ICE STYLE.....SKATE AMERICA 2023 COSTUMES: The MEN!!

Ice Style Peacocks--(L to R) Shun Sato (Japan) Free Skate, Ilia Malinin (USA) Short Program, Kevin Aymoz (France) Short Program, Ilia Malinin (USA) Free Skate--Skate America 2023

In my last post HERE, I discussed the WOMEN and their costumes, from the first ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event of the 2023-2024 Season, SKATE AMERICA 2023...now it is time to talk about THE MEN!!!

Let's start with the QUAD God...

Ilia Malinin (USA) Short Program--Skating to Malaguena by Roni Benise, a very popular skating music choice (Hello Michelle Kwan!), Ilia wore this striking costume, looking like a dashing Toreador...or someone from the Spanish aristocracy! I loved this for many reasons: The strong red color, the gorgeous sequin applique outlining his front torso like a bullfighters matador bolero, the black front band collar and v-neck, the slim fit, the gloves, the proper pants...IT WAS A COSTUME! And yet, not too flashy, not too flamenco dinner theatre...it was just right! To that, I say Ole!

Free Skate to Succession (soundtrack) by Nicholas Britell--Skating to the "Succession" opening music (OMG!!!), Ilia wore his broken heart as a bold fashion statement! Once again, he made me (costume) proud by donning a look that was A COSTUME but restrained, elegant and yet, still flashy! It took me a minute to realize the broken heart on his chest but once I did, I understood its presence; a nod to all those broken hearts in the TV Show "Succession". I liked the rhinestones trimming the design as well as the high band collar and nude illusion panels and yes, proper costume slim pants! Well done young man!

PS: So refreshing to see actual costume/fashion looks from the top American male. Ilia's team understands that it's not just those gravity-defying quads but, in addition, it's the WHOLE PACKAGE--and that includes, the artistry AND some semblance of a costume look (sorry Nathan Chen but seriously!).

Kevin Aymoz (France) Short Program--Skating to Bird Gerhl by Anthony and the Johnsons, Anohni, a song that reaches a dramatic ending when its protagonist finds its wings and takes flight...Kevin wears a white-and-lavender ombre-dyed blouson top with a very wide boat neck, exposing a rhinestone studded tank underneath. The top had openings in the back as well, also exposing only in those openings the sequined tank top. He paired the top with slim black pants. I liked the look and the design element of the studded tank peeking out. The costume was created by French skating and dancewear brand ASTRAEE Couture.

Free Skate to Ravel's Bolero--OMG and Mon Dieu!!! This skate LITERALLY had me take extra high-blood pressure pills! Kevin skated this Free Skate like THE RENT WAS DUE HUNEY! It was EVERYTHING, especially the climax which by the way, you have to see if you haven't yet! But now, the costume: I loved it: It was chic, sleek, sexy, and HOT, like his skate. Loved the extra plunging neckline, the semi-sheer blouson top (he loves a blouson!), and the blood-red-like ombre sleeves that are finished with the red gloves...The look was EXACTLY what I would imagine someone wearing to perform the ever-so-smoldering and powerful Bolero. Merci Kevin!

Shun Sato (Japan) Short Program--Skating his Short Program to Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, Hector-Ulises Passarella, Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, Takashima Chisako, Shun wore this all-black look featuring sequined applique on his sheer stretch chiffon top. The ensemble certainly complimented the tango music and was elegant. Not sure how necessary that small nude illusion panel was in the front, other than it was needed to keep the neckline from collapsing.

Free Skate to Four Seasons (Summer 2) by Antonio Vivaldi, Daniel Hope, Max Richter, Four Seasons (Spring 1)  by Antonio Vivaldi, Daniel Hope, Max Richter, Four Seasons (Winter 1) by Antonio Vivaldi, Daniel Hope, Max Richter--I really liked this look on Shun, in particular, the top which as you can see, is the costume "star". The nude-hued top featured a tie-dye effect with gold sequined trimmed designs across the body and sleeves. It gave the effect of an abstract skeleton of sorts, which was cool and also created a strong silhouette for his oh-so-slender figure. He paired the top with lean black pants. A nice costume effort from Shun Sato of Japan.

Nika Egadze (Georgia) Free Skate--Skating to Nature Boy (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack) performed by David Bowie, and El Tango de Roxanne (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack) performed by Ewan McGregor, Jose Feliciano, Jacek Koman, Nika looked very much the part and appeared to be a blend of Chrisitan and Harold Ziegler. I liked the slim fit, red ombre effect, and nod to the period costume in the top's details, sequined trim, and high band collar. 

Deniss Vasiljevs (Latvia) Short Program--Skating to Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, performed by Thomas Feiner, Deniss wore this all-black ensemble consisting of a top and pants. Featuring what is probably one of the most plunging necklines (look out Kevin Aymoz!) of the season (as far as I have seen), the blousy top also had a mini-strap, holding the neckline in place (as much as it could!). I thought it was airy, and freeing and went with the "Hallelujah" music.

Free Skate to Blues Deluxe by Joe Bonamassa--The PLUNGING continues! Yes kids, for his Free Skate, Deniss doesn't disappoint once again showcasing that chest of his with another plunging neckline top. This time, it was a magenta-colored draped top with interesting gather detail at the waist, and that small chest strap, holding the neckline together. I admit that I kind of like this strap detail, as opposed to those nude illusion panels that look a bit cheesy for my taste, so kudos to his costume team for considering another option. I also appreciated the draping, of course. Another thing I appreciate is that he cut that darn top knot/ponytail off. He looks 100 TIMES better without that "I'm-a-DJ-in-Ibiza-hairdo" he had before.

Andrew Torgashev (USA) Short program (L) and Fee Skate (R)--Andrew wore these two looks for his Short Program and Free Skate, respectively. The Short was to L'enfer by Stromae and the Free was The Void and Madness by Muse. I think both outfits were suitable for Andrew, but if I had to choose, I would pick the red Free Skate one.--I like the snug fit and subtle use of crystals on the Lycra top; he looks polished, and elegant. In a #throwback moment...

If you think you've seen this look on Andrew before, it is because you have, he wore it at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2020 (top photos) as well as other competitions, including the US Figure Skating Championships earlier this year (above photo) in March (for his Short Program). Talk about recycling (or upcycling) costumes!