ICE STYLE.....Figure Skating Costumes Recap/Highlights of the Sochi 2014 Olympics Ice Dance Costumes!

 USA Gold: Gold medalists (center) Meryl Davis and Charlie White waive to the crowd at the Ice Dance Finals Sochi Olympics Medal Ceremony, Iceberg Skating Palace Sochi Russia

Last night were the Ice Dance Finals at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. I had the pleasure of being invited to be part of NBC's "Olympic Ice" show on NBC.com to talk about the Ice Dance costumes with 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes earlier yesterday (yes, I woke up very early to watch the finals here where I live in Los Angeles). You can watch my "Nick Costume Recap" HERE. But, here on my blog it's time to discuss the highlights of the Ice Dance costumes and the running theme: Costume Changes! First off, time to congratulate Meryl Davis and Charlie White for getting the gold medal, along with silver and bronze medalists from Canada and Russia respectfully:

Raise Your Bouquets: (left to right) Silver medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and bronze medalists Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia--Iceberg Skating Palace Sochi Russia

Now, time for the Costumes-- I want to start with Davis and White, the gold winning Ice Dance pair:

Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the U.S., Free Dance to “Scheherazade” by Nikoli Rimsky-Korsakov: I LOVE these costumes. They belong together--both  Meryl and Charlie meet my criteria that the costumes must have something to do with the music/theme. Meryl looks exotic, sensual and utterly hypnotic, which is what Scheherazade should be in this draped and jeweled costume. In the past, I scoffed at Charlie's tussled messy hair and how I wished--for some of their more elegant programs--that possibly he could have at least added some gel. But I take it back; his messy surfer-boy-like hair works in ANY ice dance he is in. Period. 



Her costume was a different color from what she had worn for the Figure Skating Team Competition at the Sochi 2014 Olympics a couple of weeks back:

Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the U.S., Free Dance, Sochi 20-14 Olympics Team Competition--Her costume was the same but a different color-way as we say. This one was teal-colored while the one she wore to the finals was lilac. She had worn the lilac one to the U.S. Nationals in January:

 Meryl Davis and Charlie White at the Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships at TD Garden on January 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts 

Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the U.S., Short Dance to "My Fair Lady": This above is what they wore for their Short Dance and I liked it since it reflected more of Audrey Hepburn's character in the iconic film and the blouson sleeves/neckline were more in tune with the Period of the movie. It was designed by Randall Christensen of Randall Designs. Christensen, in case you didn't know, was the Costume Designer for ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" from Season 2-12. So, if anyone knows how to create performance, dance-heavy costumes, it is him! This pink costume on Meryl above was a change in what she had previously worn during the entire season for the same program (also designed by Randall Christensen):

 Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the U.S., Short Program costumes, before the Sochi 2014 Olympics

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, Free Dance to Petit Adagio by Alexander Glazunov, Waltz in Concerto No. 2 by Alexander Glazunov, Allegro Moderato by Alexander Skriabin: Scott wore all black with blouson sleeves and Tessa wore a dusty rose dress with chiffon knee-length skirt and scroll-like sequin applique. Her costume was pretty and delicate, if not a bit underwhelming. But I did recognize the gorgeous and very expensive-looking crystal applique bodice work. This above was a costume change--for Tessa AND Scott--from what they wore for the same Free Dance during the Team Competition:

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, Free Dance costumes, Sochi 2014 Figure Skating Team Competition: Tessa wore a bright red dress with heavily detailed gold trim and sequins reminiscent of a Faberge egg, while Scott's shirt had contrast red piping, insets and buttons. These costumes seemed very "Russian"--the music itself was Russian-composed. I like the more subtle dusty rose costume which she chose for the Finals. I'm not used to see Tessa costumed so "elaborately".



 Costume Change Queen (and King):

Canadian Costume Changes: For this same Free Dance program, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir have worn these other looks/costumes above. On the left is what they wore at the Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships/Canadian Nationals 2014 in January 2014 and the right photo is what they wore for ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2013/2014 on December 2013, Japan.



And then there was another Costume Change:

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, Short Dance to Foxtrot: Dream a Little Dream by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong; Quickstep: Muskrat Ramble by Louis Armstrong; Foxtrot: Heaven by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong: Scott wore a white tuxedo shirt, black suspenders, bow tie and pants. Tessa wore a black shimmering dress with Art Deco-like neckline detail. This was a costume change for Tessa from what she wore for the Figure Skating Team Competition Short Dance program:

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, Short Dance, Sochi 2014 Figure Skating Team Competition/Short Dance: Tessa wore a black dress with pointed "car wash" hemmed skirt and black sequin detail. I liked the black dress/costume she wore to the Finals better; the neckline detail seemed more refined, delicate and interesting.

Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia, Free Dance to "Swan Lake": I love these costumes. Simply one of the best of the Ice Dance. Elena and Nikita are the Supermodels of Sochi; both are beautiful and both looked stunning in their costumes. From the photos above (left, the Sochi 2014 Ice Dance Finals tonight and right, the Sochi 2014 Figure Skating Team Competition). I wanted to highlight if you noticed something different/missing--costume-wise. If you guessed her headdress, you are right...(and gloves!):

 Elena wore a red and silver crystal headdress/crown on her forehead for the Finals above, while she went crown-less for the Team Competition. Speaking of crowns...

Elena Ilinykh wore a silver tiara for the ISU Grand Prix NHK Trophy 2013

Ekaterina Brobova Dmitri Soloviev Brobova of Russia, Free Dance to "Man with a Harmonica" from the Once Upon a Time in the West soundtrack by Ennio Morricone: These costumes above--and program/music--were from their 2011-2012 Season. She wore a black uneven hemmed dress with plunging square-shaped neckline and Dmitry, a gray loose sweater and dark gray pants. This was modern and directional but not impacting enough for the Olympics. I am not sure why they changed their programs and went back to a previous one--as well as previous costumes--these were the SAME costumes they wore for the 2011-2012 Season. 



Previously--for the 2013 Season...

Their Free Dance was to Music from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi and "Lacrimosa" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and they had different costumes for this program: At the Russian Nationals 2014 in late December 2013, Bobrova and Soloviev wore these ombre blue/gray and ivory costumes above...

 And before that, they wore these costume above for the 2013 ISU Grand Prix Finals in Japan in mid December 2013

And before that...they wore two of my favorite costumes of the season back in November 2013 at the ISU Grand Prix Lexus Cup of China 2013. These were spectacular bird-like costumes. They looked like Paris Runway Ravens ready to take
off into an amazing ornithological pas des deux. They thought
about everything--from her chic runway-like hairstyle to the unusual
"feathered wings" that were attached through her arms and back; simply outstanding! I wish they would have worn these to the Sochi 2014 Olympics (as well as skated to the music that corresponded with these).

Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy, Free Dance to Overture from Barber of Seville by G. Rossini: Speaking of costume change, Anna Cappellini of Italy changed her costume for this Free Dance. Previously (as seen in the photo on the right), she had worn a deep red ruched and draped costume with fringed hem. The costume she wore for the Finals was ivory, ruched and gathered at the torso and ruffled at the hem with "fan" details at the bodice. Which one do you guys like best? The new, or old one?

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the U.S., Free Dance to "Michael Jackson Medley": Maia changed her costume--slightly--for this Ice Dance Final. This costume above, a black with silver crystals, neckband and arm-bands was different from...

...what she wore for the Sochi 2014 Olympics Figure Skating Team Competition (photo above). The change was very slight. The one above featured a one sleeve/shoulder silhouette and different torso styling. Even though it was subtle, it was still a different costume. Alex's costume stayed the same. One of my favorite details of their costumes is...

 Alex's red sequined lapel lining which he snaps open to display toward the end of their program

Maia and Alex Shbutani--"The Shib Sibs"--also had a Costume Change for their Short Dance:

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the U.S., Short Dance to a Michael Bublé medley: Alex's costume was a bow tie-less tuxedo shirt with black buttons and black pants, while Maia wore a very pretty blue costume with nude illusion top and corseted midriff featuring gorgeous silver beading. Her costume was a change from what she had previously worn...

...at the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships/U.S. Nationals on January 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts:this time she wore a deep magenta-colored chiffon dress with a sweetheart neckline and heavily beaded bodice.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the U.S., Free Dance to Selections from Les Misérables by various artists: Madison designs all their costumes and this dusty rose pink dress on her was a costume change from what she had worn previously. This above was lovely and reminiscent of the "Cosette" character. It featured an ivory ruffled neckline and lightly corseted bodice and slight hi-lo hemline. It was a change from what she wore at the U.S. Nationals last month:

Madison wore this dress/costume above at the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships/U.S. Nationals in Boston, Massachusetts in January. This dress had a gathered bust more heavily sequined bodice/midriff and shredded chiffon shoulder straps. Evan--like most of the other Ice Dance male partners--stayed the same; he looked sharp, elegant and perfect as the Ice Dance Marius of "Les Mis".

Congratulations to the Top Three medalists! And especially Meryl Davis and Charlie White for winning the Gold Medal! Go USA!

