ICE STYLE.....2016 Skate Canada International Figure Skating Costumes RECAP: ICE DANCE and PAIRS!

Skate Canada International Ice Dancers: Costumes from Ice Dance competitors at 2016 Skate Canada International 

Pairs Couture: Costumes from Pairs figure skating competitors at 2016 Skate Canada International

Finishing off with my 2016 Skate Canada International "Ice Style" blogs--You can read my LADIES and MEN Costumes Recap HERE--now it's time to discuss the costumes from the Ice Dance and Pairs skaters. As usual, there were lots of fun costumes, featuring diverse designs for the "Blues" and "Hip Hop" mix of Ice Dance Short Dances, as well as some interesting creations that ranged from Traditional to "Oh Dear!" for the Pairs. So...let's get started!



ICE DANCE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada Short Dance to Hip Hop: Kiss by Prince, Blues: Five Women by Prince, Blues: Purple Rain by Prince--For their return to the International skating stage at the 2016 Skate Canada International, 2010 Olympic champions and 2014 Olympic silver medalists, Virtue and Moir wore these looks above. Tessa's costume featured a Prince-inspired ruffled and sequined purple (of course) lace top-and-black leggings jumpsuit, and Scott wore a black Revere collared top with black pants outfit. Both looks reflected the 80's theme of the Prince music and I think were effective and not too Halloween Costume tacky. 

Virtue and Moir of Canada Free Dance Pilgrims on a Long Journey by Coeur de Pirate

Latch (Acoustic) by Sam Smith: I cannot say enough words of fashion praise for these gorgeous costumes worn by Virtue and Moir for their Free Skate. They were modern, chic and oh-so fashionable. I LOVED Tessa's putty colored "band" dress; it was very Herve Leger fab. And Scott was the perfect fashion foil to her in his clean and sleek deep blue outfit. They both looked like they should be on the cover of "Vogue: The Figure Skating Edition", if  there ever was such a thing!

Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin of Russia Short Dance to Blues and Hip Hop mix: This very handsome Ice Dance couple of Stepanova and Bukin wore these non-costumes for their Short Dance. He had a white muscle t-shirt, motorcycle jacket and black trousers, and she had a bustier/corset  and low-slung skinny pants. They looked very early 90's retro, yet I'm not sure that might have been the point. To me, they looked like dancers in a Cruise Ship Dinner Show...in 1996.

Stepanova and Bukin of Russia Free Dance to Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, arranged by E. Runge, J. Ammon Verano Porteno, Primavera Portena, Libertango by Astor Piazzolla: For their Free Dance, they went into a Tango-themed territory with the music and the red and black costumes. Alexandra's was a simple red side draped dress which was simple-pretty in its style. Ivan looked as if he was coming in for his morning rehearsals at the Bolshoi Ballet. I admire the simplicity of both looks especially when they're both so good-looking and have such perfect bodies...why distract from that with overly designed costumes. 

Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy Short Dance to Blues: Cry For Me

Boogie Woogie: Choo Choo Boogie--I love this Ice Dance couple from Italy. They always have fun, great character-driven ice dances. For their Short Dance, they donned these bold looks. Anna was very 50's fun in a black and white polka dotted dress and Luca was giving Ballroom Dancer Host in his Shawl-collared red and black tuxedo outfit.

Cappellini and Lanotte of Italy Free Dance Limelight by Charlie Chaplin, Chaplin Medley and

City Lights: Overture by Charlie Chaplin--Another great Costume Look from Italy's Cappellini and Lanotte. The theme was Charlie Chaplin and well, especially for Luca: Nailed it! I also liked her "Charlie Chaplin paramour" powder pink and wine red dress. She looked delicate, lovely and a perfect costume foil for his kooky Chaplin. Bravo!

