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FIGURE SKATING Costume Fans: As you know, this past weekend was the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013--the last Grand Prix competition before the Grand Prix Finals of this 2013-2014 Season. I talked about the LADIES and PAIRS of the Rostelecom Cup HERE in my last post. And now, it's time for the MEN and ICE DANCE. Let's get started:

The Men:


Konstantin Menshov Russia, Short Program: Skating his SP to "Coultergeist" by Phil Coulter, Konstantin wore this above: a white loose top with images of Michelangelo's' Sistine Chapel hands, black pants and white gloves. The song is from Phil Coulter's "Highland Cathedral" album and so I surmise that there's religious imagery in the theme. Even then, I kind of don't get it. It's a cool long sleeve t-shirt but other than that, I'm a bit costume-confused.




Tatsuki Machida Japan, Short Program: Japanese male skater skated his SP to East of Eden (TV Miniseries Soundtrack) by Lee Holdridge in this white and black costume. I liked the costume but still have no idea what this has to do with "East of Eden" and the TV Miniseries; the costume looks more like something one would wear to Beethoven or Mozart music.




Free Skate Costume Change: For his FS to Music from The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky, Japanese Figure Skater Taksuki Machida wore this above. It was a black long sleeved jumpsuit that had fire-like references in black, red and yellow upon a not-matching skin-colored illusion background. I didn't like it. This is what he wore in his previous ISU Grand Prix appearance which I REALLY LOVED:








Misha Ge Uzbekistan, Short Program: For his SP to I Still Got Blues, Still Got Rock by Gary Moore, Misha Ge wore this colorful costume. It is VERY "Blades of Glory" and I have to admit, I kinda like it! Yes, it's rather tacky but boy, did it make me sit up and come alive with joy when I saw it. He definitely should get a "Oh No He Didn't" trophy for his very "Hollywood Costume Designer"-designs-a-costume-for-an-actor-playing-a-Figure Skater.




Free Skate: For his FS to World Dance Collection including Neo Tango; Rhumba; Electro; Jive; Rock'n'Roll, Misha did not disappoint. This was a red, black, white, laced-up costume of CRAY-CRAY. I love that Misha--and whoever is designing his costumes, are still stuck in the 1990's era of figure skating. This makes me smile. Yes, it is so tacky and so not chic but it's kind of nice of have some retro...even tacky-licious retro.



Ice Dance:


Ksenia Monko and Kirill Khavalian Russia, Short Dance: For their SD to Quickstep by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, "L-O-V-E-" by Nat King Cole, Russian Ice Dance team Monko and Khavalian wore these costumes above. I thought her costume was so intricate, so well done. Loved the color and Art Deco-like sequin work. And he looked like a very fab waiter with his double-breasted shawl collared jacket and pants look. I just wished he had some royal blue in his costume--to tie her costume to his.




Free Dance: For their FD to Selection by Rene Aubry and selection by Gaetano Donizetti, this Russian Ice Dance pair gave "Venice Gondola" in their costumes. Overall, I liked these costumes, I just wish his pants were more fitted; there's too much thigh-leg excess. Make them stretch woven and thin out the leg. Please! At least, it's an improvement from her wearing "Olivia Newton-John/Let's Get Physical" leg warmers in their last appearance at 2013 Trophée Eric Bompard:








Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev Russia, Free Dance: For their FD to Music from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi and "Lacrimosa" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013, the Russian Ice Dance team of Bobrova and Soloviev changed their costumes! And...I wasn't a fan. These new costumes featured ombre-dyed white-to-blue-to-dark gray...BORING and un-Olympic level material...

In my last post HERE, I recap'ed the "Costume Highlights" of this past weekend's Trophée Eric Bompard 2013 Paris France of the Ladies and Pairs, so it's now time to talk about the MEN and ICE DANCE. I have discussed most--or at least--a lot of the men (and their costumes) here in my blog for this season's Grand Prix and you can see those reviews HERE (Skate America), HERE (Skate Canada), HERE (Cup of China) and HERE (NHK Trophy)...so for this one, I want to just talk about one guy and his Short Program costume I have not discussed and that's Yuzuru Hanyu:




Yuzuru Hanyu Japan, Short Program: I've discussed Yuzuru's Free Skate costume HERE so now I can talk about his Short Program look skated to "Parisian Walkways" by Gary Moore. I'd rather not "beat around the bush" and just come out and say it: I don't like it. He's wearing a tie-dye-like blue shirt, black pants and a "Ross For Less/Men's Warehouse" belt. Let me tell you: if any man wore this in Paris, he would be SCOFFED at. I'm not sure about any circumstances where this look is appropriate but I reiterate, NOT skating to music titled "Parisian Walkways". I don't expect Yuzuru to be wearing a Can-Can or Eiffel Tower costume but...even that would be better!



