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 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships Costume Recap, Ladies and Pairs Short Program!

 Gracie Gold at the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, TD Garden Boston Massachusetts

This week and through the weekend are the all-important U.S. Nationals of Figure Skating--or more formally--the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I've been happy to have attended two of them in the last few years. The 2014 Championships decides who will get to go to the World Championships and so on...but it is especially important this year since it will also serve as the selection criteria for who goes to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

This year's United States Figure Skating Championships is taking place at TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts and from looking at the YouTube and TV feeds...it seems like it is an (almost) sold out event (Thank goodness--at least for the sponsors and venue organizers!). Now, let's get to the important stuff (at least for me) and that's the FASHION and Costumes.





First up, I want to discuss the LADIES and PAIRS Short Program Costumes:

Ashley Wagner, Short Program: I love Ashley's costume to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd". It is a black and silver sequined look with a halter neckline with black sheer panels at the neckline and sides. It looks expensive and well-made--as it should be since she is one of the top female figure skaters for the US. I especially love the sprinkle of crystals at the neck that mimic a diamond necklace.

Agnes Zawadzki, Short Program: For her SP, Agnes skated to Selections from the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack by Aaron Zigman. Her costume is designed by Pat Pearsall. If we remember, the film "sex and the City 2" is all about the girls going to Abu Dhabi and the shenanigans that ensure while they are there. It is no surprise, therefore, that this costume has an overt Near East influence with its deep lilac color, the sequin work and silhouette as well--she's like "Scheherazade of Figure Skating".

Rachael Flatt, Short Program: Rachael skated her SP to "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber. While I really appreciate the deep ombre gray/lilac color and Art Deco-like sequin work of this costume, I think it might be just a tad too short.

Hannah Miller Short Program: When I first saw Hannah and this costume, I said to myself "I hope she's skating to Firebird" and yep, she did--Music from The Firebird by Igor Stavinsky, to be more specific. The costume, which was designed by Elena Pollack, is very impacting and colorful but I do think it might be two seconds from looking a bit garish with the bright tomato red and shocking canary yellow. I think there are other ways of creating a Firebird costume but not making it look so harsh and gaudy. Take a look at Japanese figure skater Tatsuki Machida for inspiration. It might just be about toning the colors down one notch.

Gracie Gold, Short Program: Gracie Gold skated her SP 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. I also realized that this is a COSTUME CHANGE for Gracie and her entire Short Program...

Gracie Costume Change: This snazzy "Liza Minelli on Ice" costume above is what she last wore for her previous Short Program at the NHK Trophy 2013 in Japan back in November.Many speculated that when she switched coaches and went to Frank Carroll, he would change her entire short program. And he did! Plus the costume! Obviously, since she is in 1st Place after the Short, it was a good decision all around.

Polina Edmunds, Short Program: On her debut in the Senior level, Polina skated her SP 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!



Pairs Short Program Costumes:

Marissa Castelli and Simon Schnapir Short Program: Castelli and Schnapir skated their SP to "Black Magic Woman" and "Smooth" by Carlos Santana. The costumes were designed by Yumi Nakamura and Paul Ginandes. I think these are nice and well-thought out in their execution and small details, such as her "corseting" sequins, the sheer panels highlighting her torso/midriff. And the back of her costume is Fab-u-lous! I also like that the same sequin detail that is on her costume was used in Simon's costume (in his shirt's neckline). I always like it when the pair look as if they belong together--costume-wise.

Alexa Scimeca and Christopher Knierim Short Program: For their SP to "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" by Michel Legrand (a very popular music choice this season for EVERYONE it seems!), Scimeca and Knierim wore these ombre--almost tie dye lilac costumes designed by Elena Pollack. As I said in my previous commentary on Castelli and Schnapir, I LOVE when the pairs are in synch, costume-wise and here they definitely are! I also appreciate the asymmetrical lines that are used in Alexa's costume...notice how the costume designer subtly added a similar asymmetrical line to Christopher's top.

DeeDee Leng and Timothy LeDuc Short Program: Leng and LeDuc skated their SP to "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Peter Gabriel. While these two may not have the costume budget of some of the so-called top pairs skaters, I still think their costumes were quite effective. Yes, when I saw her's up close on my super duper HD 60" TV screen, I could notice some wonkyness here and there but...I did like the overall silhouette and the strong geometric lines. I also thought the back of hers was quite interesting and liked the subtle inclusion of her royal blue/purple coloring in his costume (on his back, above photo).

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin Short Program: Denney and Coughlin skated their SP to "Tosca" by Giacomo Puccini. Her red and muted orange one-shoulder costume is a bit "showgirl"/Miss USA contestant in its design. But I do think it is one of the better costumes Caydee has worn over the years and the color is fantastic on her. I also like that John's costume included subtle sequin coloring highlights that let you know he belonged with her.

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Short Program: I really liked these costumes Denney and Frazier wore for their SP to "Malagueña" by Ernesto Lecuona. The costumes are fiery, hot, sexy and hint at the Latin history of the music.  I'm especially happy just to see the guy be so "out there" in terms of his costume (trust me kids, this is "out there" when you see what the guys usually like to wear--a white dress shirt, black pants and a "Ross Dress For less" belt).

Gretchen Donlon and Andrew Speroff Short Program: For their SP to "Meditation" from Thais by Jules Massenet, Donlon and Speroff wore these costumes, designed by Yumi Barnett-Nakamura. It's not every day one sees a bodysuit/jumpsuit on a woman in figure skating and normally it's not well-received. I like the fact that they look different from everyone else. The sequin applique work looks interesting on her costume and I appreciate that he also has the same type of sequin work on his costume, at the V-neck.



