Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Trophée Eric Bompard--The Ice Dance Costumes!

Cha Cha Parisienne, and a French Egyptian Pant Change???

50% Cha Cha: Gorshkova and Butikov of Russia --Does her costume cover 50% of her top body?? (Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com)

This weekend was Trophee Eric Bompard, the Grand Prix of France 2011-2012 --I gave my "Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" on The Men in my previous post so now, we're onto one of my favorites: The Ice Dancers! For this 2011-2012 season, the ISU/International Skating Union specified a Latin theme for the Short Dance and therefore all the Ice Dancing Competitors had to do a Short Dance that had some Cha-Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, and maybe some Gloria Estefan here and there.

Trophee Eric Bompard Grand Prix of France

In terms of costumes, beginning this season (maybe because of the HOT HOT HOT Latin music??) the USFA/US Figure Skating Association states in it's "Handbook for Officials" that "the dress of the ladies must not give the effect of excessive nudity" Oh Dear!), and "the majority of the body must be covered". It goes on to state that the "surface" of the body (front, back, sides) must be covered at least 50%. Basically, the costumes have been getting a bit "racy" as of late and well, the officials are trying to "tone 'em down", make them a little less "Rated R" and more "PG" (Awwwww!!! I liked those "Rated R" ones from the good ol "Torino Italy Olympics" days!). Anyhow, we'll get to some of the Ice Dancer's costumes that might be inching very close to that 50% rule later, let's first discuss the Classy ones:

Virtue and Moir of Canada: These two took the Gold (again!) and did it with such class and elegance. I reviewed their costumes HERE when they were at Skate Canada. I wasn't such a fan of their Free Dance ensembles; I just felt they needed a little more "punch". They were fine but not "Wow!". But I did like their Short Dance costumes--hers especially.

In the above two photos, they are wearing their Short Dance "Latin" costumes at this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard. Her electric blue and silver crystal beaded and fringed dress was OUTSTANDING. The jeweled neckline is gorgeous, the color can stop traffic and the movement of the fringe is perfect for the performance. I just wish he didn't look like he just showed up for 2 pm rehearsals in his Deep V American Apparel long sleeve tee, since Tessa looks like she's ready to BRING IT for the "8pm Dinner-and-Drinks Salsa Extravaganza Show at the Riviera"! But, it seems that, especially with Ice Dancing and the Male, that yes, the woman is the "Peacock" while the man, a costume "afterthought".

Huang and Zheng of China: These two don very "LOCO" Costumes for their Latin-inspired Short Dance (bright yellow ones that would make one of my FAB Drag Queen Diva friends BLUSH!), but for their Free Dance to "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla, they wisely decided to well, tone it down (photos above and below).

I think she looks exquisite and very Fiery Hot Latina, but still elegant and chic, in a black full circle skirt, nude mesh, black and red sequined applique ensemble. She's like a Buenos Aires-born Diva, who happens to be of Chinese descent. His striped shirt, suspenders and black pants looks is appropriate for this Tango-influenced number.

Now, let's discuss the Sexy, Hot and "My Eyes Hurt" Costumes:

Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com

Gorshkova and Butikov of Russia: For their "Rhumba and Cha Cha" Short Dance, they seriously look like background dancers from a Barry Manilow "At the Copa, Copacabana" dance number in a Princess Carnival Cruise Ship Show. These green, orange and yellow stretch velvet, mesh, sequins and feathered costumes are OUT of CONTROL: they're like an entire "Miss Universe National Costume Parade of Nations" all rolled up into two costumes! Her costume, by the way, is borderline covering the "50% Rule". And so is his, for that matter.

For their Free Dance, they covered up a little bit, but in terms of the KRAZEE colors, nope, not so much. They actually skated to a "Tango Selection", but by the looks of their costumes, it should have been an ABBA or Elton John Tribute Soundtrack! Purple, bubblegum pink, multi-colored printed bustier top and fringed skirt and asymmetrical "half-jacket"(her).

