Final Big International Figure Skating Competition

Diamonds and Pink Panther: USA's Ashley Wagner (Ladies) and Germany's Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy (Pairs) at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2014, Saitama Japan

Last week--and weekend (beginning on March 24 and ending yesterday) was the final big international Figure Skating competition of the season--the 2014 ISU World Figure Skating Championships. This very important event in figure skating is usually a BIG deal, were it not for the fact that, well, the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics had just occurred last month.

So, needless to say, some of the "top stars" of figure skating decided to "skip it": Including Gold and Silver Medal winning Ice Dance teams Davis and White from the U.S., and Virtue and Moir from Canada. Ladies Gold Medalist from Russia Adelina Sotnikova and Silver Medalist Patrick Chan also did not attend. But there were still a lot of A-List skaters, making it a good competition. These 2014 World Championships occurred at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan to a very fan-tastic crowd (Gotta Luv Japan!).

Costume Change--Canada's Duhamel and Radford (Pairs)

Most the costumes the skaters wore were the same costumes they have been wearing throughout the season, but there were some "Costume Changes" including Canada's Pairs Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford who wore different costumes for their Short Program and Akiko Suzuki going back to a previous SP costume as well as some others...

So here's a photo recap of some of my fave Ladies and Pairs (plus some Costume Changes) from the 2014 ISU World Figure Skating Championships:

Akiko Suzuki of Japan, Short Program: Akiko wore this purple costume to her SP to "Hymme a L'Amour" by Marguerite Monnot. I've said before that it's A LOT, and maybe in need of applique editing. It's still a nice color for her. She DID NOT wear this to the Sochi Olympics for her Short Program and instead, she opted for this red costume...

Akiko at Sochi 2014 Short Program Costume: I liked this red costume much more. The neckline sequined beading is INCREDIBLE.

Carolina
Kostner of Italy, Short Program to "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert: The
sky blue colored costume featured a "plunging" neckline (in illusion)
with gorgeously strewn sequins throughout. It was beautiful, classic and
"Ice Princess" perfect. Her skate was almost like a religious
experience; the music, the skate, the costume...she seemed Angelic.

Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program to "Nocturne in E
flat major, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frederic Chopin: I liked this lavender
costume from Asada; the front bust gathered drape was original and the
sweetheart neckline caviar beading looked expensive. I also appreciated the
ombre dying effect in her costume.

Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia Short Program to "You Don't Give Up on Love" by Mark Minkov: I thought this was a very nice costume for Julia and this program. I loved the deep violet blue and baby blue combination and the torso/bodice sequin work looked beautiful. My favorite detail of this costume were the back straps that were beautiful.

Gracie Gold of the U.S., Short Program to "Piano Concerto" by Edvard Grieg: The costume was designed by Gale Johnson and Denise Gold and I LOVE it! It's elegant, classic but with a sexy "red carpet" edge and also works really well with her music and program; it's like a "mini-me" gown one could see at a late 19th Century/early 20th Century Ball in Europe. The off-the-shoulder look seems very "Moulin Rouge"-like as well.

Ashley Wagner of the U.S, , Short Program to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd: The costume featured black stretch chiffon, double-layer "skirt" and panels with silver crystal trimmed details. I really liked this costume because it really reflected the theme of her music. I especially loved the various sizes of the jeweled crystals and how the neck detail looked like a built-in diamond necklace.

Juulia Turkkila of Finland, Short Program to "Firebird" by Igor Stravinski: I don't think I've ever commented on this costume for Juulia. So, here it goes: I think it's kinda fabulous! The colors are great and "Firebird" appropriate. Is it a bit "Cirque du Soleil"? Yes, and reminiscent of something I've seen at the Olympics Synchronized Swimming? Yep, that too. But I like it.

Joshi Helgesson of Sweden, Short Program to  "Mystere" and "Taiko" from Cirque du Soleil: Joshi wore a different costume than what she wore to this program back in the 2012-2013 Season (photo on the right at Trophee Eric Bompard 2012). I liked the change! It was subtle but good. The colors are vibrant and effective and instead of the "sweetheart" neckline,m she went for a one-shoulder silhouette. She did keep the "petal" skirt but changed the hem slightly.

Netta Schreiber of Israel, Short Program to "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck: I have never discussed Netta and so I thought it was fitting to talk about her and this jumpsuit. First off: it's rare to see a jumpsuit/bodysuit. Netta wore a stretch black one with deep lilac strap accents with silver crystals. This is interesting but more fitting for a "warm up". Just saying.