Ice Dance:


Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland Great Britain, Short Dance: For their Short Dance to "I Won't Dance" by Fred Astaire and "Swing Set" by Jurassic Five, these British Ice Dance pair went the bold and sparkly textured route. Penny's silver sequined lace costume was pretty and intricate. I also LOVED the silver hair accent. Nicholas was fun, graphic and "Fred Astaire" fab with his tuxedo shirt, sequined bow tie and white "braces"/suspenders. I liked these!




Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron France, Free Dance: For their Free Dance to "Money" and "Hey You" by Pink Floyd, this French Ice Dance pair went all-out Versace in their costumes. I'm pretty sure Donatella did not design (I didn't see any PR releases stating so) these but the styling, silhouette, details...of these outfits are full-on Gianni Versace and Co. I really liked Gabriella's sexy red bustier-and-straps costume but Guillaume's seemed a bit 90's tacky-licious; I just wished his jacket didn't have nude colored panels. This is a rare moment here on my blog but...I wished that his jacket was all black (as you may know, I DETEST a male skater--Pairs and Ice Dance partner--wearing just a black top-and-pants look).






Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov Russia, Short Dance: For their Short Dance to "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen" by Sholom Secunda, Ilinykh and Katsalapov wore these fun 1920's-inspired costumes; they were very "Gatsby" fabulous! I really liked her pink dress with silver lace overlay and side slit. I'm not usually a fan of a big rose flower detail like this but...I think it worked for this program, music, costume and overall theme. Nikita's tuxedo look with mini bow tie was also pretty good.




Free Dance: I've discussed how much I love these costumes for Ilinykh and Katsalapov's Free Dance to Music from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky HERE when they skated at NHK Trophy Japan (right photo), but I noticed that for Trophée Eric Bompard Grand Prix 2013 (left photo), Elena did not wear the silver crown or the black gloves. It's not a  COSTUME CHANGE but...a Costume Edit...and I approve.



Speaking of Costume Change...


Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir Canada, Free Dance: Canada's "Golden Kids" Virtue and Moir changed their costumes for the Free Dance to Seasons by Alexander Glazunov and "Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor" by Alexander Scriabin at Trophée Eric Bompard 2013. Tessa wore an emerald green dress with semi-circle skirt and sequined lace torso. Scott wore a white tuxedo shirt and black pants. This was different from what they had worn for their Free Dance this season so far:




Virtue and Moir Free Dance Costumes at Skate Canada 2013--I am not so much a fan of the new costumes and I admit, also the previous ones. It seems as if the Costume Designer took a nap. They're both mediocre. However (and big however), their skating and ice dance performance are just MAGICAL!

The 2013 World Figure Skating Championships ("Worlds")
occurred a couple of weeks back in London, Ontario, Canada at Budweiser
Gardens. As you know, I LOVE ME some figure skating and especially
talking about the costumes. When the Worlds were happening,
unfortunately, I was traveling doing events for Macy's as well as
hosting the FIDM Debut 2013 Fashion Shows so...I didn't have time to do
my traditional "Nick Figure Skating Costume Recap" but now I do.









I was
almost not going to talk about it (since it occurred a couple of weeks
ago--which is like A YEAR in "blog time"!) but so many people--either on
Facebook or Twitter kept asking "Nick, where's your "World's Costume
Recap?" that well, I decided to do it. So without further a do--Let's
begin with the MEN:





Alexei Bychenko Israel--Alexei failed to advance to the Free Skate but, nevertheless, I wanted to comment on his Short Program costume to "Party Sailor" by Wilson Picket and "John Rango" by James Brown. I can see the sailor theme with his top for sure. But (here we go again!), I am SO NOT A FAN of the BELT!!! And why a BROWN one?? Couldn't he have found one that matches the pants? Or hey, have the costume designer actually create Sailor Pants (with the front flap)? Heck, I can go to the Army Surplus store and find some for him!




Viktor Romanenkov of Estonia--For his Free Skate to "Prince of Egypt" by Hans Zimmer, Viktor made me (Costume) proud! He may have [placed 22nd out of 24 skaters in the Free Skate but he was up there in my Top Three for Best Men's Costumes. This was Tutankhamen HOT!




Justus Strid of Denmark--Justus (who ended up last overall) did his Free Skate to "Where Do I Fit In" by Nicola Piovani in this get-up. It was so bright, so jarring...that I had to discuss. Piovani was the composer to "Life Is Beautiful" as well as many other soundtracks. Here, in this costume, he looks like a cross between a clown and a referee. Maybe that was the point? He doesn't "fit in" anywhere!