Meanwhile, Vitali looked like a Casino Blackjack Dealer at Circus Circus Las Vegas . Here's the deal, as a fashion designer, I LOVE seeing color, inspired costumes, SOMETHING! But that something shouldn't be tacky, and yes, be able to enhance the program not necessarily distract from it. And while these costumes fit the "lots of color" and "Inspired" categories, they didn't fulfill the other ones: just too much stuff for a Tango performance. Even for me.

Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com

Ilinykh and Katsalapov of Russia: I think these two are one of the sexiest couples/ice dancers on the ice. Especially in their Latin-inspired Short Dance. If there were points for "Sexy", they'd get LOTS! They skated to "Samba, Rhumba, Samba" and let's just say, her costume in particular really PUSHED the 50% coverage rule. I think it was more 39% but that's just me (you can't see it in the photo above but her back is completely in nude mesh, in other words: backless). Irregardless, Elena looked HOT HOT HOT! Loved her turquoise one-shoulder jeweled crystal and fringe costume. It was part "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" and part "Dancing With The Stars". She's my new "Figure Skating Fashion Sexy Muse"!

Costume "Change: The French...

Pechalat and Bourzat of France: I have already talked about these two and their "Curse of the Mummy Couture" costumes which they wear for their Free Dance to their "Mummy and Pharaoh" program. While I watched this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard Free Dance Competition, I noticed something in terms of costumes, was a bit "off". Then, I looked back at what they wore less than a month ago at Skate America:

Skate America French Pharaoh and Mummy

YES, I was right!! He changed his top and pants! The "King Tut" mesh and gold hieroglyphics top he wore at Skate America had two styles of sleeves--a short one and a beyond-the-elbow one. But, at this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard, they were both the same: short. And also there was a minor change in the golden sleeve hem width accent detail (see photos). More importantly, the pants were completely changed. For some unknown reason, the "powers that be" decided that his pants should be washed indigo denim-like blue as opposed to how they were at Skate America. Maybe they felt that they needed some color. Who knows. The team gets feedback from the judges and "other folks" that maybe led to this change. I have to admit that I liked the Skate America grey ones more. Oh well, what do I know!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Cup of China--The Ice Dancers!

China Costume Madness!

Neon Dance: China's Huang and Zheng during their Latin-inspired Free Skate, Cup of China 2011

We're back to Figure Skating Costumes! After Skate America, Skate Canada, now, it's the 3rd stop of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series, the Cup of China 2011. Organized by the Chinese Skating Association, the Cup of China is being held this weekend in Shanghai China.

And in terms of Figure Skating Costumes, it's already proven to be a GOLDMINE of Photo-Critiquing. Let's begin with the Ice Dancers, shall we:

Bobrova and Soloviev of Russia: This Russian Ice Dance couple won the GOLD at the Cup of China over the weekend with their combined Short Dance and Free Skate scores. Above are their Free Skate costumes skated to "Walpurgis Night" (from Faust) by Charles Gounod. Ekaterina's multi-stripped chiffon-and-stretch black costume with silver and red beading was very dramatic. Very Faustian, I guess. To me, it looked more "Black Swan"--the Punk Disco Remix! Those chiffon layers can get "tricky" if not sometimes distracting and dangerous when doing those turns, lifts and Lords knows what else. But I give her, and the costume designer, several "Nick V Points" for "going there" and not holding back.

For their Short Program--a Latin-inspired mix of "Eres Todo En Mi" and "Ooh La La", they also didn't hold back. Again it's all about Miss Ekaterina: she tries to bring the fiery Latina out of her very Russian blood--but she ends up looking a bit Halloween-y in this yellow-orange and black scooped neck look with fringed skirt. I admit though: I liked it!

I also liked that Dmitry (oh yes, I almost forgot he was there!) was not in a Basic Black top and pants. Well, kind of. At least, there were some silver crystal beading to make his costume not look as if he had just gotten it from the local Figure Skating Shop. Thank You Dmitry and Thank you to their Costume Designer--once again!