Pairs Costumes Highlights:

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany, Short Program to Henry Manicini's soundtrack to "The Pink Panther". Aliona's costume featured a blindingly bright pink color and a silver crystal stripe down the top portion. Her boots were even covered in the same Lycra pink fabrication. I've discussed these costume many, many times and I just think they are fun, colorful and very, very effective. They have now become ICONIC. Seriously. 

Savchenko and Szolkowy, Free Skate to "The Nutcracker" by Petr I. Tchaikovsky: Their costumes were visions of the "Sugar Plum Fairy" and the Nutcracker prince. They were a bit "Costume 101" in terms of their designs and execution. I would have loved something more refined and Couture-worthy. But it's hard to critique the 5 time World Champions!

Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov of Russia, Free Skate to Music from The Addams Family soundtrack by Marc Shaiman: While I appreciated the bold choices, I thought this was a confusing Pairs Costume look. Fedor looked very Gomez Adams "kooky" in his costume yet Ksenia looked as if she was skating to "Carmen". Her costume was so sleek and simple, as compared to his. For once, the MAN stood out more than the female and yet, it didn't work. And to add: there is NOTHING of Morticia Adams in her look. I did like how elegant and clean her costume looked, but it was for a different skate. 

Felicia Zhang and Nathan Bartholomay of the USA--Short Program and Free Dance: Between these two costumes, I liked the Free Dance to Music from Les Miserables by Claude-Michel Schonberg (right). The costumes designed by Dawn Imperatore and James Peterson. These costumes were very "Les Miserables" and unless you were in a COMA you would obviously recognize that. Their Short Program costumes to "Carousel Waltz" to Rodgers and Hammerstein (left) was "Ehhh". Zhang's pink "heart" applique costume looked too "Todlers & Tiaras" and his looked like what a guy would have worn in 1998 at a dance club.

Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada, Short Program to "Tribute" by Eric Radford. Eric wrote this music and in terms of their costumes, they changed (Thanksss Godsss!) In past competitions, they had worn the ones on the right; to begin, Eric's was a bit of a yawn but on a plus side, it fit him very snugly showing off his very athletic build. Meagan, on the other hand (and Thank Goodness) wore a softly draped cowl front, fluttery skirt and sequined torso with a very unfortunate hairstyle. All this changed for what they wore for last week's 2014 ISU World Figure Skating Championships. She wore a silver costume that showed off her very toned arms and his was an all-black look. Which one do you guys liked best?

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres, Short Program to Minnie the Moocher by Cab Calloway, Jumpin' Jack by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: These costumes were a Costume Change from what they had worn at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Above is the "new" costumes. James wore a red with black trim halter costume and Cipres donned a silver and black sequined plunging neckline long sleeve shirt with black pants. These costumes were a Costume Change from what they had worn at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics: 

Purple Queen and "Jazzy Vest" King...Which ones do you guys like the best?  I am definitely a fan of the new costumes worn at Worlds. Red for Vanessa and plunging for Morgan...a hard combination to beat!



**Next Up: The 2014 ISU World Figure Skating Costumes--The MEN and ICE DANCE!

ICE STYLE.....Figure Skating Costumes Recap/Highlights of the Sochi 2014 Olympics, Ladies Short Program Costumes!

 Queen Yuna: Yuna Kim of South Korea, Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Ladies Short Program, Iceberg Skating Palace Sochi Russia

Tonight were the much-waited Ladies Figure Skating Short Program at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. I had the pleasure of doing Fashion/Costume commentary for the L.A. Times as well as NBCOlympics and NBC.com Streaming show "Olympic Ice" discussing these costumes. It was an exciting event for sure and worth the wait. So, let's discuss the LADIES costumes Highlights here on my BLOG,  for the Short Program...

 U.S. Ladies Figure Skater Gracie Gold: Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics--Short Program, Iceberg Palace Sochi Russia

First, I want to discuss Queen Yuna:

Kim Yuna of South Korea, Short Program to "Send In The Clowns": Her costume was FLAWLESS. Exquisite, beautifully made, gorgeous. Yuna Kim wore a chartreuse-colored costume with fitted-yet-fluttery sleeves , a sequined torso and chiffon skirt. 

 When the cameras did close-up's, one could really appreciate the delicate scroll-like gorgeousness of the sequin work  of her costume; stunning!

