Seniors Debut at the 2023 U.S. Nationals, Digerness and Sadusky wore these costumes for their Short Program. I liked the matching blue colors as well as the coordinating crystal details. I especially liked her sleek bodysuit and contrasting baby blue/indigo color blocking. The open-back detail was fabulous as well.

Free Skate to Selections from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky--From the costumes, it is obvious Nica is the White Swan with her ivory costume with delicate crystal details mimicking feathers on her torso. Mark is VERY Prince Siegfried in his black costume featuring gold piping and embroidery around the neckline and wrists. I think this was a nice and sweet attempt at these iconic costumes, especially for their debut. I would have liked them a bit more Haute Couture Swan Lake but that's just me.

Katie McBeath and Nathan Bartholomay Short Program to Your Heart Is As Black As Night by Beth Hart, Joe Banamassa--For their Short Program McBeath and Bartholomay wore these all-black looks, to go along with the name of their music. They were sleek and modern and not really "costumes" in the traditional sense. I was bored by Nathan (it's just a black top and pants!) but I liked Katie's sexy strappy back bodysuit. At the very least, THANK GOD there was some detail in the back!

Emily Chan and Spencer Howe Free Skate to Selections from Ghost Soundtrack--While I really like this Pairs team, I was rather unimpressed by their choice of costumes for their Free Skate. They looked a bit "Junior" for my taste. Not sure if it was the muted colors or almost too old-school '70s figure skater styles...but I wished for something different...more elevated! Emily's costume made her look childlike and Spencer--who has an incredible body and frame--was swallowed up by that too-large shirt; it should have been nice-and-tight!