ICE STYLE.....2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships: Ice Dance Costumes

Go US: Gold Medal-winning Ice Dancers Meryl David and Charlie White, 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, London, Ontario, Canada

Part Three of my 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships Costume Recap involves the always visually-entertaining ICE DANCE! There is lots to discuss including all the "folkloric"-looking costumes (it's like a Miss Universe Parade of Nations competition!), Cowgirls and Cowboys (in CHAPS!), an IMPORTANT Costume Change (Mon Dieu!) and much more...Here are some of MY highlights from both the Short and Free Dance portions of the Ice Dance competition at the Worlds 2013:

Olesia Karmi and Max Lindholm of Finland--I loved their very folkloric and Finnish-looking costumes for their Short Dance to Säkkijärven Polka and Kesäillan Valssi. The colors were great, loved the trim and applique detail and they both looked very polished. They looked like teenagers from "The Sound of Music" von Trapp family...the Finnish version!

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of USA--Chock and Bates skated their Short Dance to Selections from Quidam by Cirque du Soleil. Madison designed the costumes and I liked them. The colors were impacting, vibrant and perfect for the dance. Hers, especially is a bit over-the-top but then again, that's Cirque du Soleil! I also liked Evan's slim, fitted velvet midnight
blue jacket with trimmed lapel. I kind of wish his pants would have matched though.

Nelli Zhiganshina and Alexander Gazsi of Germany--For their Free Dance titled "Two From the Grave", they skated to three songs "Tore My Heart", "Et Maintenant" and "Rama Lama".
They look like these messy/torn-up
seemingly-rising-from-the-shipwrecked-"grave"couple. It's such a MESS
that I'm actually all for it. I just feel bad for Alexander, because he
really looks as if he got the BAD end of the Costume-and-Makeup Stick. They both look very Helena Bonham Carter going to an Awards Show!

Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri of Italy--I LOOOVE! When I saw them step onto
the ice to do their Short Dance, I think I quietly exclaimed "Now, these
are Costumes!". For their Short Program, they skated to a Waltz sung
by Luciano Pavarotti and a Polka by Strauss. These two looked like they
came out of a Vienna Austria dinner theater and straight onto the ice! These costumes blend camp, color, and actual historical
period costumes and do it superbly.

Sara Hurtado and Adria Diaz of Spain--For their Short Dance, these two cuties from Spain chose a Waltz to "Jane's Waltz" and a Polka to "Modern Times". I thought they both looked elegant, so "Old Hollywood Glamour" and still "costume-y" enough for this portion of the Ice Dance competition. I thought her dress was FABULOSO! And I especially liked how the costume designer brought in her lemon yellow color into the boutonniere he had on his chest. Muy bien chicos!

Pernelle Carron and Lloyd Jones of France--Carron and Jones skated their Free Dance to "La Chanson des Vieux Amants" by Jaques Brel. These two looked elegant and very "Red Carpet Ready". I especially admired her costume and that front torso heavy sequin detail. It looked expensive. I also liked his very fitted double breasted suit.

Justyna Plutowska and Peter Gerber of Poland--For their Short Dance to "Mary Poppins" (of course!), they wore these great costumes above. I appreciated the bold and graphic vest of multicolored harlequin print and the juxtaposition of her soft, delicate and lacy dress. It was nice to give him a red neck-tie to go with the pops of red in her dress.

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada--Gilles and Poirier also skated their Short Dance to Selections from "Mary Poppins" (like the Ice Dance team from Poland above them). As you can see, there were some similarities between both costumes--the red ribbons, red neck-ties on the men, the lace top sections of the girl's dresses. Paul's vest however, was much more subdued than his Polish counterpart. Which Ice Dance "Mary Poppins" costume do you guys like the best?

Allison Reed and Vasili Rogov of Israel--Reed and Rogov performed their Short Dance to "Claudia's Waltz" and "The Rambler's" by The Dreadnoughts. I wanted to highlight her yellow with teal ribbon'ed detail dress because well, it really stood out. It's a little "St. Pauli Girl" and she's a hot minute from serving beer at a Hofbräu but, somehow, I still like it!

Cathy Reed and Chris Reed of Japan--These two really brought the Capital "C" in Costumes for their 2012-2013 Season. For both their Short and Free Dances, they went 110% and I liked them. For their Short Dance to "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", they wore these costumes above. The bright pink and shiny fabric of her
dress was a bit much but very "on trend" with what's going on in fashion for Spring 2013. But the overall theme was appropriate for the
musical.