Ashley Wagner of the U.S, , Short Program to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd:
The costume featured black stretch chiffon, double-layer "skirt" and
panels with silver crystal trimmed details. I really liked this costume
because it really reflected the theme of her music. She also could have
easily worn this if she was skating to say, Tchaikovsky "Swan Lake"
as well! I especially loved the various sizes of the jeweled crystals
and how the neck detail looked like a built-in diamond necklace (that
was probably the point!).

Gracie Gold of the U.S., Short Program to "Piano Concerto" by Edvard Grieg: The costume was designed by Gale Johnson and Denise Gold and
I LOVE it! It's elegant, classic but with a sexy "red carpet" edge and
also works really well with her music and program; it's like a "mini-me"
gown one could see at a late 19th Century/early 20th Century Ball in
Europe. The off-the-shoulder look seems very "Moulin Rouge"-like as well.

Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia Short Program to "You Don't Give Up on Love" by Mark Minkov: I thought this was a very nice costume for Julia and this program. I loved the deep violet blue and baby blue combination and the torso/bodice sequin work looked beautiful. My favorite detail of this costume were the back straps. Also, I am usually not a fan of the pull-the-nude-tights-over-the-skates look but here it worked. Such a shame that little Julia fell, however. You could just hear the shock-and-awe from the mostly Russian audience.

Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program to "Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frederic Chopin: This beautiful costume is a change from what Asada wore for the Team Competition several weEks ago at the beginning of the Sochi Olympics:

I like both costumes but if I had to pick, I like what she wore tonight at the Sochi 2014 Olympics Ladies Short Program better; it's little more delicate, the gathering/draping in the front/torso seems more refined and overall, it looks softer. Poor Mao...

She was another Ladies Figure Skater who fell during this very important Short Program--I do LOVE that "Eiffel Tower"-like back sequin detail though.

Carolina Kostner of Italy, Short Program to Ave Maria by Franz Schubert: The sky blue
colored costume featured a "plunging" neckline (in illusion) with gorgeously strewn
sequins throughout. It was beautiful, classic and "Ice Princess" perfect. Her skate was almost like a religious experience; the music, the skate, the costume...she seemed Angelic.

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Short Program to "Habanera" from the "Carmen" Suite by Georges Bizet: I thought this costume was simple yet nice for her; it was clean and bold to grab the audience and judges' attention.  She wore this costume at the 2014 Russian Nationals but before, she had worn this:

This costume above was far more interesting in terms of design. Not sure which one I like best. I am thinking the one above.

Polina Edmuds of the U.S., Short Program to "Pink Cherries Cha-Cha-Cha," "Besame Mucho" and "Another Cha-Cha" by Ballroom Orchestra: The costume is designed by Lilya Dukler and
I think it's pretty fabulous! I love the light lemon yellow color, the
"shredded" skirt and emphasis on the neckline and all those panels in
the torso. I especially like how no "costume stone was left unturned" in
that it is a complete look; the hairstyle, details in the hair...it is
all in synch with the rest of the costume. Very nice!



Finally, I want to talk abut Akiko Suzuki of Japan:

Akiko Suzuki of Japan, Short Program to "Hymne à l'amour": This above was one of the most intricately beaded/sequined costumes of all the Ladies. You cannot really tell in the picture above but it truly was exquisite! The silver sequins at the neckline (and back) were Top Notch!. This red costume, by the way, was a costume change from what she had worn in the most recent 2013 Grand Prix series Short Dance:

Akiko Suzuki of Japan, Short Program costume, Japan Nationals December 2013--I like the red one much better; it looks more refined and the silver sequins are OUT OF CONTROL!

**Next Up: The Ladies Free Skate Costumes Recap of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics!

NHK Trophy Costumes Recap Part One

This past weekend was 2013 NHK Trophy. NHK Trophy is the fourth--out of six--event of the 2013-2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. It was held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. I've already covered some of the costumes seen at Skate America, Skate Canada and Cup of China under the "Ice Style" Category here on my NICKVERREOS.COM Blog (you can find the "Categories" on the right side of the blog). Therefore, now it's time to discuss the Figure Skating Costumes at the 2013 NHK Trophy.