***NEXT UP: The MEN and ICE DANCE Short Program Costume Highlights of the 2014 U.S. Nationals of Figure Skating.

ICE STYLE.....Costume Changes at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships and 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships

 Costume Change Ladies: Akiko Suzuki and Kanako Murakami and their new costumes for their Free Skate and Short Program respectively, at the 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships

This past Holiday Week was a busy week for International Figure Skating Competitions: both the 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships and 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships took place either before Christmas or right after. After getting back from my yearly Christmas trip to visit family in San Antonio Texas, I caught up via YouTube watching them. One thing really caught my attention: there were SEVERAL costume changes for the Ladies at the Japanese Nationals and one particular of note at the Russian Nationals. Needless to say, I felt it necessary to discuss here on my "Ice Style" blog. Let's begin:

Akiko Suzuki Free Skate Costume at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: Akiko surprised everyone and won the Gold Medal skating her Free Skate to Music from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This costume above was a new costume as opposed to what she had worn at the 2013 NHK Trophy (below). This costume above was a sweeter and more delicate "Phantom" heroine, featuring a creme colored "skirt"/fitted midriff and multicolored flowered applique sequined top section.

Free Skate Costume at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013/2014 NHK Trophy: This is what she wore for her "Phantom" Free Skate at NHK--I liked this and thought it was quite elegant and modern. For some reason, she decided to change it. Which costume do you like best for her Free Skate? Now that she will be going to the Olympics in Sochi, she has a big decision to make!

Haruka Imai Short Program Costume at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: At last week's Japanese Nationals, Haruka Imai debuted this costume above to her Short Program Music of Song Without Words in D Major Op. 109 by Felix Mendelssohn. It was an EXACT duplicate of what she had been wearing in other 2013 Season Grand Prix but in a different color way. This one above was in pink, light dusty rose tones while...

This above is what she had worn before as her Short Program Costume--Photo above is from the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia. I like them both, but if I had to choose I would pick the darker purple in the original costume. My main issue remains the nude illusion sleeves that are too big in both costumes.

Kanako Murakami Short Program Costume at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: Kanako is THE Costume Change Queen...At the Japanese Nationals, she debuted this gray, magenta, black and silver one shoulder costume for her Short Program to Catgroove by Parov Stelar, Libella Swing by Parov Stelar and Swing Bop. This modern looking costume was definitely a better costume choice than what we had seen her in before for the same Short Program:

Kanako Murakami Short Program Costume 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia of Figure Skating--this black and white with diamantes costume was a bore. It also look very store bought. Glad she decided to change it. And mind you, this above was a COSTUME CHANGE from this:

Short Program Costume at 2013 Lexus Cup of China--I LOVED this colorful fringed costume. It was a bit "Cirque du Soleil"-ish, yes, but I still loved it.

Now, the Costume Changes for Kanako didn't stop at her Short Program...

Kanako Murakami, Free Skate 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: Kanako wore this above for the Japan Nationals last week for her Free Skate to Papa Can You Hear Me (from "Yentl" soundtrack) by Barbara Streisand. Now, this wasn't the first time we saw this costume. She actually debuted this costume at the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia in November 2013. This costume, however was different from what she had worn before the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia for her Free Skate...

Free Skate Costume Lexus Cup of China 2013--I liked this costume above and I also like her most recent Free Skate choice. If I had to chose, I'd say I like the one above more. Which one do you guys like better? Kanako is also going to the Sochi Olympics, so I will be waiting with bated breath as to what she will choose for the big event.

Miki Ando Short Program Costume at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: Miki Ando wore this deep lilac with an ombre yellow-green shading at the skirt sequined applique costume at the Japan Nationals to her Short Program to My Way by Frank Sinatra. This was a costume change from what she wore the last time she skated at...

Golden Spin of Zagreb 2013--Miki Ando Short Program Costume--I like both but if I had to chose I would say the lilac/ombre applique one from the Japan Nationals. While I like the navy blue sequined accents on this one above, I am not a fan of the length of the skirt and how she only has one layer of chiffon and you can see her unitard underneath.



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 Moving on, and now Russia and the 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships...

 Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi Russia

Alena Leonova Short Program Costume at 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships: Alena skated her Short Program to Barynia (Russian Folk music) Kalinka (Russian Folk music)--which she also skated to for her 2009-2010 Season--wearing this colorful red and white with gold trim costume above. This was a debut of this costume for Alena. And a "debut" of sorts for this Short Program. The last time we saw her skate at a Grand Prix event earlier this season, she wore her infamous...

Pirates of the Caribbean Costume--Alena Leonova of Russia at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013/2014 NHK Trophy in Tokyo, Japan November 2013. Alena skated her Short Program to Music from Pirates of the Caribbean (which she also skated to for her 2011-2012 Season) and wore the same costume. Glad she decided to change her costume--and music. And yes, it isn't by coincidence that she is now skating to Russian Folk Music in the lead-up to the Sochi RUSSIA Winter Olympics 2014. Hello! (Unfortunately for her, she didn't make the team).



For now, I'll leave you with Russian Male Figure Skating DIVO (who skated at the Russian Figure Skating Championships) and came in SECOND. How do say "Ouch!" in Russian?

Not Happy: Russian National 2014 Silver Medalist Evgeni Plushenko (left) and Gold Medalist Maxim Kovtun (right)

Uncomfortable: Russian National 2014 Silver Medalist Evgeni Plushenko (left) and Gold Medalist Maxim Kovtun (right)

Happy Figure Skating New Year!!!