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of USA Short Dance to Blues: Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood, Hip Hop: Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars--These were interesting, sexy looks from USA's Chock and Bates for their Short Dance. Madison looked punk-tastic in her turtleneck crop top with "ripped" sleeves and sexy low-slung faux leather super-skinny pants. Evan was looking like he went to Zara and bought a jersey knit top, under t-shirt and sleek denim skinny pants. I still liked it.

Chock and Bates of USA Free Dance to Under Pressure by David Bowie, Freddie Mercury: I really liked these costumes worn by Chock and Bates for their Free Dance. The designs were directional and fashion fab and I especially LOVED the delicate crystal beading on Evan's side seam of Evan's shirt--which matched Madison's beading on her dress' shoulder. If there was any critique, it was the dangling "fishtail" hem of her asymmetrical hemline; it was a bit distracting if not downright slightly annoying during the program. I'm hoping they cut some of that off for their future competitions.

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada Short Dance to Blues: Oh What a Night for Dancing by Barry White, Vance Wilson, Disco: Disco Inferno by Leroy Green and Ron Kersey: Seriously, where do I start with these costumes? I think they are so Disco-Kooky that I have no reason but to LOVE THEM! Piper's dress was like a costume straight out of "Blades of Glory" and Paul...WOW! He was from "Boogie Nights"! And can I just add how much I am obsessed with his John Travolta pouffy blow-dried hair and "pornstache" mustache!!?? #Hot

Gilles and Poirier of Canada Free Dance to Con Buena Onda by Daniel Lomuto, Ernesto Baffa, Hector M. Arce: For their Free Dance, Gilles and Poirier went more "Tango Eleganza" with these looks above. Paul was all things Muy Sexy with his double breasted suit and tie ensemble. His gelled hair was perfect and once again, his 'stache works perfectly well! And Piper's lilac dress was very pretty and 1930's/40's retro elegant with its neckline and draped-front detail. 



PAIRS-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada Short Program to Killer by Seal: For their Short Program to Seal, Duhamel and Radford went modern, sleek and slightly directional. Meagan wore a black sequined jumpsuit with crystal applique and Eric was the perfect costumed partner with his matching black-and-crystal sequined batteau neckline long sleeved top and pants.

Duhamel and Radford of Canada Free Skate to No, je ne regrette rien performed by Patricia Kaas: When it was time for their Free Skate, Duhamel and Radford went more Traditional with these costumes. Meagan wore this lilac-hued sequined, illusion and chiffon costume that was a bit too Prom-and-Pageant. Not sure if it was the color or the neck-piece or the sweetheart neckline or a combination of all of those. I did, however, like her slicked back top-chignon hair. Eric looked polished and good prom-tastic with his pleated-front lilac shirt and midnight blue pants.  

Nicole Della Monica and Mateo Guarise of Italy Short Program to Carmina Burana by Carl Orff performed by The Piano Guys: Well, well, well...Della Monica and Guarise really went for it when it came to their Short Program costumes to Carmina Burana. It is Carmina Burana, after all so I can understand the slight fire-fab cray-cray aspect of these designs. I must say, part of me loves these and the other--more tasteful part--doesn't. One think I do like is the nude illusion backs with the superimposed writing. While these might be a bit kooky, they still do look Sexy-licious.

Xiaoyu Yu and Hao Zhang of China Short Program to Eternal Flame, Fearless by Brand X Music: I liked these costumes worn by this Chinese Pairs couple. I loved the bold violet color and, especially her draped and sequin embroidered costume. His top was also kind of fabulous for its center front crystal detail. These costumes look expensive and custom-made Figure Skating Couture.

Yu and Zhang Free Skate to Cavatina Larghetto amoroso: Another gorgeous costume pair here on Yu and Zhang. Her sequined applique costume featured flowers, ombre shading and crystal detailing with a Chanel Couture-like design sensibility. His gray outfit was elegant and a nice masculine contrast to her superb femininity. I especially admired the diagonal pleating detail in his shirt.



Finally...

Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov of Russia Short Program to All Alone by Joe Satriani: Kavaguti and Smirnov were Feminine Pretty and 90's Male Stripper in their contrasting costumes. These seemed a bit disjointed to say the least. I really didn't get the costume connection. On a good note: Her costume's sequined detail down the center front and sleeve edges was quite Haute. 

ICE STYLE.....Skate America 2016 Figure Skating Costumes RECAP: PAIRS and ICE DANCE Costumes!

Ice Dance Style: Costumes from Progressive Skate America 2016 Ice Dance competitors--Sears Centre Arena Chicago Illinois

Pairs Couture: Costumes from Progressive Skate America 2016 Pairs competitors--Sears Centre Arena, Chicago Illinois

Continuing with my "Ice Style" Figure Skating Costumes posts on this past weekend's "Progressive Skate America 2016", in my last post HERE I recap'ed the LADIES and MEN'S costumes...and now it's time to discuss the PAIRS and ICE DANCE Costumes Highlights!

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier USA Short Program to Don Juan est mort (from "Don Juan" musical) by Felix Gray: I liked these costumes worn by USA's Denney and Frazier. They were on-point with the "Don Juan" music; very Spain-inspired with the red and black colors as well as the gold applique detail. I liked the asymmetrical gold embellishments of her costume as well as his "looped" tie.

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier USA Free Skate to Somewhere in Time (soundtrack) by John Barry: These costumes were quite beautiful, especially Haven's. I loved her asymmetrical neckline and the royal blue color. The silver crystal sequin work was also quite spectacular on her costume. I also loved her sequined jeweled cuffs!

Kristina Astakhova and Alexei Rogonov Russia Free Skate to The Storm by Balazs Havas

Le Bien qui fait mal (from "Mozart L'Opera Rock"): These two got my attention for their Steam Punk-like costumes. I liked his more than hers. Alexei's faux leather brown vest with gold trim was kind of smashing--along with his shirt's sleeve cuff detail. And normally, I am annoyed at the too-hipster "man bun" (Note to Alexei: It's sooo 2015!), here it works...kind of. Oh, and yes, Kristina looks slightly too "Oktoberfest Bar Waitress". BTW: They used these same costumes last year, but to a completely different program.

Julianna Seguin and  Charles Bilodeau Canada Short Program to Skokiaan by Louis Armstrong: Julianna's costume was vibrant, impacting and quite figure skating fab. I loved (naturally!) the neon bright bubblegum pink fringe details. The sequin work was also nice. His all-black shawl collared tuxedo look was a nice contrast to her bold costume. While I liked his neon green pocket hankie to match the subtle neon green in her costume, I suggest changing it to neon green AND pink since that is the predominant color for her. The added detail will really put the icing on this Figure Skating cake!

Julianna Seguin and  Charles Bilodeau Canada Free Skate to Cinema Paradiso (soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone, Cinema Paradiso performed by Monica Mancini: These costumes were very "old school" figure skating. Nothing exciting or directional or even Costume Couture about them. Hers was pretty and then, his...well, quite a bore; black shirt and pants. Nope, try again Charles. Please. 

Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran USA Free Skate to Journey Medley: I have positive things to say about these looks on Castelli and Tran. I think her bright red sequined look was very early 80's Pageant Fab and his reflected the "Journey" era with the red-and-black color blocking detail. With that said, part of me wished they both went "Journey" concert T-shirt 80's Rocker Cool. LOL! 

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres France Short Program to Earned It (from "Fifty Shades of Grey") by The Weekend and Maxime Rodriguez: I always look forward to what James and Cipres wear. These two have the most AMAZING bodies and they almost always give fashion folk like me something when it comes to their costumes. For their SP here, they went sexy (Hello! It's "Fifty Shades of Grey!") and it got my attention. I especially liked her black-and-nude illusion sequined trimmed top section as well as his crystal-accented shoulders. 

Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov Russia Short Program to Glam (Electro Swing Remix) by Dimie Cat: One word--Love! I love her razzle-dazzle fringe fabulous gold, silver and white costume and his center front buttoned shirt goes well with her ensemble. BTW: Has anyone else ever said how much Evgenia looks like actress Claire Danes??



ICE DANCE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alisa Agafonova and Alper Ucar of Turkey Free Dance to Near Light by Olafur Arnalds, Beethoven's Five Secrets by The Piano Guys, Sand by Nathan Lanier: I loved the grape/violet colors, the ombre shading of her costume--and especially the diagonal drape in his top. Who knew these Turkish Ice Dancers had so much Costume Style!! Now I do.

Elena Ilinykh and Ruslan Zhiganshin of Russia Fee Dance to Slumdog Millionaire (soundtrack)

Ang Laga De by Aditi Paul: My ears--and eyes--always perk up any time Ice Dancers do a "Bollywood" theme. Russians Ilinykh and Zhiganshin ventured into India and with costume gusto! I liked these costumes for many reasons: The colors were vibrant and great, the sequin work was fabulous (love her "choker necklace" and his paisley detail!). These looks were Mumbai Hot! 

Isabella Tobias and IIia Tkachenko of Israel Short Dance to Blues: Real Life by The Weekend

Hip Hop: Can't Feel My Face by The Weekend: I am always a sucker for a good sequined jumpsuit. This one--seen on Israel's Isabella Tobias would make Carolina Kostner blush huney! I loved the multicolored sequins, the fit, the plunging neckline...Very Hot! And his all-black look was cool and modern. I especially liked his "skinny stretch jeans".

Kana Muramoto and Chris Reed of Japan Short Dance to Blues: The Sun's Gonna Shine Again, Jive: I've Got a Woman, and Swing: Mess Around by Ray Charles: Very bold, very bright. This Japanese Ice Dance team wore these purple and yellow costumes for their Short Dance. While it was a bit "cartoon-y" for sure, I still think they were impacting and in a good way. For some reason, I actually enjoyed his windowpane striped printed jacket and that yellow skinny tie. If there was a Costume Star in this dance, it would Chris!

Kana Muramoto and Chris Reed of Japan Free Dance to Poeta en el Puerto, Amor Dulce Muerte, Nada Puede Dormir,  and Poeta en el Viento by Vincente Amigo: For their Free Dance, Muramoto and Reed went Spanish Flamenco with their music and costumes. I think these worked even though there was nothing extraordinary about them. I wish someone would re-invent the Spanish Flamenco Costume "wheel". Por Favor.

Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of USA Free Dance to I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Bootstrap, Can't Help Falling In Love performed by Ingrid Michaelson, Earned It by Bootstrap: I love these two! Their skating and ice dancing is BEYOND. I wish they would have given me just a little bit more with their costumes. I appreciate her costume's design and delicate mini pleating and flower applique detail but...the color is so bland and really had little impact on the ice. And Zachary...well, he was just whatever; lots of knit jersey. I need just a little bit more kids, costume-wise!

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani USA Short Dance to Blues: That's Life performed by Frank Sinatra, Hip Hop: I never thought I'd live to see the day Maia Shibutani would done a halter sequined bodysuit and black skin-tight pants. But I did and...I love it! These costumes were great looks for both Maia and Alex (he looks kind of sexy-licious in his "After Waaay Too Many Martinis" unbuttoned tuxedo look). So, yes, I liked these costumes.

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani USA Free Dance to Evolution: Mirror In Mirror by Anne Akiko Meyers, Akira Eguchi, Evolution: Anyone Like You (Club Mix) by Digitize: Her deep royal blue shirred and sequined dress was very pretty. I loved the top's detail. His was modern, sleek. I think these looks worked. I loved their skate; but didn't necessarily love the music. Their skate--and chic costumes--lifted me up, while the music wanted me to reach for another Vanilla Iced Latte with a Double Shot Espresso. #JustSaying

ICE STYLE.....ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016: Figure Skating Costumes Recap PAIRS and ICE DANCE!