For their Free Dance to Selections from "The Beatles", they went
pop-art 60's Mod (well, she was!). Again, I really liked these looks.
The color-blocked dress on Cathy was very on-trend yet seem
perfect for the music and ice dance. And notice, kids, how his tie had
the SAME colors as her dress. They get an "A" in costumes for this season!

 Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of USA--The costumes this brother and sister team from the US wore for their Free Dance were some of my favorites of the entire season. They skated their Free Dance to John Williams' "Memoirs of a Geisha" and I thought their costumes were perfect.
Alex looked sublimely chic in his grey side draped waist-coat/vest,
black pants and white dress short. Maia was a vision of pretty in her
rose-pink and steel-gray Kimono-and-Obi costume.

Julia Zlobina and Alexei Sitnikov of Azerbaijan--For their Short Dance to "Violente Valse" by Caravan Palace and "Dolly Song" by Holly Dolly, Zlobina and Sitnikov went very colorful and festive with their costumes. I like colorful and festive but something about the entire looks hinted of Cirque du Soleil backup performers and looked a little "Happy Hands At Home" arts-and-crafts.

Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia--For their Short Dance to "Andijan Polka", they wore these
costumes above which were some of my favorites of the 2012-2013 Season, especially amongst the "Folklore Costume Category".
The print was fabulous, the crown she wore, the little details in her wrists/sleeve hem, she looked like a Miss Universe contestant at the Parade of Nations Costumes Competition. Oh, and yes, Nikita looked very cute as well.

Irina Shtork and Taavi Rand of Estonia--For their Short Dance to "Old Country Waltz" and "Cotton Eye Joe", these two went COUNTRY!!! On Irina, I absolutely loved the richness, vibrancy of the red gingham, the perfectly tailored denim and the delicacy of the lace trim. She was sassy and looked right at home for a good ol' barn ride--or a line dance competition. But the Star here are those chaps on Taavi! I need to repeat: CHAPS! Plus the matching fringed vest! I want this entire look the next time I go to my Gay Rodeo! Seriously.

Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat--For their Free Dance, Pechalat and Bourzat skated to "Miss You," "Angie," "Symphony for the Devil" and "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones. Their "costumes", if you could call them that, were what I would call "Boho Hippie Chick Meets 'Survivor' Reality Show Contestants". It was a bit of a mish-mash. She wore a cami-like tunic top (or was it a dress) that was a teeny
bit short and her panties kept showing whenever a turn or a lift
occurred. She had accessories on her forehead and a long dangling
necklace that I guess were there to reiterate the "Hippie" part but they
looked a bit contrived. He looked like he belonged in a "Jesus Christ Superstar" revival. To sum it up: I wasn't a fan.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada--One word: WOW. Another word: Sublime. Kids, I could go on. And I will. They skated their Silver Medal-winning Free Dance to "Carmen" by Rodion Shchedrin and these ensembles were flawless. So chic, so modern and directional. We have seen those "Carmen" costumes over and over...and OVER again. So how refreshing to not see a red rose in sight, or a mantilla or lace. Yet still, through their powerful performance, you get it! This, kids, is a MODERN Carmen. Thank you very much. Now, to the Costume Change news: This sheer and solid black asymmetrical neckline dress was a change for Tessa in terms of what she had been wearing all season long for this Free Dance...

This above is the dress/costume she had worn for the 2012-2013 season. For the Worlds, she--and her costume designer(s) decided a new black dress would be right. I LOVED the "old" plunging neckline dress above and in fact, thought it was one of THE BEST of all the Ice Dancers this entire season.But I liked the change as well. It's always refreshing to keep the Figure Skating Costume Watchers (such as myself) on my toes, looking out for any little (costume) changes.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White of USA--Gold Medal-winning Ice Dancers Davis and White wore this above for their 2012-2013 Season Short Dance to "Giselle". They looked great--and more importantly,
appropriate for the music. I liked the bold colors on her waist corset and the fringe on Charlie's tan suede vest. I also thought Meryl was very "St. Pauli Girl" (it's a theme it seems here in Ice Dance!) and maybe that's why I loved it!

For their Free Dance to "Notre-Dame de Paris", they went a little
more subdued--Meryl donned a maroon midriff corseted costume and
Charlie...well, he went into his closet and got a black stretch long
sleeve shirt and black pants (or so it seemed). I would have LOVED to have seen a
compatible COSTUME partner to Meryl's corseted damsel. I understand the simplicity in the Men's costumes, allowing the women to be the highlight, but I would love to see just a bit more of a "costume connection" between the two of them.

 Congrats to Davis and White for winning the GOLD!

**Up Next: My Fourth and Final Recap of the Costumes of the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships-THE PAIRS!