ICE STYLE.....ISU 2013 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals Costumes Recap: Ladies and Pairs!

 Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia--ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Marine Messe Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

This weekend the ISU 2013 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final took place in the city of Fukuoka, Japan at the Marine Messe Fukuoka indoor sporting arena. This is where the six highest point-earning skaters from each discipline (Ladies, Men's, Pairs, Ice Dance) from the Grand Prix season got to show their "stuff" and compete for the top Grand Prix of Figure Skating prize.

I have discussed most of the skaters' costumes this entire season (you can check my Recaps here in this blog searching under "Ice Style") so there's not much to say but, I felt I could highlight some that made it to the Final here. And to my surprise, there was still a Costume Change (!) from one of the Ladies skaters. In fact, the eventual Gold medal-winning one! Time for my Recap...

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Short Program: For her Short Program to "Habanera" from the "Carmen" Suite by Georges Bizet, Adelina wore a deep red costume consisting of an ombre-shaded skirt, one flutter sleeve, peek-a-boo front neck, and sequin detail. I liked this different, darker and a bit more "fashionable" take on the been there/done that "Carmen" costume.

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Free Skate: For her Free Skate to "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28" by Camille Saint-Saëns, Adelina wore this costume above. It featured a chocolate-colored sheer tulle layering with delicate sequins and a golden crystal-encrusted neckline. It was delicate, modern and right for the skate. I think it is incredibly unique and daring, my only hesitation is that she is just 17 years old! I wonder if it isn't just a bit too revealing for her age.

Ashley Wagner of the US, Short Program: My thoughts on Ashley's SP costume are HERE--and yes, I like it! The costume is elegant, just the right amount of "flashy" and compliments her. And I think the high ponytail is the perfect style for this look.

Julia Lipniskaia of Russia, Short Program: This costume was a "Costume Change" which she debuted at the Rostelecom Cup /Cup of Russia 2013. You can read my review HERE. Let's just say this was a very good costume change.

Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program: For her SP to “Nocturne” by Frederic Chopin, the Japanese figure skater changed her costume! She wore this ombre-shaded burgundy and lilac colored costume featuring a multi-layered skirt, nude illusion halter neckline with built-in sequin necklace and applique torso detail. I'll be honest here: I wasn't a fan. I liked this look below better:

 Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program Costume at NHK Trophy 2013

Mao Asada of Japan, Free Skate--Her Free Skate costume to Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff, I did like and I have talked about it HERE. This costume was not the costume she wore for her first appearance in this season's Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition at Hilton HHonors Skate America:

 Mao Asada of Japan, Free Skate at Hilton HHonors Skate America 2013--Which one do YOU guys like best?

Throwing Skating Shade: (Left to right) Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia (Silver), Mao Asada of Japan (Gold), and Ashley Wagner of the USA (Bronze) pose with their medals in the Ladies Free Skating Final
victory ceremony--ISU Grand Prix of Figure
Skating Final 2013/2014 at Marine Messe Fukuoka,
Fukuoka, Japan

Pairs: I want to highlight these Pairs Costumes seen at this weekend's ISU 2013 Grand Prix Final...

Cheng Peng and Hao Zhang of China, Free Skate: For their Free Skate to "Yellow River Concerto", Peng and Zhang wore these costumes above. I really liked them--read my review HERE.

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany, Short Program: For their Short Program to "When Winter Comes" by Andre Rieu, the German pair wore these costumes. While I liked the "watercolor"-like blue and sequins effect, there was also something I didn't necessary like. Read my full "Costume Critique" HERE .

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia, Short Program: For their Short Program to "Masquerade Waltz" by Aram Khatchaturian...HERE are my thoughts of these great costumes.

Grand Prix of Figure Skating

Bonjour Trophée Eric Bompard 2013: Gold medalist Ashley Wagner from the US (left) and Russian Pairs skaters Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov (left)

The fifth of six international figure skating competition of the 2013-2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating--2013 Trophée Eric Bompard--occurred over the weekend at the Palais Omnisports de Bercy in Paris France

 Paris France--site of the Trophée Eric Bompard ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013/2014

I've discussed the Costumes of the previous four Grand Prix Figure Skating Competitions--Skate America, Skate Canada, Cup of China and NHK Trophy here on my blog (see Categories Section "Ice Style" on the right of this blog), so naturally, it's now time to talk about the costumes seen at 2013 Trophée Eric Bompard--Let's begin with the LADIES:

LADIES:

Mirror Mirror, I See Crystals: Ashley Wagner, Trophée Eric Bompard 2013

 

 Ashley Wagner USA, Short Program: Ashely wore this black costume for her 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!).

