ICE STYLE.....Costumes Recap/Highlights of 2014 ISU European Championships of Figure Skating: LADIES & MEN

 Top Three Ladies: (left to right) Adelina Sotnikova of Russia (Silver), Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia (Gold) and Carolina Kostner of Italy (Bronze)--2014 ISU European Figure Skating Championships, Syma Sports and Events Centre Budapest Hungary

This past week and weekend (January 13-19th) were the 2014 ISU European Figure Skating Championships, held at the Syma Sports and Events Centre in Budapest Hungary. NBC/NBC Sports televised the LADIES and MEN'S Free Skate today (Sunday) in the afternoon. I was happy to get some Figure Skating-watching in this weekend naturally and I, especially, was interested in the COSTUMES.

Budapest Hungary--site of the 2014 ISU European Championships of Figure Skating

 Let's begin with a couple of the MEN:

 Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver medalist Sergei Voronov of Russia, gold medalist Javier Fernandez of Spain and bronze medalist Konstantin Menshov of Russia--2014 ISU European Figure Skating Championships, Syma Sports and Events Centre Budapest Hungary

Konstantin Menshov of Russia, Free Skate: For his Free Skate to "Allegro," "Rose" and "Night Run" by Rene Aubry, I liked his black, silver gray and white costume consisting of a stretch top with super tight long sleeves in white with a front flap, silver-gray inset and silver sequins. His pants were black. It was modern and good-looking for his skate. It also featured his very athletic build.

Sergei Voronov of Russia, Free Skate: Russian figure skater Sergei Voronov wore this above for his Free Skate to "A Los Amigos" by Armando Pontier, "Por Una Cabeza" by Carlos Gardel and "Tanguera" by Mariano Mores. The music was very Tango-esque and therefore it went with the black and red...and applique lace. The costume was TACKY-LICIOUS. Although it looked expensive and well-made, it seemed two seconds away from a Cirque du Soleil show; it was rather distracting from his skate, in my eyes. Not a fan of this costume.



Ladies:

Carolina Kostner of Italy, Short Program: Carolina skated a new SP to Ave Maria by Franz Schubert. This was also a NEW COSTUME. The sky blue colored costume featured a "plunging" neckline with gorgeously strewn sequins throughout. It was beautiful, classic and "Ice Princess" perfect. The costume above was different from the last Short Program costume we had seen from her...

Carolina Kostner at the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013--This red costume was what she wore to her SP to Humoresque by Antonin Dvorak. I was not a fan. It was too "Figure Skating Amateur Hour" and those butterfly appliques were...obnoxious. Glad she changed her costume and music. Grazie Carolina!

Carolina Kostner of Italy, Free Skate: For her Free Skate, she also changed her music and costume. Carolina skated to "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel, performed by Andre Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra. This was the same music she used in last season's (2012-2013) program. Her costume consisted of a black design using solid vs. illusion fabrication and beautiful silver and black icicle-like sequin accents.

The sleeves were see-thru/solid as well as the front torso. The back was designed to be "backless"-looking but there was an annoying white elastic strap that broke the line of the silhouette (right photo). That needs to be changed. ASAP. Other than this, I thought the costume was modern, chic and a nice departure from what she had worn before for her Free Skate to...

Carolina Kostner at the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013, Free Skate to "Scheherazade" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. This was a very FASHIONISTA costume in its design, sequin accents and bold style. While I liked the sequin detail, I understand how people can see this as a bit, well, TOO MUCHEY.

 Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Free Skate: Silver medalist Adelina Sotnikova wore this costume above for her Free Skate to "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28" by Camille Saint-Saëns. The costume featured an ombre lilac/gray colored design with copper/gold sequined trim. I liked this. I also realized that "wait, it looks kinda familiar..."

Adelina Sotnikova, Free Skate Costume at the 2013 ISU Grand Prix Final Championships, Japan--Adelina wore a similar costume at the 2013 ISU Grand Prix Finals for her Free Skate (above photo). The gold/copper sequins were similar but the color of her costume was a darker chocolate brown color. I like the lighter one she wore at the 2014 European Championships of Figure Skating MUCH BETTER!

Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia, Short Program: Gold medalist Julia wore this blue sequined number for her SP to "You Don't Give Up on Love" by Mark Minkov. I loved the light-to-dark blue coloring but my favorite part were the three straps in the back. And yes, this girl CAN JUMP! I would bet money (if I was a betting type) that Julia will be an Olympic Medalist in Sochi!

Valentina Marchei of Italy, Free Skate: Four time Italian champion Valentina Marchei skated her Free Skate to "Nyah" from the Mission Impossible soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. I really liked this black and silver sequined costume. It had a blouson top section in "striped" solid/sheer fabrication with raw edges and paillettes throughout.

Crystal Boots: The costume had an open back save for straps (above photo). BTW, my favorite part were the Swarovski crystal-encrusted figure skating boots. These are FAB!

ICE STYLE.....2014 U.S. Prudential Figure Skating Championships Costumes Recap Part Four: The MEN & ICE DANCE Free Skate/Free Dance Costumes

Dick Button and Tenley Albright are introduced during the Smucker's
Skating Spectacular following the Prudential U.S. Figure Skating
Championships, TD Garden Boston, Massachusetts

The 2014 U.S. Prudential Figure Skating Championships ended Sunday night--culminating in the Smucker's Skating Spectacular gala which followed the Championship Men Free Skate and corresponding Medals Ceremony for the Men...

 

The Top Four Men: (left to right) Jason Brown, Jeremy Abbott, Max Aaron and Joshua Farris pose for
photographers on the medals podium after the Men's competition during
the Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, TD Garden Boston, Massachusetts

Time to Recap the MEN and ICE Dance Costumes of the 2014 U.S. Nationals...First the MEN:

Jason Brown, Free Skate: Jason skated an AMAZING performance/skate for his Free Skate to "Reel Around the Sun" by Bill Whelan. His costume--while a bit gawdy and TRIM-a-licious, I still liked it because it goes perfectly well with his "River Dance"-like performance, it's a "show-stopper" of a costume (and maybe in a tacky way), and Jason IS a showman. At least, Jason is giving me something--compared to Brandon Mroz (keep reading!). I completely approve this costume, designed by Elena Pollack.

Jeremy Abbott, Free Skate: For his Free Skate to "Exogenesis Symphony Part III (Redemption)" by Muse, Jeremy Abbott wore this costume designed by Elise Fife. It's a printed loose top in brown, lilac and gray watercolor-like colorings. The ensemble is finished off with dark blue pants. It's a good look for this elegant, subdued, modern music.

Adam Rippon, Free Skate: I love how soft and drapy Adam's costume is (the top, at least). He skated his FS to "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" by Claude Debussy and this Jan Longmire-designed costume tries to mimic the Nijinsky-like soft femininity that one knows is associated with this music.

Joshua Farris, Free Skate: Speaking of soft and drapy, this is a fabulous costume on one of my favorite male figure skaters, Joshua Farris. Joshua skated his FS to Music from Schindler's List by John Williams in this Susi Hubbs designed costume (Susi contacted me to let me know that she was the designer of this FAB costume. She also created John Coughlin's "Phantom" costume and the designs worn by Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, the Canadian ice dancers, among others.).  Pat Pearsall-designed costume. Pearsall is one of the most renown Figure Skating Costume Designers and she knows what she is doing! The asymmetrical ivory ombre dyed cowl neck top is gorgeous; so fluid and so harmonious with the music.

Ross Miner, Free Skate: Ross skated his FS to Boston Strong--Music from the album Glory by Michael W. Smith. This was a tribute to his hometown of Boston--which also incidentally, was the host city of this year's U.S. Nationals. I thought this was a very nice costume--designed by The Work Room Productions--I thought the deep purple and silver sequins, created in a cross-like pattern was exquisite and enough of a costume exclamation point needed to highlight this emotional skate.

Max Aaron, Free Skate: Max skated his FS to Music from Carmen performed by Rodion Shchedrin and the Boston Pops Orchestra. I LOVE this sleek, modern costume. I especially like the use of solid with sheer panels (see above pic). It's one of my favorite male figure skating costumes for being so chic, sleek and modern--and for not using any overt "Carmen"-like toreador details...or a red rose!

