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.....Skate America 2016 Figure Skating Costumes RECAP! LADIES and MEN Costumes: From Great to Meh!

 Skate America 2016 Ladies Costumes Fab

Skate America 2016 Mens Costumes

Hellooooo Figure Skating Costume Fans! It's time for a new season and time for my "Ice Style" blogs! Progressive Skate America 2016 occurred this past weekend--the first of six ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating senior level invitational competitions--at the Sears Centre Arena in Chicago, Illinois USA.

So..., it's time to recap my Favorite --and Meh!" costumes. This post will deal with the LADIES and MEN and I will of course, talk about the PAIRS and ICE DANCE later. Let's see who got my FASHION attention:



Ladies: The Fab Costumes----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gracie Gold USA Short Program: Gracie skated her Short Program to Assassin's Tango (from "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" soundtrack) by John Powell wearing this very modern black costume. I loved it! It was fresh, directional and fashion forward, especially when it comes to figure skating costumes. I loved the bias binding "spider web-like" detail and the subtle silver crystal embellishment. For some reason I kept thinking that I had seen this look somewhere before...and yep! I was right!:

Atelier Versace Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2016: Ummm...First off: I have waaaay too much of a fashion runway photographic memory! Secondly: Gracie's costume was a very well done knock-off and I loved the obvious inspiration from actual Hi-Fashion runway shows; that I TOTALLY appreciate.

Gracie Gold USA Free Skate to Daphnis and Chloe by Maurice Ravel: While Gracie's SP costume was more modern, she went back to her "Ice Queen" look with her Free Skate costume. This nude colored design was still quite fabulous and expertly done. The golden sequins were exceptional and I especially loved the hair accessory. Overall: Quite gorgeous.

Ashley Wagner USA Short Program to Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) by Annie Lennox: What can I say other than I LOVE THIS! It's chic, superfab and so right for the Annie Lennox music. Ashley wore this blue asymmetrical design which featured great sequin details on the shoulders, neckline and throughout the costume's torso. I also loved the slight royal blue color "peek-a-boo". Oh and to finish everything off, her smoky eyes and red lipstick were 90's New Wave on-point.

Ashley Wagner Free Skate to Exogenesis Symphony Part 3 by Muse: Gorgeous, refined and expensive-looking. This lilac and violet gray sequined costume was a work of Figure Skating Couture. I liked the multi-paneled skirt and heavy-to-light crystal work. In case anyone still wonders what a $5,000-looking figure skating costume looks like...well, see photo above kids! (and it's worth every penny!).

Mao Asada Japan Short Program to Danza Ritual del fuego (from "El amor brujo") by M. de Falla: I loved this "Black Swan"-like costume worn by Mao Asada. The nude illusion-and-black applique embellished costume with godet-paneled skirt was stunning, impacting and belongs in a figure skating costume museum. 

Mao Asada Free Skate to En la cueva - La noche (from "El amor brujo"), Pantomime (from "El amor brujo"), El aparecido (from "El amor brujo") by M. de Falla: For her Free Skate, her music was basically the same as her Short Program. But while her SP was more "mysterious" and dark, her FS went into the "fiery" zone. This costume featured red sequin applique, nude illusion and chiffon. The look was very "Carmen", but refined, not campy, and I liked it. I especially loved the draped chiffon skirt.

Mariah Bell Short Program to Roxy Heart (Chicago soundtrack) performed by Renee Zellweger All That Jazz (Chicago soundtrack): This was certainly one of my favorite costumes at Skate America 2016. It had all the costume "razzle dazzle" of something accompanying "All That Jazz" but yet, not coming off too cheap "Halloween" costume version. Loved the delicate lilac coloring and jeweled sequin work.

Mariah Bell Free Skate East of Eden by Lee Holdridge: This costume was very old-school Vera Wang/Nancy Kerrigan. And I loved it! The high-neck style, the see-through sleeves, the sequin crystal work...yes, it was very "Figure Skating Costume 101" but, it was done well and worked for the lovely Mariah.  



The "Meh!":

So Youn Park South Korea Free Skate Aranjuez Mon Amour performed by Nana Mouskouri: While I did like the clean silhouette of this costume, I felt it was lacking in some directional design qualities. The point d'esprit sleeves and back were a nice contrast to the all-black and I liked the red and silver crystals but (I cannot believe I am saying this), maybe it needed more crystals?! What do you guys think?

Mai Mihara Japan Free Skate Cinderella by Patrick Doyle: Mai is all but 17 years old and now she's joined the Senior's rank, but yet, her costume (and, let's be honest, her music choice too!) was a tad bit on the Junior's side. Yes, her costume was very "Cinderella" but there was something about that jewel teal color, sequin work, and off-the-shoulder silhouette that screamed "young". 



The Men: The Good------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adam Rippon Short Program to Let Me Think About It (Ida Corr vs. Fedde Le Grand): When Adam came out onto the ice in this--and then the music started, I swear I was at the Tropicana Beach Club in Mykonos! His barely-there costume of a sleeveless faux leather-and-illusion sequined muscle top (try to say that four times!) and skin-tight black pants went perfectly with the high-energy dance music soundtrack. I loved the royal blue and silver sequin detail at the side and how that illusion back continued past the side seam and onto part of the front asymmetrically. Sexy and right for the skate. Go On Adam!