Coomes and Buckland of Great Britain: These Brits almost made the podium (they got Fourth). For their Latin Short Program they skated to "El Beso del Final" and JLo's "Let's Get Loud". As we've seen here--and in my other Figure Costume postings, in Ice Dancing, it's all about the women, and Penny Coomes, decided to go more JLo and less Carmen Miranda (Thank Goodness!). Her one-shouldered black and gold over-sized paillette costume was very dance-club in Miami.

Counrty Confused: For their Free Skate, these two skated to (wait for it)...no, not the soundtrack to "Walk The Line" (by the looks of their Country Western-inspired costumes I would have bet money on it!) but it began with "2001: A Space Odyssey" and then went into "Viva Elvis" from Cirque Du Soleil. I kinda get the latter--but the former?? Nope, not so much. They needed to begin with Dolly Parton especially in those costumes!

Carron and Jones of France: For their Latin-inspired Short Program, their costumes were very Cha-Cha, very colorful and appropriate for the program, music and dance. I especially loved that he wasn't in all black. These two look straight out of some Nassau Bahamas Carnival Cruise dance troupe. On a Tacky-licious Scale: a 9.5!

Yu and Wang of China: Speaking of a Carnival Cruise Ship...these two really took the (Latin) cake. For their Short "Cha-Cha" "Mumba" "Rhumba" Program, they went ALL OUT! Seriously, just look at those costumes above--They were like "Bob Hope Does Copacabana" after waaay too many Caipirinhas (I don't even think they had Caipirinhas back in the Bob Hope days!). Now I like an over the top Dance Costume just as much as the next person (maybe more!) but I suggest these young teams look more to the FAB costumes on "Dancing With The Stars" as opposed to Old Carmen Miranda Movies!

Now, for their Free Skate, Yu and Wang of China danced to "Howl's Moving Castle" by Joel Hisaishi. I adored the colors (especially in her baby blue, lilac and purple sequined costume). I also liked that he went "Prince Charming On Ice" and broke the all-black mold and competed with her--in terms of a very thought-out complete costume. His jacket was very intricate, heavily appliqued and notice how her baby blue color was brought back to him in the inner collar and sleeve cuff sections.

Shibutani and Shibutani of The USA: I liked their Short Program costumes (above) better than their "Big Band" Free Dance ones (seriously, a red basic sequined costume for that FABULOUS Big Band era? Soooo uninspiring). But in the Short Program, sister Maia Shibutani, really WORKED her one-shoulder black sequined asymmetrically skirted costume overtime: it was CALIENTE!

Huang and Zheng of China: Finally, I must give MAJAH Costume Props to this Chinese Ice Dance couple who began my blog post here. These were their costumes for their Short Program--yes, the Latin-inspired ones naturally (although, they could also be performing at Eurovision with those get-ups!). I really do not even know where to start other than: Fabuloso-loco! As if it wasn't enough that she was wearing neon-yellow, bright orange and FRINGE. But then, they gave her a sculpted headband. And her partner: he was straight (pun not intended) out of a Rio de Janeiro Gay Pride Parade! They are such a bright tacky mess...they are almost FABULOUS! Almost!

*Up Next: More Cup of China 2011 Costumes...

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Skate Canada-The Ladies!

The Ice Queens...

Akiko Suzuki of Japan shines with her Short Program Costume, Skate Canada 2011

This past weekend was Skate Canada, the Canadian arm of the 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating. I've already given my "Nick V. Two Cents" on the Pairs, the Ice Dancers, the Men (scroll though my "Older Posts" to check those out), so now, it's finally the Ladies turn.

The Top Three: Japan's Akiko Suzuki garnered the Silver, Russia's Elizaveta Tuktamysheva got the Gold, and USA's Ashley Wagner holds her Bronze Medal, Skate Canada 2011

I generally liked most of their costumes--they were appropriate for their programs and had some elements of FASHION, or evening gown red carpet appeal--which, as a designer, is always good to see--as opposed to tackety-tack "Toddlers & Tiaras" madness! (although, I do love me some Figure Skating Costume KRAZEENESS since otherwise, life would be SO boring without it!).