Brian Joubert of France--Sexy Hottie-McHottie Brian Joubert knows that A) he's very athletic, B) he's a Sex Symbol in his country and C) He's got to keep the ladies in the audience smilin' (and some of the boys too!) by always showing some muscles, in one shape or form. For both his Short Program and Free Skate costumes, he delivered. The first photo is from his Short Program to "Genesis" by Justice and "Aerodynamic" by Daft Punk. Love the faux leather details juxtaposed with the black illusion. The top is amazing... masculine, futuristic and sexy at the same time. In the costume above--for his Free Skate to Gladiator by Hans Zimmer, he's looking like a cross between a Spartan Warrior and a Samurai. I like the asymmetry of the top (notice the "nude sleeve"), silver applique and leg warmers (yes, those are LEG WARMERS!). Now, the belt he's wearing, I actually approve. Why? Because it goes with the rest of the costume and doesn't look like it is from "Ross Dress For Less".




Max Aaron of USA--Take a guess where this is from? If you guessed "Tron", you were right! Yes, Max skated his Short Program in one of the most "unusual" costumes worn by the men this 2012-2013 season. He skated to "Tron: Legacy" by Daft Punk in this black jumpsuit/unitard designed by Kay Evans. I think it's perfect for the music and theme and graphic enough to stand out. Now, speaking of "standing out"...oh never mind, I have to keep it PG-13 here!




Daiksuke Takahashi of Japan--I always like what Daisuke wears in competitions because he's not afraid to go soft with his costumes and use flowy, drape-y fabrications...so very feminine but still, he looks completely masculine. For his Short Program to Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven he wore this cowl draped top costume with fluttery volants and encrusted sequins.  This was different from what he has worn previously for the Short Program this season:




The music of Daisuke's Short program was different from what he had been skating to previously this season--a "Rock 'n Roll Medley", therefore his costume changed as well. The "old one" (which I also LOVED!) reflected his old "Rock 'n Roll Short Program.




For his Free Skate to Music from Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, Daisuke stayed romantic, soft and "frilly" with details on his costume--especially the top portion. He knows how details and trims can add movement while he's skating and uses them well. Pagliacci is a tragic opera about a clown and there's nothing tragic or clownish about this ensemble. He first "unveiled" this costume in December of last year at the 81st Japan Figure Skating Championships. But...




Before then, this above is the costume he had been wearing for his Season 2012-2013 "Pagliacci" Free Skate.





Takahito Mura of Japan--Takahito skated his Free Skate to Music from the TV series Shogun and I think his costume was exceptional in terms of the theme. I love the cross-over trim detail of his kimono top, the silky velvet fabrication--showing elegance and wealth and I especially like how the costume theme was taken down to his boots as well.




Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan--Yuzuru's costume for his Free Skate to Music from the Notre-Dame de Paris soundtrack by Riccardo Cocciante was one that I really liked all season long and commented on previously here on my blog. In fact, I deemed it one of THE BEST of the season. I said this: It was soooo Johnny Weir in its no-holds-barred design philosophy and embrace of feminine-like details. The
big cross, the ombre dyed ivory and red shirt, the one sleeve ruffle and
one black glove; lots of details and he was not afraid to "Go For It"!




Javier Fernandez of Spain--For his Free Skate to a Charlie Chaplin Medley, Javier wore this shirt, tie, vest and pants look, keeping within the "Charlie Chaplin" theme. I liked the combination of baggy pants and tight waistcoat. I think he
looks good. Slim and modern.




It would have been nice to see a very shrunken
jacket (like the "real" Charlie Chaplin) to finish the entire outfit off but I get that it might have been
restricting when it came time to accomplish his fab jumps!



Patrick Chan of Canada--Gold Medal winner Patrick Chan skated in this ensemble above to his Free Skate to "Selections by Rachmaninoff". I admit that I wasn't a fan of this costume throughout the season. It was drab and reminded one of the Miserables...in Les Misérables. But I did really like...




What he wore for his Short Program to Music from La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini. It was a deep
blue-colored, lightly beaded blouson long sleeve top with a plunging
neckline (Oh Patrick!). And also had attached convertible collar and cascade
ruffles. Since his music was Classical, I think he was trying to vibe a
classic and romantic look and he even had a lace back detail which is
A LOT of look for Patrick. I did LOVE the pants. They fit him PERFECTLY
and I liked how they had the beaded tuxedo stripe down the side,
bringing in the lightly beaded detail from the top. I appreciate the risk Patrick took with this costume and definitely thought it was one of the best of the season.



**Up Next: The LADIES Costume Highlights of the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships

Nebraska Gets Men-Dazzled:







Last week and weekend (from January 19-January 27th), were the 2013 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating
Championships--or US Nationals of Figure Skating for short. They occurred at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha,
Nebraska. Medals were awarded in the disciplines of Men's singles, Ladies singles, Pairs skating, and Ice Dancing
at the senior, junior and novice levels. For the first time, the event
was expanded to include juvenile and intermediate level competitions,
previously held at a separate event.






