Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Wrap-Up-- Ice Dancing!!

At The Copa...Cup of Russia Copacabana...The Hottest Spot North of Havana...

Split Queen: Bobrova & Soloviev of Russia do their "thang" at last weekend's Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--wait 'till you see what the front of her costume looked like (keep reading!)--it's FABULOUS!

To tie up my Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011-2012 USU Grand Prix Season in a neat little Costume Bow, I'll finish with the Ice Dancers. And to narrow my "Nick Two Cents" Review even further, I'll discuss only the Short Dance "Latin" costumes. For this season, in case you want to know, the International Skating Union/ISU chose "Latin Dance" as the format to which all the Ice Dancing competitors were required to do for their Short Dance. It's led to a wide variety of Cha-Cha-licious "At The Copa...Copacabana" "Princess Cruises Does San Juan!" costumes. And so it may come as no surprise, it's been Costume HEAVEN for me, in terms of commentating here on my little ol' Style Blog. So, let's get to it:

Carron & Jones of France: Pernelle Carron and Lloyd Jones finished 6th overall in Moscow. They skated to "Mambo, Rhumba, and Mambo" for their Latin Short Dance. These definitely meet the "Latin Theme" requirement however, there's just not a lot of sophistication in the designs and overall presentation. They look like costumes that were left in a back Costume House closet from a forgotten 1940's Carmen Miranda Movie--Let's just say there's a lot more SASS than CLASS.

Tobias & Stagniunas of Lithuania: For their Short Dance, they skated to a "Shakira Medley" which included some "Samba and Meringue" sounds. I like the gold and black color combinations and it is a breath of Ice Dance "fresh air" to see something other than the ubiquitous BUBBLEGUM pink, CANARY yellow or ultra bright TURQUOISE in a Latin Short Dance costume. While I like the gold beaded "fringe", I'm not so sure about those bedazzled bust cups: they seem TOO BIG! They look like the bust cups of a woman who has size 40DD's and something tells me that Isabella Tobias is NOT 40DD. In terms of HIM: I'm glad he wasn't just in an all-black shirt-and-pant look (with nothing else to it) but their costumer wisely decided to tie it back to her by adding some gold beading on the shirt and pant outseam.

Pushkash and Guerreiro of Russia: For their Short Dance , these two young Russians (he's from Australia originally), skated to a "Samba, Rhumba, Samba" Medley including "La Vuelta" and "Mujer Latina" by Thalia. Alright, since there's not that much I can say about Jonathan Guerreiro and his black shirt-and-pant costume--other than well, the shirt had an interesting devore effect to it--it is all about her. Her Mantilla shawl-influenced halter dress was original and still retained a "Latina" flavor, but instead of going the "Princess Cruises San Juan" route, she went for Sevillana. The fringe is great, so is the sequined mesh bust half-section and the embroidery and aquamarine-green color is subdued and elegant.

Riazanova & Tkachenko of Russia: These two finished 7th (last) overall at the Rostelecom Cup last weekend. They skated to "Paxi Ni Ngongo" by Bonga and "Cuba" for their Short Dance. Her black costume was a SEX-a-licious Spanish Contessa! It featured an asymmetrical ruffled skirt and an (almost) completely exposed back and side: LOVED it! She really should have finished the costume with an over-the-top Peneita (hair comb) on top of her hair, but then again, that may not have worked during the spins and twizzles (can someone pick up the PEINETA on the ice???!!!). Last but not least: her partner Ilia Tkachenko is one good-looking human being! Seriously, he is like a Russian male supermodel. He could be in a GARBAGE Bag and look H.O.T.

Bobrova & Soloviev of Russia: These Russian Ice Dancers garnered the Bronze Medal overall. They skated to "Eres Todo En Mi" by Ana Gabriel and "Ooh La La" by Chicadee. I am DYING for her costume: It's like a Cirque du Soleil performer got into a collision with a Drag Queen from Rio de Janeiro! The neon peach/orange and black color combination is striking and makes for a "You Can't Miss Her from the Nose-Bleed Seats" effect. She should be on top of a very FABULOUS--and very CHA-CHA--Christmas tree is all I can say! I want MORE of her and that costume. More!