Free Skate: For her Free Skate to Music from Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev, Ashley (wait for it!) CHANGED her costume. And let me tell you, it was definitely a "New & Improved" one! The costume was a deep wine red and had interesting curved and scroll-like panels accented by an intricate display of crystal work. It definitely had a "Romeo & Juliet" feel and I liked the new color. Her previous Free Skate costume this season for the same program and music was this:

Ashley Wagner at Skate America 2013i n her Free Skate Costume--I liked this but...I like the new red one more. The Empire-cut bright coral-colored one above seemed "sweet and fun" compared to the new, more serious and dramatic wine red-colored costume. All of Ashley's costumes, by the way, were designed by Jan Longmire

Mae Berenice Meite France, Short Program: Mae Berenice skated her Short Program to "The Question of U" by Prince in this bright pink costume that featured an asymmetrical neckline, one sleeve, and crystals. The bright color really works on her and I liked the asymmetry of the neckline as well. Also, I'm glad she didn't wear PURPLE--being that her music was Prince, that would have been so predictable and expected.

Anna Pogorilaya Russia, Short Program: Anna skated her Short Program to "El Choclo" (Kiss of Fire) performed by Ikuko Kawai. Her costume was BRIGHT, to say the least; it was a neon "Crayon" red sleeveless design with long matching gloves and a nude illusion "cut-out" accented with silver diamante crystals. While I like the color, I think that she may need some editing: those long gloves might be "too mucheey!". And I'm a bit confused by the uneven hem'ed "flaps" that are happening at her side upper hip area. What do you guys think of this costume? Is it a "Yeay" or "Nope!" ?

PAIRS:

Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov Russia, Short Program: For their Short Program to "Titine" from the Modern Times soundtrack by Stanley Black and "Paris by Night" (Je Cherche Apres Titine) by Bob Sinclair, this Russian Pair wore these costumes above. I really liked her black and white striped "one shoulder" costume which had diagonal striped panels covering the entire ensemble as well as matching "arm bands". I just had a problem with the fact that Yuri was in a black Lycra mock-neck tee and matching pants. And that's it. While Vera looked graphic and modern, he looked like a "International Male" catalog model from 1994. WHY do these Figure Skating Costume Designers--especially with Pairs--sometimes just GIVE UP....on what the guys wear. Is it the male figure skaters that push back against a more "stylish costume" and not the fault of the designers?

Free Skate: For their Free Skate to the "Polovtsian Dances" from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin, they wore these costumes above. To start: at least this semi-elaborate costume above on Yuri made up for the non-costume he wore for his Short Program. The music they skated to--according to Wikipedia--comes from an opera which recounts the campaigns of Russian prince Igor Svyatoslavich against the Polovtsian tribes in 1185. I am guessing the costume designers wanted to interpret a little of the Medieval-like feel into the ensembles and play with some added "Spartacus/Spartan" touches as well. I liked their looks--they were strong, sexy and good for the music. And I have to add--on a separate note--Vera reminds me so much of...

  90s Supermodel and actress Venezuelan-born beauty Patricia Velasquez (right)

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin USA, Free Skate: US pairs Denney and Coughlin skated their Free Skate to Selections from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Caydee's off-the-shoulder white costume featured beaded applique lace and chiffon and a built-in crystal necklace. John wore a black "tuxedo"-like look including a black fitted jacket, very snug pants and open wing-tip tuxedo shirt. I have to admit that style-wise, these were rather un-creative and I regret to say, not up to par with what I'd like to see from Olympic Pairs contenders. Ideally, I'd like to see his look a little more polished and hers, less 'Toddlers & Tiaras".

Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford Canada, Short Program: For their Short program to "Tribute" by Eric Radford, Duhamel and Radford wore these pink and slate gray costumes above. To start, Eric's look 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) was more creative and at the very least had some style appeal with the softly draped cowl front, fluttery skirt and sequined torso. However, in general, I'd also like to see these costumes more polished and certainly just a little more fabulous. Also, Meagan has the best arms in the business, and I don't like the pink illusion sleeves. Why cover her best asset? Speaking of FABULOUS....

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres France, Free Skate: BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! Now THIS is what I call fabulous Pairs Costumes! The French Figure Skating pair of James and Cipres dazzled in this costumes above for their Free Skate to Music from the Angels and Demons soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and the Requiem for a Dream soundtrack by Clint Mansell. These were outstanding; the curved asymmetrical style lines, the expensive crystal work, the contrast in color between James and Cipres...

 Close Up of Morgan Cipres' sequined costume

And more importantly, the MALE skater WENT all-out in his costume and it wasn't a boring black pants-and-top look. And he still looked AMAZING and perfect for the skate, music and overall presentation. I know the season isn't over yet but so far, they take the Best Figure Skating Costumes for Pairs Trophy...here on my Blog!


**UP NEXT...The Trophée Eric Bompard 2013 Costumes Recap Part Two: the MEN and ICE DANCE!!!