^{The results are part of the criteria used for the 2013 World Junior Championships, 2013 Four Continents Championships and 2013 World Championships. In other words, these US Championships were like the "Miss USA" pageant selecting who gets to go to "Miss Universe". Leave it to me to find a away to put Figure Skating AND Beauty pageants in one BLOG posting!}






Now, let's get to the Good Stuff: The Costumes! As you know, I love discussing all things Figure Skating Costumes--and from the page views/visits I get here on NICKVERREOS.COM, I guess someone else likes reading it...so let's begin with the Men of the U.S. Nationals 2013--Now, I have  already discussed several of these costumes throughout  the season last year when these skaters competed in various competitions so I'm sure if you Google my name and the skaters names and the word "Costumes", you'll find something I've said about them and their ensembles. For sure. With that...Here are my Costume High-lights (and some low): 





Adam Rippon--I just wanted to highlight Adam Rippon's look for his Short Program to Giacomo Puccini's "Nessum Dorma". I think last year when he debuted this, I wasn't a 100 % fan. And I'm still not. I would say, I'm about 60% there. I like the ombre coloring effect on the shirt and the delicate sprinkles of crystals at the collar, shoulders and below the elbow at the sleeves. But I just wished he would have made the costume look more "complete" rather than just slapping a pair of black pants on to go with it. A suggestion would be to maybe add a stripe of color matching the shirt at the side-seams of the pants--with crystals of course. SOMETHING. On a good note, the haircut is sooo cute and becoming on him (he used to be a "curly/moppy" top of a fellow!).





Jason Brown-- For his Short program at the U.S. Nationals 2013, he skated to "The Question of U" by Prince. You cannot skate to Prince and not wear something that has A) Ruffles, B) Asymmetry and C) Look slightly "Kooky Baroque". And Jason hit all of these points, so for that I give him my "Nick Costume Credit". Now, if I can just find some hair-cutting scissors...




Jeremy Abbott--I have discussed Jeremy's Short Program costume to "Spy" extensively HERE back on my Skate America 2012 post. I LOVE this--he looks like a super hipster secret spy in this--Love the shoulder holster and fingerless gloves. He looks HOT.





For Jeremy's Long Program costume to "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables", I was bored beyond belief. In my Skate America 2012 post, I said this: "I am bored of seeing so many black/brown pants...the costume is still a very
integral part of one's performance and while I get that this one is
depressing and serious, the costume doesn't have to be depressing also; a
beige shirt and brown pants? Jeremy, please, I want to see just a
little bit more". Yep, I said that. I do like that the pants are super-tight and accentuate his super-muscled legs. Yes, I also said that.







Ross Miner--For his Short Program, Ross skated to "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninoff wearing this royal blue and black costume. This was a Costume Change (Mon Diue!) from what he wore back in November of last year at the NHK Trophy 2012 when he wore this:




Back then I commented that it was a bit "Captain Kirk of Star Trek" but I liked the color blocking--a big 2012-2013 Fashion Trend. I do like the change however. The color blocking is still there but the color has been punched up and I really admire the black sequined cuff and neckline band detail. A definite change for the better.





I also liked the costume Ross wore to his Long Program to "Captain Blood" by Erich Korngold. I reviewed it HERE. I'm usually NOT a fan of the "Ross Dress For Less" belts a lot of these male skaters wear to cinch their pants, but here this is not just any belt, it looks "Costume-y" and something that goes with the theme and music. Both his costumes, by the way, were designed by Chase Tyler, The Work Room Productions.





Max Aaron--Gold Medal winner Max Aaron, skated his Short Program to "Tron: Legacy" by Daft Punk. I liked his costume because it completely reflected the film and the costumes seen in it. He still looked modern and had enough Figure Skating Costume" stage presence. 








For his Free Skate/Long Program to Music from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, in which he landed TWO quads and won his first US Figure Skating Championships title, he wore this above. At first glance I thought, "boy this is sooo uninteresting", and wondered if this was his "practice outfit" . But then, I quickly realized that Max went the traditional musical theater route and wore almost an exact copy of the look worn by George Chakiris who played "Bernardo" in the 1961 Movie Musical "West Side Story":





So, I get what he was going for but still think it is a bit of a miss. For a skating costume it would have been almost impossible to directly translate the "period" aspect of the film character to the ice and make it look interesting. Hence, the practice outfit aspect to the entire look. In these situations I think he should have abandoned the need to be so literal in translation and been a bit more original in his approach.







**Up Next: The Ladies Costume Recap of the U.S. Championships of Figure Skating!