Davis and White of the USA: Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the Gold overall at the Cup of Russia. and boy, was it well-deserved: they were INCREDIBLE! At one point, during their winning Free Dance, I caught myself wide-eyed and in silent awe while watching them. It is mesmerizing to see them skate. OK, enough of the "Nick Ovations to Davis and White", let's discuss their Short Dance Costumes--and the COSTUME CHANGE--for BOTH of them! (I love when that happens):

For their Latin Short Dance-at the Cup of Russia last weekend--they skated to "Butucadas", "Life is a Carnival" and "On The Floor" by Jennifer Lopez. She wore a very modern electric orange ensemble featuring an original neckline with a "one-sleeve" detail, beading throughout and fringed skirt. Charlie had a bronzed and black metallic shirt with black pants. I quickly realized "Wait! That's not the same costumes they wore for the same Short Dance number when they competed at Skate America back in October". Well, I was right:

Davis and White at Skate America two months ago: You see!! They did change their costumes. Above, at Skate America, the neckline was completely different than the new "Cup of Russia" costume: it was a more simple halter. They did, however keep the same multicolored beading and fringed aspect of the skirt section. I ABSOLUTELY love the NEW one. It's much more directional, much more sophisticated, and oh-so-chic on Meryl! Even Charlie got a do-over as seen from his Skate America shirt. The original was Black Striped "burn out" Stretch Velvet as opposed to the newer "abstract" jacquard. I actually like the original shirt better. It is tighter and more fitted (Hello! Of course I like it!) and gives a more "Latin Dance Vibe". Watch both skates and you'll see he is MUCH sexier in the first. I wonder which Costume they will wear to next weekend's Grand Prix Final in Quebec City? I'm hoping for a combination of the two! Please!!! I'll be watching...

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Ladies

Babushka NOT!!!

Last weekend was the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia and yes, naturally I've already discussed The Pairs as well as The Men, so even though I'm a week late, I still feel it was necessary to talk about The Ladies--and more importantly, the costumes I haven't given my "Nick Two Cents" on...So...here we go--The Ladies of the Cup of Russia 2011:

Sofia Biryukova of Russia: Let's begin with the Russian ladies (since it is, after all, The Cup of Russia)--Somehow, Sofia Biryukova, this lovely skater, has "escaped" my "Nick Costume Review". Who knows why? But better late than never. For her Free Skate at the Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012, Sofia skated to Puccini's "Turandot"--an opera about a cold-hearted princess in China and her suitor who falls in love with her. I absolutely LOVE her "Royal Blue" Chinoiserie-inspired costume featuring gold flower-and-leaf applique. The asymmetrical/twisting torso-neckline with its gold binding was superb. This girl ended up Fourth in the overall standings in Moscow, but to me, this was a First-Rate costume.

For her "Seven Years in Tibet" Short Program, Sofia's costume consisted of a very elegant and restrained black illusion, chiffon and stretch satin ensemble. For this music and theme, she could have gone a whole other route with the costume (maybe another version of her Free Skate costume), but she didn't. And I'm glad. This showed stylistic restraint, remained somewhat true to the music and still, got my "High Fashion Nick Points"!

Alena Leonova of Russia: I've discussed Alena's "Pirates of the Caribbean" costume to her Short Program at this season's Grand Prix already but I haven't talked about her Free Skate to "Adagio For Strings" and "Requiem for a Tower" costume. It was quite a number--all black, with caviar-beading detail, applique and sculpted embroidery, as well as an asymmetrical nude illusion front torso neck and back.

It was like "Black Swan: The DIVA Chapter". I also liked this costume. The way the applique "crawls" up her neck is fab and yes, all that different embellishment could have gone a "Wackety-wack" route of too-much trim but it didn't. I think it was smart to keep all of that in the same black color tones.

Haruka Imai of Japan: I've talked about Haruka before during this Grand Prix season, however, I have not talked about her Free Skate costume in particular. She skated to a modern arrangement of "My Fair Lady" in the costume seen above. Now, everyone (and her mother) knows those iconic costumes from that film:

Audrey Hepburn looked REGAL in this ivory and crystal detailed "Going to the Ball" gown as well as...