A Full House: Japanese figure skating fans pack the Yoyogi Gymnasium in Tokyo Japan to see their favorite figure skaters at 2013 NHK Trophy

I watched the competitions on Universal Sports and NBC and it was great seeing a PACKED house of very excited figure skating fans. During the Ladies and Men's competitions, one could see people up in the nose-bleed sections--Japan LOVES Figure Skating that is for sure! It was a big contrast to some of the already-occurred Grand Prix events which were half-empty in terms of attendance. So, Good Job Japan!!! Now, let's talk about the Costumes: some of the costumes I have already discussed in my Skate America, Skate Canada or Cup of China posts and some I haven't so, with that being said, Time for the Ladies and Pairs of 2013 NHK Trophy...

Ladies:

Mao Asada Japan, Short Program--I've talked about this SP costume she wears to "Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frederic Chopin HERE in my Skate America post. I loved it. Exquisite, loved the draping and Eiffel Tower-like back detail.

 Mao Asada at 2013 NHK Trophy--Free Skate Costume

Mao Asada Hilton HHonors Skate America 2013--Free Skate Costume

Costume Change: For her Free Skate to "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor" by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Mao wore this black and royal blue costume with long sleeves, hem ruffles, a "neck-piece", "knotted/twisted" torso detail section and nude illusion sections. This was a costume change from what she wore the last time she competed at Skate America, which I also loved. At first, I thought "why would she change her costume?" especially since I LOVED the original one so much and it was GREAT! The new "2013 NHK Trophy" costume was fine but I think I liked the "Skate America" look better. I felt it was more modern and I loved the three-dimensional pieces of the top and skirt. Which costume do you guys like best?

 

Akiko Suzuki Japan, Short Program--Click HERE to read my thoughts on this Short program costume to "Hymne à l'amour", when I discussed it back in my Skate Canada Costume Recap.

 Alena Leonova at 2013 NHK Trophy--Short Program Costume

 Alena Leonova 2011 NHK Trophy--Short Program Costume

Same Old/Same Old: Alena Leonova Russia, Short Program--Alena skated to Music from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt. She is not only reprising the same music she skated to in the 2011-2012 season but the same costume. I thought it was two seconds from looking like a store-bought Halloween costume then, and I still kind of think the same now.

Elena Radionova Russia, Short Program to Music from the Anna Karenina soundtrack by Two Steps From Hell--2013 NHK Trophy

Elena Radionova Russia, Free Skate to Music from the Frida soundtrack--2013 NHK Trophy--I talked about these costumes in my Skate America post HERE. To sum it up, I thought both were a bit too CRAY-CRAY for her and a little "Toddlers & Tiaras" tacky-licious looking.

Mirai Nagasu USA, Short Program--Mirai skated her SP to "The Man I Love" by George Gershwin. This blue ombre-dyed costume seemed almost unfinished and cheap. I wish I could say more but I cannot. This could have been much better.

Free Skate: Mirai wore a black costume with silver crystal neckline detail for her FS to Music from James Bond by various artists. This costume was better than her Short Program but it still suffered from needing "something more" in terms of design and creativity.

Congrats to the Top Three Ladies at 2013 NHK Trophy: (left to right) silver medalist Elena Radionova, gold medalist Mao Asada and bronze medalist Akiko Suzuki

Pairs:

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov Russia, Short Program and Free Skate: I have discussed these costumes HERE and I LOVED them! And I have to add, they almost made me shake and CRY as I watched their performance; it was flawless. A "Master Class" in how to skate a fabulous Pairs skate. I cannot wait to see this at the Sochi Olympics.

Sui Wenjing and Han Cong China, Short Program: They skated their SP to Music from La Strada by Nino Rota and I liked both of their costumes. I liked her blue and nude illusion design with a red HEART chest detail and I especially liked the fact that his was embellished and incorporated some of her blue sequins into his vest. Although to my eye, his entire ensemble in black did not relate to her look at all. I always prefer a stronger connection between the two costumes.

Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir USA, Free Skate: For their FS to Music from the Skyfall soundtrack by various artists, I liked these costumes. Marissa wore a black sequined dress that looked expensive and elegant--like a "Bond Girl". And Simon---LOVED his super fitted pants and shirt with gun holster look. It was as if he had taken off his Tom Ford tuxedo and revealed what was underneath...The costumes are designed by Yumi Nakamura and Paul Ginandes.

Peng Cheng and Zhang Hao China, Free Skate: They skated their FS to "Yellow River Concerto".  These costumes were great. I especially loved Zhang Hao and that AMAZING blue with green and silver applique sequin of his top. Her costume was beautifully made, elegant and looked expensive! A perfect combination and connection between the two looks!



**Stay Tuned for my Next "2013 Grand Prix Costumes Recap" here on NICKVERREOS.COM !