Akiko Suzuki of Japan: I LOVED BOTH Akiko's Short Program and Free Skate costumes. At the top of my post is the photo of her Short Program costume, which she skated to "Hungarian Rhapsody". The silver grey with black diamond-cut and beaded detail was so modern and "Haute Couture"-esque. You could take those details and that top section and make a fabulous floor-length gown out of it. A Ten for me! For her "Die Fledermaus" Free Skate, she wore a soft lilac and ivory look that again, worked for her and the program--and still looked High Fashion and not tacky. Whoever is doing her costumes: bravo!

But Not Bravo was...

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (say her entire name FIVE times fast!!) of Russia: 15-year-old Elizaveta, skated her Gold Medal-winning Free Skate to a Medley of "Besame Mucho" and "Caravan". She was supposed to give an "air" of Latin-ness with her costume, I assume. It was pretty and the center front torso jeweled beading was OK, but there was just nothing special about it to me. It hit all the points a costume should, but it was fairly predictable and boring (especially compared to Ashley Wagner--keep scrolling). It almost looked recycled from the bygone Soviet Figure Skating Era.

Continuing with the Russian Ladies...

Alena Leonova of Russia: 4th place Leonova skated to Hans Zimmer's "Pirates of Caribbean" for her Short Program as seen in the above photo (of course!). It is not every day one sees a Ladies Figure Skater--in an international competition--wearing leggings as opposed to the typical skirted costume. Therefore, it woke me up! I thought it was fun: the ultra-fitted vest, the worn blouse, the "Pirate" gloves. I just wished she would have somehow worn a mini Pirate hat atop her head! Kidding! Alena is always a figure skater who brings a bit of the wacky to her costumes, lest we forget the now-infamous "The Witches of Eastwick" dingle-berry madness she wore last season (it deserves TWO photos darlings!!):

Alena Leonova of Russia in her "The Witches of Eastwick" costumes from the 2010-2011 Season

Miss Canada:

Cynthia Phaneuf of Canada: The "home town girl" Phaneuf--who incidentally ended up in 7th place--looked gorgeous in her costume. Above, is a photo of her in her Short Program which included "Spanish Guitar", "Bordaco en oro", and "Afternoon at Satie's". She chose a black costume with gold embellishment and corset-like detail. She looked like a Spanish Contessa.

For her "Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini" by Rachmaninov Free Skate, the contrast of the teal and black in her costume was great, as well as the delicate beading throughout the torso and neckline. I also like the plunging-but-not-plunging neckline. Good job all around for Cynthia in terms of her costumes! She has great style and always knows what works for her.

The American Girls:

Rachael Flatt of the USA: Rachael placed tenth overall at Skate Canada 2011. Yes, that was the bottom, however (on a positive side), I really liked her Free Skate "Firebird" costume as well as her "East of Eden" Short Program (above). Both looked expensive, well-made and expertly thought-out.

Ashley Wagner of the USA: Finally, Bronze Medalist at Skate Canada 2011-2012 Ashley Wagner wore one of my favorite costumes so far in this "one-shoulder" black beaded number for her "Black Swan" Free Skate. It was PERFECT! You go Girl!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Skate Canada 2011--The Pairs !!

A Ho-Down, A Spanish Señorita and a Black Swan??

Do-Si-Do: China's Sui and Han, during their "County & Western"-themed Short Program Skate Canada

Yes, kids, it's Halloween Weekend so it seems oh-so-appropriate to check out the COSTUMES in this weekend's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate Canada 2011. If you've been keeping up here on my blog, last week, I had the pleasure of actually attending Skate America 2011 in Ontario, California (about 44 miles east of LA), the first of the ISU Grand Prix series of international senior level invitational competitions.