 Bye Bye Curls: Just one sad note--that he cut his hair! I LOVED it all long and curly in the front in above pic.

Brandon Mroz, Free Skate: Brandon is a phenomenal jumper--but when it comes to his costumes...Oyyy veyy!! This is what he wore for his Free Skate to "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue"--a ballet with music by Richard Rodgers about a hoofer who falls in love with a dance hall girl who is then shot by a jealous boyfriend. The 1957 film by the same name chronicles the dealings of crime, murder and widespread corruption in NYC's waterfront. With that being said and knowing the background, this costume is still THE. WORST. COSTUME. EVER. Seriously. It's like he--or whoever his costume designer is--did not even try; it's as if they went to an Express Outlet store, had a $100 budget and bought this above. Take a look at how the too-short shirt--that's not even tucked, lifts up and shows his tummy while he is jumping...it's just unacceptable.



Ice Dance Free Dance Costume Highlights:

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani Free Dance: I've written about these great costumes that brother-and-sister ice dancers Shibutani and Shibutani wear for their Free Dance to a Michael Jackson medley. You can read that HERE.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Free Dance: Chock and Bates skated their FD to Selections from Les Misérables by various artists. The good: it's pretty obvious that they are skating to Les Misérables. Also, I think Evan looks sharp and perfect.The not-so-good: Madison's pink costume with shredded shoulder details is a bit lackluster--design-wise for me, it almost seems as if more time was taken for his costume than hers, which is odd since Madison designed these costumes. I also don't think the shape is flattering to her figure at all. 

Meryl Davis and Charlie White, Free Dance: The gold medal winning ice dance pair of Davis and White skated their FD to "Scheherazade" by Nikoli Rimsky-Korsakov...

I absolutely love these costumes--especially hers--she looks like a near Eastern Empress! The chiffon gathering and draping plus the multicolored jeweled crystals are divine. Incidentally, this is a Change of Costume--well, more specifically, the color of the costume. This lilac color is a change from this...

What she wore at NHK Trophy 2013 in November...same design, just a color change.

Congrats and Good Luck at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics: Members of the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team are introduced at the
Smucker's Skating Spectacular following the Prudential U.S. Figure
Skating Championships, TD Garden Boston,
Massachusetts. 

ICE STYLE.....2014 U.S. Prudential Figure Skating Championships Costumes Recap: Ladies & Pairs Free Program Costumes

Golden Girl: Gracie Gold with coaches Scott Brown and Frank Carroll--2014 U.S. Prudential Figure Skating Championships, TD Garden Boston Massachusetts 

In Part Three of my Costumes Recap of  the 2014 U.S. Prudential Figure Skating Championships, it's time to discuss the Costume Highlights of the LADIES and PAIRS Free Skate/Long Program. The all-important ladies competition finished and the favorite to win gold--Ashley Wager--came in fourth. Luckily for Ashley, winning a medal at the National Championships does not determine if you will be chosen for the Olympic Team heading to Sochi next month. And  Just today, it was announced that 4th place Ashley Wagner was given a spot to go to the Olympics, therefore leaving actual third place medalist and 2010 Olympian Mirai Nagasu out. She, sadly, will not not be skating at the Olympics.

 Don't Worry, I'm Going: (left to right) Mirai Nagasu and Ashley Wagner, during the Medals Ceremony--2014 U.S. Prudential Figure Skating Championships TD Garden Boston Massachusetts

 Mirai Nagasu--Medals Ceremony--2014 U.S. Prudential Figure Skating Championships TD Garden Boston Massachusetts

Time for the Costumes:

Mirai Nagasu Free Skate: Mirai skated her FS to Music from James Bond by various artists, and I don't know why this didn't come to my Costume Commentin' attention before but...her costume is so similar to Ashley Wagner's Short Program costume (photo, right). It's black with sheer panels and features silver encrusted sequins at the torso and neckline mimicking a necklace. It is pretty, elegant and somewhat mysterious--and right for the "James Bond Girl" theme of her skate.

Ashley Wagner Free Skate: Speaking of Ashley, this is the costume she wore for her Free Skate to Music from Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev. The costume is designed by Jan Longmire. I've discussed this costume before and you can read my thoughts HERE.