The black-and-white ensemble above. Haruka Imai's costume of fuchsia with black heavy lace overlay had NOTHING of either of the two iconic Hepburn looks. Maybe that was the point but I just didn't "get it". I would have rather she had worn something that had "hints" of one of those two iconic ensembles from the movie. Otherwise, really, what's the point? What do you guys think?

Amelie Lacoste of Canada: Amelie Lacoste is one skater that somehow also has missed my "Nick Skating Costumes Two Cents". So, let's get to it: for her Free Skate to "The Sea and Sinbad's Ship", "The Story of the Kalender Prince", "The Young Prince and the Princess Festival at Baghdad" --all from "Scheherazade"--she wore a carmine red costume with golden embroidery neckline trim that gave hints of that Mid-Eastern/Orient Queen. Where I had a problem was her haphazard 80's work-out hair. Her costume: Nice. Her hair: Mess.

For her Short Program to "Ojos Negros", she wore a black costume ("Ojos Negros" means Black Eyes, in case you didn't know). In addition to the black color costume base, it also had crystals strewn throughout the neckline, straps and bodice. On a scale of 1-10 for Costume, I would give her a FIVE. This was "I can get this at a Bear Mountain Ski Shop OFF SEASON ON SALE!". We've seen the center front diamante straps before in many many skating costumes, in many many prom dresses, in many tacky beauty pageants...can we get a little more original?

Agnes Zawadszki of the USA: Agnes...how you and your costumes have escaped me? This American skater skated to "Harlem Nocturne" and "Whatever Lola Wants" for the Cup of Russia 2011-2012. Her costume was a lilac and nude illusion look with mini crystals and featuring a five-layer diamante choker. She looked like a Princess in this; kind of like a Lilac Swarovski Crystal Bird. In other words: me LIKEY!

Rachael Flatt of the USA: Finally, I will conclude with another American skater, Rachael Flatt. She skated her Free Skate to Stravinski's "The Firebird" wearing a dynamic and rather show-stopping costume. The lipstick red, gold, and silver ensemble SCREAMED "Firebird" and I especially loved the wrist "Flames/Feather" detail. This is an example of a costume that went perfectly with the music and added to the overall theatricality and presentation of her skate. Too bad she didn't make it higher in terms of overall scores (she was 9th out of ten skaters at Rostelecom Cup).

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Men!

Soccer Balls, Chippendale's Dancers and a Dracula peplum...It's The Men !!!

World Cup...of Skating: Russian Figure Skater Sergei Voronov in a soccer ball-inspired stretch Lycra top and black pants, Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011-2012 Season--Keep reading below to see if he made my "Love It" or "Not So Much" of The Men's at Cup of Russia Figure Skating "Fashion Two cents" Review

Over the weekend, the Rostelecom Cup--or Cup of Russia (of figure skating)--happened at the Megasport Arena in Moscow Russia...

Megasport Arena, Moscow Russia

In my last post, I talked about the costumes I somehow missed during this whole 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season, for The Pairs. Now, I am on to The Men...and the costumes that escaped my well-trained Fashion Designer and Figure Skating Fan "Eye". Shall we get started:

Artur Gachinski of Russia: It seems fitting since it is the Cup of Russia, to begin with a Russian figure skater--and his costume choice. For his Free Skate entitled "The Demon", utilizing music from "Interview With A Vampire", "Bram Stoker's Dracula", as well as "The Red Violin", he wore an all black ensemble featuring beaded applique over the very tight outseam of the pants as well as accents on the top "jacket" section (center front, collar, cuffs).

As he skated (and especially, when doing his turns), I loved how the peplum "flapped" in the wind. I liked this costume: it reflected the music, the theme and still seemed masculine and dark. If I had one critique: I would have liked maybe...some Red! (to signify the blood of the Vampires).

Artur has been dubbed the "new" Evgeni Plushenko (above)! Plushenko was great in mixing a bit of artistry with a lot of the athleticism--and making his "Dorothy Hamill-esque" layered shag move in the wind. And Gachinski does all that. Also, they have the same coach, and many people have commented on the fact that Artur Gachinski is inspired by his movements, and he's pretty much suggested that Plushenko is his Idol. But Plushenko also knew to add some color in his costumes. Take note Artur.