Pairs and Ice Dance Costume Fab: Costume Highlights from the 2016 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, Boston Massachusetts

In my last post HERE, I discussed my Figure Skating Costumes Highlights (and some not-so-cute!) of the LADIES and MEN from last week's 2016 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, which were held at the TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts...

Well, now it is time for my Costume Recap of the PAIRS and ICE DANCE!!!

Let's begin with the...

Pairs-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada: For their Short Program to Your Song by Elton John, performed by Ewan McGregor, I liked these costumes. Meagan shined with her silver sequined and red costume! It was breathtaking in terms of it's fab crystal work. Eric went for a red dress shirt with matching t-shirt underneath and black pants. I wish his look had more crystals than those buttons but oh well, I was OK with it! 

Free Skate to Hometown Glory by Adele: LOVE, Love, Love these costumes on Duhamel and Radford. The bold royal blue color, her halter jeweled sequin neckline, the gathered drape in her halter neckline...it's all sleek, chic and super! Oh, and how much do we LOVE Meagan's cheek-to-cheek smile in that photo above! Hashtag At-a-Girl #AtAGirl #GoCanada

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia Short Program to Nagada Sang Dhol (Bollywood Selection) by Siddharth-Garima: I am a big fan of the costumes worn by Russia's Pairs Diva and Divo Volosozhar and Trankov for their "Bollywood"-inspired Short Program. Both their looks and designs are pretty much flawless. 

Free Skate to Bram Stoker's Dracula (soundtrack): For their Free Skate to "Dracula", they wore these semi-Period-like costumes in red and black. I like his faux leather pants and red velvet vest with gold trim. Her dress was elegant and a bit subdued. I appreciated the gold trim simulating a corset but maybe there should have been a sweetheart neckline somewhere in there.

Aliona Savchenko and Bruno Massot of Germany Free Skate to Sometimes by Wax Tailor: I have a theory. I think Aliona and Bruno are well...an item. It sure looks like it when they skate. Well, now that we have that out of the way, let's discuss their costumes. We know Aliona never met a Jumpsuit she did not like. Her "Pink Panther" look is iconic. This red'ish ombre look featured a heart-shaped back and sequins. His look of a mock-neck ombre top and black pants perfectly complimented hers. Overall, a very striking couple.

Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise of Italy Short Program to Magnificat by Mina: Elegant and beautiful; two words to describe these costumes worn by the Italian Pairs couple of Della Monica and Guarise. I loved her gold applique, nude illusion and white costume but I also liked his semi-matching very sexy top. 

Free Skate to Cosmic Journey ("Romeo and Juliet" by Abel Korzeniowski): These costumes were basically a different color-way of what they wore for their Short program with a slight design variation. I still liked them!

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres of France: The photos above feature their costumes for their Short Program of I Put A Spell On You by Joss Stone (top photo) and Free Skate to Romeo and Juliet (soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong, Romeo and Juliet (soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski, and Oh Verona (Romeo and Juliet soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong. There were elements of both which I liked. I did love the wrapped belts of the Free Skate costumes but I have to admit that I LOVE Vanessa's 80's shoulder padded black and silver sequined jumpsuit costume for her Short Program.

Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov of Russia: Russia's Stolbova and Klimov wore these costumes above for their Short program to I Put a Spell on You performed by Annie Lennox and Free Skate to Man and Shadow (The Unknown Known soundtrack) by Danny Elfman. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the latter--from the Free Skate. And especially hers; the gray/blue gathered chiffon and strap cross-tied detail was chic and very Modern Dance fab!

Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov of Russia Free Skate to Nocturne, Prelude, and Revolutionary Etude by Frederic Chopin: I had to finish my Pairs Costumes Recap with these very nice costumes by the Russian Pairs of Tarasova and Morozov. I thought her costume was exquisite and very well done and I loved his tuxedo look and especially the music symbol detail brooch. 



Ice Dance-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Canada Short Dance to Waltz: The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss; Polka: Annenpolka by Johann Strauss; Waltz: The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss: I think these are probably one of my Top Favorite Ice Dance costumes of this 2015-2016 Season. I think Kaitlyn's blush and pearl sequined look is Couture Fab and Andrew looks like a Disney prince...and in a good way! Both of their costumes are elegant, haute and so gorgeous.

Free Dance to On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter, This Bitter Earth by Dinah Washington, Run by Ludovico Einaudi: These costumes are not as great as their Short Program looks (in my eyes) but I do appreciate the ombre lilac shading and draped stylings. I have to say that in these costumes, my top pick was his and the draped top he wears. 

Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron of France Free Skate to Rain In Your Black Eyes by Ezio Bosso Build a Home by Cinematic Orchestra: I LOVE these costumes and this Ice Dance couple. The navy blue, red and black costumes are elegant, super-chic and Paris Fashion Week Runway Fab in terms of their design. Oh and did I mention how AMAZING they are in terms of their Ice Dance skate and presentation. J'Adore! 

Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the US Free Dance to Adagio for Strings by Daft Punk: USA's Hubbell and Donohue wore these costumes for their Free Skate to "Adagio for Strings" by Daft Punk. This was a change of costume in terms of what they had worn before. I have to admit that I loved the previous costumes more, but she still looked gorgeous and overall I love the presentation of this team.

Costume Better--Hubbell and Donohue of Canada

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the USA: The Shibutani brother and sister Ice Dance team wore these costumes above for their Short Dance to Waltz: Coppelia, March: Coppelia, Waltz: Coppelia--all by Leo Delibes (top photo) and Free Dance to Fix You by Coldplay (lower photo). If I had to pick a favorite, I would say the latter. Only for its simplistic modern costume approach and design; there wasn't much there in term of creativity but it was right for the program.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the USA: Chock and Bates skated their Short Dance to Foxtrot: More by Andrea Bocelli; Waltz: Unchained Melody by Il Divo and Free Skate to Concerto No. 2 Adagio and Concerto No. 2 Allegro by Sergei Rachmaninov. I loved the second Free Dance costumes better than the Short Dance looks. I liked her "one shoulder" design and I especially loved his gathered/draped top; it was GORGEOUS!

Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin of Russia Free Dance to Rachmaninov's Revenge by Freddie Mercury, Montserrat Caballe: I loved these costumes worn by Russia's Stepanova and Bukin. They were modern, sleek and so sexy.

Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy: Cappellini
and Lanotte of Italy skated in these costumes for their Short Dance to Waltz: The Merry Widow by Franz Lehar Polka: The Merry Widow by Franz Lehar and Free Dance
to La Dolce Vita: Amarcord, Le Notti di Cabiria and Oto e
Mezzo by Nino Rota. Both looks were
quite exquisite. But I especially liked their Free Dance costumes and
particularly her black sequined dress.

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada: Canadian Ice Dance couple Gilles and Poirier are one of my favorite Ice Dance teams in terms of costumes. They did not disappoint this season and at the 2016 Worlds. This above is what they wore for their Short Dance (top photo) to Waltz: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by John Lennon, Paul McCartney; March: Norwegian Wood by John Lennon, Paul McCartney; Waltz: Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Free Dance to She Said by Jorane Neverland by Takenobu. I loved both of these looks. Their Short Dance was very Beatles "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" costume fab and the Free Dance costumes were verging on late 80's/early 90's Versace HOT HOT HOT!

Thanks for reading my ICE STYLE Figure Skating 2016 Worlds RECAP! Hope you enjoyed it! XOXO