Well, now, the Grand Prix moves up North, to Mississauga, Ontario Canada (near Toronto). The Pairs skated their Short and Long Programs and here were some of my favorite--and a couple of my not-so-fave costumes:

Sui and Han of China: I can only say one thing: LOVED IT!!! These two are certainly "the ones to watch" when it comes to Pairs Figure Skating", not only are they amazing on the ice--athletically and in terms of making "the grade" for all their jumps, throws, etc.. But artistically: they ROCK! Love 'em.

For their Skate Canada 2011 Short Program, they skated to a "Country Dance" soundtrack and their costumes were a TEN! The washed denim, the red-and-white gingham, the brown "suede" fringe, and of course, the bedazzling sequins on her corset--all great! Two of my favorite costumes of the entire season! (I know, the season just began--but just let me be "Costume Dramatic").

Sui and Han China: My new favorite pair couple continued their "FAB Costume Parade" for their Long Program. They skated to "Soul of Flamenco" and their costumes were PERFECTION. It was Sevilla Heaven! Whoever is doing their costumes deserves an "A"! I could not get over the way the costumes were so NOT "Toddlers & Tiaras" version of España and especially how authentic 16 year-old Wenjing Sui's "Flamenco" hand movements were. As I like to say: Somebody Done been teaching her right. Olé!

Volosozhar and Trankov of Russia: Another one of my favorite costumes were Volosozhar and Trankov's "Black Swan" Long Program ones. First of all: can we talk about how sexy he is? He exudes S.E.X. (Sorry Maxim!). But let's get back to the costumes. Both his and hers were just right. There was a slight nod to the ballet but about 80% was "Figure Skating showmanship". I liked his randomly placed raw-edged chiffon "feathers" and the dark, menacing tone of his ensemble. Now hers:

The curved black-and-white feathering detail with sequin applique covered all the "right areas" of her top--mixed with the nude illusion--it was the perfect mix of Black Swan and Ice Queen. It was dark and at the same time, beautiful. I like it much better than what her costume was originally:

Here she is when they skated at the Nebelhorn Trophy international skating competition event in Oberstdorf Germany back in September. There was lots more white in her costume: the top section as well as the "Tutu". I like the new-and-improved darker version.

Now, a couple of the not-so-good:

Volosozhar and Tarankov of Russia: Yes, the same "Black Swan" fabulous pair, skated to "Evanescence" music for their Short Program. Their costumes, I guess, were supposed to be directional, modern, and edgy. But they were anything but...

I thought these looked a bit like bad late 80's/early 90's Halloween Costumes. They were vibing a bit of Duran Duran-meets-Toni Basil. It was like I was watching an old skating exercise video from 1992.

Iliushechkina and Maisuradze: These two had fabulous "Chorus Line"-inspired costumes for their Long Program featuring lean, mean black with gold accented ensembles that would make Bob Fosse blush. But for their Short program, they totally went Cheap-tastic. They skated to Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" and I get the connection, I just didn't like the result. Especially hers. His bright gold embroidered lapel, fan-pleated neckline-and-cuff look was fine; her costume, however, looked like it was created from cheap trim bought on sale from a local bargain fabric store. Keep his. Change hers. ASAP!

*Next Up: More Skate Canada 2011 Costumes!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Skate America--The Ice Dancers!!

Walk Like An Egyptian...and a Brazilian...and a German Waltzer!!!

Mummy Issues: France's Pechalat and Bourzat doing their "Egypt"-inspired Free Dance at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate America

This weekend's first competition of the Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2011/2012 Season took place in Ontario. Not Canada, kids, California! It was well above 80 degrees HOT outside as figure skaters from all over the world fought for the top honors. And I was there for one of the days (for the Pairs and Ladies Free Skate on Sunday) taking my "Nick Costume Notes". I love when a BIG important Figure Skating Competition event is so close to home--as opposed to Moscow Russia, thank you VERY MUCH!

Costume Medals: The Top Three in ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate America 2011--L to R: Silver Medalists France's Pechalat and Bourzat, Gold Medalists USA's Davis and White, Bronze Medalists Latvia's Tobias and Stagniunas

Over the weekend, the Ice Dance couples took to the Citizens Business Bank Arena for their Short and Free Dance and huney, it was Costume Heaven! So, naturally, now it's time for the FAB Ice Dancers Costume Review!