Konstantin Menshov of Russia: Continuing with the Russian boys, it's Konstantin Menshov. Menshov got 8th place (out of eight) at the Rostelecom Cup this weekend and for his Free Skate, he chose to skate to "The Race" by Yellow, Kill Bill's "Battle Without Humanity", and Debussy's "Clair de Lune". His all black jacket and pant look was very Ski Instructor at some FABULOUS--and very exclusive--James Bond-ish Ski Resort in Cortina Italy. It also had the "essence" of Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix". Maybe that should have been his soundtrack. Just sayin...

Andrei Rogozine of Canada: For his Short Program, Moscow, Russia-born (don't ask, it's Figure Skating!) Rogozine skated to "Broken Sorrow" and "Fanfare" by Black Violin. Somehow, I also haven't talked about this young figure skater--and his costumes--in my "Figure Skating Costumes" blogs here. For this skate, he wore a metalized gunmetal-colored above-elbow sleeved shirt featured placket pocket accents and a large Fleur-de-lis applique on the back. I liked the sort of "Western Tex-Mex" aspect of the shirt--even though that had NOTHING to do with the music or program. Also (on a good note), I am usually NOT a fan of the "Wear-a-belt-with-your pants as part of your Grand Prix Costume" but...I liked his big buckled silver one here. However, the overall iridescent look was a bit "Chippendales Las Vegas Goes Line Dancing at a French Club". Go figure.

Sergei Voronov of Russia: For his Free Skate to Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci", Voronov's costume was a bit of a mishmash of a "Sexy Harlequin" Clown/Stripper: his silver-grey and black ensemble has cut-out applique in "Argyle"/diamond shapes, stand-up asymmetrical collar, center front "tears of a clown" in red, and a side-front chest illusion opening that "travels" dangerously near his thigh. There is A LOT here: A) I love that it's "different" but, B) It's very Cirque du Soleil after waaaay too many pre-Dinner Show drinks! It almost made me wish he would have gone this route:


Now, let's finish with Mr. Soccer Ball:

Yes, kids, it's "Mr Pagliacci" Sergei Voronov of Russia and his "Soccer Ball" ensemble. For his Short Program he skated to "The Final Game" by Hans Zimmer. THANK GOODNESS his costume had something to do with the soundtrack to his skate. Well, just a bit--in terms of being a sport-themed look; it's actually from a BASEBALL-themed film "A League of Their Own", which has NOTHING to do with soccer, or a soccer ball for that matter. Why his top is printed like one is yes, beyond me. But...somehow, I still liked it: it was kitschy, "graphic" and definitely caught my "costume eye attention". Soccer or Baseball, it's still kind-of Figure Skating Fashionable...to me!

*Next Up: The Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Ice Dancers and Ladies!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Pairs!!

A "T.G.I. Friday's" Waiter, a Futuristic Couple and a BIG Statement Making Necklace...

Referee & Feathers: Katarina Gerboldt and Alexander Enbert of Russia show that it's not just the Ice Dancers who get all the "Costume Fun"

This weekend was Thanksgiving Weekend for the USA but in Russia, and Moscow to be exact, it was "Cup of Russia" Weekend! Yes, kids, if you've been keeping score with my "Figure Skating Fashion Review" Blogs, we are now onto the sixth and final leg of the 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, before the Grand Prix Finals which will be held in Quebec City Canada December 8-11.


This year's Cup of Russia is also known as the 2011 Rostelecom Cup, named after one of the chief sponsors, Rostelecom, the Russian state-owned telecoms provider is a based out of Saint Petersburg and Moscow. But enough about that, let's get to the COSTUMES, and in particular the ones that stood out in my eyes--either good or not-so-good. Also, since I probably have discussed EVERY Pair, Ice Dancing couple, male and female figure skater--while reviewing the costumes from the previous five Grand Prix--I am trying to stick to skaters who somehow missed my "Nick Costumes Two Cents".

First up are The Pairs:

Gerboldt and Enbert of Russia: For their Short Program, Gerboldt and Enbert skated to "Gopher Mambo". One would usually expect this very fun Latin music during the Ice Dancing competition and not in the Pairs--so, it was a nice change from say the "usual musical accompaniment subjects" like , Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" or Ravel's "Bolero" (continuing reading below). Their costumes (I am assuming) were supposed to parallel the "kooky" cha-cha-cha of the Mambo music backdrop--as well as be a little "Latin" in its styling and bold colors. I liked the bright purple of her feathered-and-beaded dress and his vest.