Ashley Cain, Free Skate: Ashley skated her FS to "Ave Maria" by William Joseph wearing this beautiful costume designed by Denyse Frey and Darlene Cain. The white costume featured asymmetrical lines at the torso with silver crystals throughout, a sheer upper chest and pointed neckline and sleeve hem. She looked very much like an "Ice Princess", and in a good costume-way.

 

Barbie Long Free Skate: I actually really liked this costume that Barbie wore for her FS to "Warsaw Concerto" by Richard Addinsell. The costume was designed by Marilyn Mathiney and Susan Liss and incidentally, 5-time U.S, champion and Olympic silver medalist Tanith Belbin (and a Twitter Buddy of mine!) is her choreographer.  

I liked this silver/gray costume featuring A WHOLE LOT OF silver crystals. The design is very "Retro" and and reminded me very much of Nancy Kerrigan's Lillehammer Olympic Free Skate Costume....

Christina Gao, Free Skate: Christina skated her FS to Music from the Angels and Demons soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and Joshua Bell. Her costume was designed by Yumi Barnett-Nakamura. I thought the torso, which featured a sheer illusion backdrop with solid ivory with silver crystal panels, was quite unique and fab.

Hannah Miller, Free Skate: Hannah skated her FS to "Primavera" by Ludovico Einaudi. Her costume was designed by Elena Pollack. While I liked the color and juxtaposition of the nude illusion with solid with sequins...it's A LOT. The costume does pay homage to the music but it looks a bit sophomoric in its overall design and execution.

Polina Edmunds, Free Skate: Polina wore this ivory costume for her Free Skate to "Solveig's Song" and "Morning" from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg. The costume was designed by Lilya Dukler and I thought it was modern, chic and correct, for Polina and that music.

Gracie Gold, Free Skate: Gold Medalist Gracie Gold skated her FS to Music from Sleeping Beauty by Tchaikovsky. Her costume was designed by Gale Johnson and Denise Gold. I really liked this lilac colored costume which featured long sleeves, and uneven "skirt" and silver crystal neck, bust and  sleeve accents. If I had any criticism, it would be...

A TOO WIDE collar band. I just feel that it should have been 1/2"-3/4" thinner.Other than that: good (Costume) job. By the way, this is a COSTUME CHANGE and below, is what she wore...

At the NHK Trophy 2013, which I deemed one of the BEST Figure Skating Costumes of 2013.I am not quite sure why they decided to change the costume as I prefer the original design.



Pairs Free Skate Costume Highlights:

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, Free Skate: Denney and Coughlin skated their Free Skate to Selections from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Their costumes were right on with the Musical. He looked sharp in his very fitted costume. Caydee--who can look two seconds away from a "Toddlers & Tiaras" grown-up cast member--looked good in her ivory sequined lace and chiffon number.

Gretchen Donlan and Andrew Speroff, Free Skate: Donlan and Speroff wore these costumes for their FS to "Pas de Deux" from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky.  The costumes were designed by Yumi Barnett-Nakamura and I thought they were VERY "The Nutcracker". I just wish that there was another way of designing a more modern/directional looking interpretation.

Felicia Zhang and Nathan Bartholomay, Free Skate: Zhang and Bartholomay skated their FS to Music from Les Miserables by Claude-Michel Schonberg. 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. I liked his more than hers. Nathan looked hot, musical-appropriate while Felicia looked as if it was a (costume) after-thought.

Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir, Free Skate: Castelli and Shnapir skated their FS to Music from the Skyfall soundtrack by various artists. Part of me wanted Simon to actually look like James Bond--a Tom Ford-looking fitted suit, etc. But I get that it might be rather restricting when it comes to the skating. So, what costume designers Yumi Nakamura and Paul Ginandes came up with instead seems like a good idea. Marissa's black lace applique costume--by the way--does give a nod to the "Bond Girls" that one may see at a casino scene. Overall, this is a 7.5 out of 10 in my book.



***Next Up: The Free Skate/Free Dance Costume Highlights/Recap of the MEN and ICE DANCE of the 2014 U.S. Figure Skating Championships