Let's begin with the Gold Medalists from...THE USA!!!!

Davis and White: Meryl Davis and Charlie White skated their Free Dance to "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss II. They won the Gold for their fabulous Ice Dancing performance. I absolutely LOVE them! They are so old-school, classic yet fresh and directional at the same time and have taken Ice Dance to another level. Now, in terms of their Free Dance Costumes: Meryl looked perfect! The color, the halter silhouette the cascading crystals falling from a gorgeous sequined neckline, the feathered-and-crystal hair pin: Done and Done! But Charlie...

Frat Boy Tuxedo: Davis and White, Free Dance ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate America 2011

Now, some of the commentators said on TV that "Charlie should wear tuxedos more often...they look good on him" (or something to that effect). I agree a little bit. With his body, he probably looks great in anything. However, I feel like he looked like a FRAT BOY in a Tuxedo, after three beers! The five-o'clock goatee, the unbuttoned wing-tip tuxedo shirt, the loose I-just-came-back-from-surfing hair. If Meryl took the time and effort to do her make-up and hair so elegantly and beautifully, then Charlie should have cleaned up as well. Slick the hair, shave, put on an ascot...something. Class it up huney! With that being said...I still love 'em!!!

Orange Samba: For their Short Dance, Davis & White danced to "Samba, Rhumba, Samba", a Latin music medley (The Short Dance was a Latin Dance Theme). I liked how Charlie looked here: his curly locks, unshaven sexy self was appropriate here. Of course, Meryl looked flawless, yet again. The combination of bright orange and deep violet sequins made me wanna get up and do a Brazilian Samba right there in front of my TV as I was watching!

Pechalat and Bourzat: France's Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat skated to "The Pharaoh and His Mummy" (of course, you didn't think it was to "Funny Girl"??). Can I just say that this is why I watch the Ice Dance Competition (well, besides the amazing seamless twizzles!)!! I also love seeing these "Out There" costumes. Some observers said that maybe the costumes took away from the performance. Well, as a fashion designer, I disagree. I thought they were this side of a hot steamy rendezvous near the tombs of Luxor! Hot Hot Hot! (how do you type that in hieroglyphics ??)

Neon Latino: For their Short Dance, they skated to a "Samba" medley , including Sergio Mendes' "Mas Que Nada". Again: Muy Caliente! I loved her sequined top and fringed cowl-back skirt.

My Eyes Hurt: While I could have done without Fabian's eye-hurting striped neon green-and-yellow striped pants (a solid lemon color would have sufficed), he was still OK to me in the costume department. He just looked like a dance instructor at a Cruise Ship "Lose Some Weight with SAMBA!" class.

Tobias and Stagniunas: Lithuania's Isabella Tobias and Delvivas Stagniunas won the Bronze after their Short and Free Dances at Skate America over the weekend. They skated to "Let's Twist Again" "Only You" and "Tutti Frutti".

Their costumes were fun, colorful and bedazzled enough to compliment the fun soundtrack. I really liked how the strong deep red was "brought back" to his costume by way of the sewn-down un-tied bow tie.

San Juan, Here I Come: For their Short Dance--like the rest of the Ice Dance Competitors, they also danced to a Latin theme--a "Samba and Meregue" music medley, in fact. Her gold and black sequin and bugle beaded costume was very effective while his was well, a little bit of a let down. I understand that in Ice Dance, the attention should be on her--but we all know, it really isn't. I feel that his black velvet outfit with light gold beading at the sleeve hem could have been stronger. But on a good note: at least together, they did turn the Latin Heat up! I almost booked tickets to San Juan Puerto Rico, just for the HECK of it, after seeing that performance. I love me some Ice Dancing!

*Until the next Grand Prix---Canada here we come! (well, I won't be there but I'll still be looking at those costumes!)