But at the same time, I don't know what a black-and-white striped shirt had to do with Mambo. He looked like a Referee at a Gay Football Match--or the head bartender at a T.G.I. Friday's!

Maybe he should have followed the costume footsteps of Laila Ali and Maksim Chmorkovskiy from "Dancing With The Stars" back in the 4th season of that reality TV show (above). I liked how the costumers used the purple there and well, not made him look like a referee/waiter!

For their Free Skate, Russians Gerboldt and Enbert skated to "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (a popular music choice for Figure Skaters and Pairs in particular) and yes, it was a more toned down-and-elegant costume change. The bronzed and silver-white colors go well together but yet again, I am dumbfounded as to what these Disney-perfect Prince and Princess looks have to do with a musical/film starring Catherine Deneuve, who sells umbrellas with her mom and then falls in love with a young auto mechanic.

Stolbova and Klimov of Russia: Since we are talking about the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia, it seems appropriate to stay with the Russians--in terms of my Pairs Costume Review. These two placed fourth overall and therefore almost made it to the medal podium. For their Free Skate, they skated to a modern arrangement of the "Polovetsian Dances" (from "Prince Igor"). Again, I was surprised (in a good way) to see such vibrant and rather creative costumes for a Pairs competition. Her asymmetrical blue-green with gold-and-black midriff corset and belt was unusual and looked a bit like she couldn't decide whether she was Dracula's Mistress or a Russian Princess from the late 1800's--and I liked that costume juxtaposition. However...

Prince Igor, the Hollywood Toys & Costume Version: I was a little "on the fence" with her partner, Fedor Klimov, and his grey with gold-and-black "Armour" detail ensemble. I get the period Russian Prince-like details but somehow, it still looks a little bit like a cheap "Halloween" get-up one can get from "Hollywood Toys and Costumes" on Hollywood Blvd. But it certainly showed off his toned physique: his legs and booty are KRAZEE!!!

Sprockets in Russian: For their Short Program, they skated to a "modern interpretation" of Ravel's "Bolero", they chose to look a little futuristic/modern. But somehow, they both ended up looking like extras from Saturday Night Live's "Sprockets" TV sketch...

Modern Asymmetrical Work Out: Fedor wore a silver tank top under a navy blue sheer blouson top and Ksenia, she had on a silver crop top under a boat neck/off-the-shoulder (I guess the designer couldn't decide!) sheer blouse all attached to an asymmetrical skirt-dress silhouette. It was all very "Jane Fonda Work Out Video--the Space Odyssey 2001 Edition". I do have to give it to them in terms of looking a bit contemporary. Even if their version of contemporary looks a bit like it was from 1996.

Finally, I want to discuss a Pairs team from the USA:

Cain and Reagan of the USA: For their Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012 Short Program, they skated to Henry Mancini's "Moon River" from "Breakfast At Tiffany's". Naturally, they tried to vibe a little of the movie and especially Audrey Hepburn's iconic Hubert de Givenchy ensembles in the use of all-black plus of course THAT big ol' necklace:

However, I wished the necklace Ashley Cain wore was actually more like Hepburn's in the movie. Or...that the costume designer would have incorporated it into the costume, like in a pearl-and-sequined embellishment detail on the neckline that's attached to the rest of the ensemble.

It just looks like an after-thought here. Like she went to the nearest Moscow Department Store and bought the biggest necklace she could find! Also, the shape is more Elizabeth Taylor "Cleopatra" and less Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly.

Finally, for their Free Skate to "Doctor Zhivago", they chose to go an elegant black-and-ivory route with their costumes and not go too "Period Costume-y". I actually think it's rather great that her partner, Joshua Reagan looked more FAB than she did. It was ALL about his white elbow-sleeved "Jacket" with black piping.

The flap-over style reminded me of the Balmain "Napoleon" jacket (above). Together in their Free Skate costumes, both Ashley and Joshua looked perfectly paired (with their matching black-and-ivory), still relevant to the music and wow, quelle surprise...not tacky or "kooky". A rather "contemporary" take on Dr. Zhivago. Yeaay for them!

*Next Up: More Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Costumes...Stay Tuned!!!