Adam Rippon Free Skate to Arrival of the Birds ("Crimson Wing" soundtrack) by The Cinematic Orchestra, O by Coldplay: For his Free Skate, he wore another semi-sheer top with black pants.  Adam has never met a sheer/illusion shirt he didn't love! While yes, this might be a bit repetitive...A) Adam has the .000032% fat-free body to pull it off...and B) this top had sleeves, thank you very much! The music--and his skate--involved birds of sorts, and he showed this excellently in his choreography. The costume gave "hints" of the feathers, as you can see in the stitched applique work and raw-edged neckline. I liked it, but I wish there was bolder bird details because what was on his top could have been mistaken for an unfinished zebra-print motif. Adam: Continue to keep your costumes semi-sheer sexy but for this one, a little more obvious ornithological references might be needed.

Boyang Jin China Short Program to Spiderman: Of course, this was "Spiderman"! Hello! I liked the obviousness of the costume in regards to the music. But, I also liked that it wasn't so cheesy "Halloween" costume and done in black and silver-white. It was modern, sleek and on-point.

Boyang Jin Free Skate to La Strada by Nino Rota: I'm always interested when skaters skate to "La Strada". The Fellini film involves a clown reference (above photo) and therefore, one can go cartoony in a hot costume minute. Boyang did not. I liked the bold graphic stripes and black-and-white vest. The costume was about 90% fine, except, part of me wished he may have beaded the stripes on the shirt--in black, white and red sequins. That would have been slightly more impacting and brought the costume to a more "Couture" Jean Paul Gaultier level.

Nam Nguyen Canada Short Program to Love Me or Leave Me by Sammy Davis Jr.: I liked Nam's sky-blue and navy costume, skating to "Love Me or Leave Me". The shirt was very 1950s vintage-looking but had just the right amount of sparkle to make it "pop" for figure skating. I also liked how the blues worked together and how well both pieces fit. Listen, I'm not a fan of just a shirt and pants for Men (in International Figure Skating Competitions) but if that's what you're going to give me,...give me SOMETHING! And Nam did.

Sergei Voronov Russia Short Program to The Skin I Live In (soundtrack) by Alberto Iglesias: Sergei's costume was a black jersey long sleeve top and pants. I liked the "broken glass" sequin effect on his shirt. It was just the right amount of detail to get my "Great Costume!" attention. I wished he would have continued this detail at the side seam of the pant--using smaller subtler mirrored sequins.

Shoma Uno Japan Short Program to Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra ("Ladies in Lavender" soundtrack) by Nigel Hess: Lavender and purple are always tricky colors, especially for men in figure skating. The colors can come off too "Wedding Singer" and/or late 70's/early 80's. However, I think this costume (and the colors) worked for Shoma, especially since the music was from "Ladies in Lavender" soundtrack! I liked the feathered detail of the shirt especially. If I had one styling request: I would ask him to get rid of that necklace. I don't care what significance it has for him, it turns his costume from nice to "1987 Uh Oh!". 

Shoma Uno Free Skate to Buenos Aires Hora Cero and Barada para un loco by Astor Piazzolla: Well, well, well, Shoma, you are a Costume Divo! I loved his Free Skate (Hello!!! Those quads were INCREDIBLE!) but for my blog here, I loved this costume. It was very Tango Fierce. 



The Meh!:

Jason Brown USA Short Program to Writing's on the Wall (James Bond - Spectre) by Sam Smith: OK, first off, I LOVED his skate and performance; he was amazing! And because it was so great (minus a couple of mistakes), I almost excused his lack of a costume. But...I am just so not a fan of the dress shirt and pants look for men; it's a BIG Men's Figure Skating Costume Cop-out! I just wish he gave me "White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo James Bond" as opposed to what he would look like after three shaken-not-stirred Martinis, at 3 AM, getting ready to call it a night--all shirt unbuttoned and missing jacket. It was the low-rent version of Bond. I wanted to see this:

Dinner Jacket Chic: Hello James!

Jason Brown Free Skate to The Scent of Love (from "The Piano") by Michael Nyman: For his Free Skate, he went just as boring with basically, the same "costume" as he donned for his SP but this time, in black. I get the simple "classic" look in regards to his accompanying music, but...please give me more Jason! I hope that because this is just the beginning of the Grand Prix season, maybe your costumes aren't ready. I hope.

Jorik Hendrickx Belgium Short Program to Broken Vow performed by Josh Groban: I swear I HATE the just a shirt-and-pants look on men in figure skating. It's like no one is even trying. The costume designers are out to lunch and so is the creative team. While Jorik is HOT HOT HOT and could look great in anything, I still would like to see something that didn't look as if he went shopping at SEARS men's section for a world class figure skating competition, which seems appropriate since Skate America occurred at the Sears Centre Arena. #Fail



**NEXT UP: The Skate America 2016 PAIRS and ICE DANCE Costumes Recap!!