Figure Skating Trophée Eric Bompard

Canadian Male Figure Skater--and Gold medalist--Patrick Chan--Trophée Eric Bompard 2013

 Top Three: (left to right) Silver medalist Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan, gold medalist Patrick Chan of Canada, and bronze medalist Jason Brown of the US--Trophée Eric Bompard 2013

In my last post HERE, I recap'ed the "Costume Highlights" of this past weekend's Trophée Eric Bompard 2013 Paris France of the Ladies and Pairs, so it's now time to talk about the MEN and ICE DANCE. I have discussed most--or at least--a lot of the men (and their costumes) here in my blog for this season's Grand Prix and you can see those reviews HERE (Skate America), HERE (Skate Canada), HERE (Cup of China) and HERE (NHK Trophy)...so for this one, I want to just talk about one guy and his Short Program costume I have not discussed and that's Yuzuru Hanyu:

Yuzuru Hanyu Japan, Short Program: I've discussed Yuzuru's Free Skate costume HERE so now I can talk about his Short Program look skated to "Parisian Walkways" by Gary Moore. I'd rather not "beat around the bush" and just come out and say it: I don't like it. He's wearing a tie-dye-like blue shirt, black pants and a "Ross For Less/Men's Warehouse" belt. Let me tell you: if any man wore this in Paris, he would be SCOFFED at. I'm not sure about any circumstances where this look is appropriate but I reiterate, NOT skating to music titled "Parisian Walkways". I don't expect Yuzuru to be wearing a Can-Can or Eiffel Tower costume but...even that would be better!



Ice Dance:

Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland Great Britain, Short Dance: For their Short Dance to "I Won't Dance" by Fred Astaire and "Swing Set" by Jurassic Five, these British Ice Dance pair went the bold and sparkly textured route. Penny's silver sequined lace costume was pretty and intricate. I also LOVED the silver hair accent. Nicholas was fun, graphic and "Fred Astaire" fab with his tuxedo shirt, sequined bow tie and white "braces"/suspenders. I liked these!

Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron France, Free Dance: For their Free Dance to "Money" and "Hey You" by Pink Floyd, this French Ice Dance pair went all-out Versace in their costumes. I'm pretty sure Donatella did not design (I didn't see any PR releases stating so) these but the styling, silhouette, details...of these outfits are full-on Gianni Versace and Co. I really liked Gabriella's sexy red bustier-and-straps costume but Guillaume's seemed a bit 90's tacky-licious; I just wished his jacket didn't have nude colored panels. This is a rare moment here on my blog but...I wished that his jacket was all black (as you may know, I DETEST a male skater--Pairs and Ice Dance partner--wearing just a black top-and-pants look).

Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov Russia, Short Dance: For their Short Dance to "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen" by Sholom Secunda, Ilinykh and Katsalapov wore these fun 1920's-inspired costumes; they were very "Gatsby" fabulous! I really liked her pink dress with silver lace overlay and side slit. I'm not usually a fan of a big rose flower detail like this but...I think it worked for this program, music, costume and overall theme. Nikita's tuxedo look with mini bow tie was also pretty good.

Free Dance: I've discussed how much I love these costumes for Ilinykh and Katsalapov's Free Dance to Music from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky HERE when they skated at NHK Trophy Japan (right photo), but I noticed that for Trophée Eric Bompard Grand Prix 2013 (left photo), Elena did not wear the silver crown or the black gloves. It's not a  COSTUME CHANGE but...a Costume Edit...and I approve.



Speaking of Costume Change...

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir Canada, Free Dance: Canada's "Golden Kids" Virtue and Moir changed their costumes for the Free Dance to Seasons by Alexander Glazunov and "Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor" by Alexander Scriabin at Trophée Eric Bompard 2013. Tessa wore an emerald green dress with semi-circle skirt and sequined lace torso. Scott wore a white tuxedo shirt and black pants. This was different from what they had worn for their Free Dance this season so far:

Virtue and Moir Free Dance Costumes at Skate Canada 2013--I am not so much a fan of the new costumes and I admit, also the previous ones. It seems as if the Costume Designer took a nap. They're both mediocre. However (and big however), their skating and ice dance performance are just MAGICAL!

ICE STYLE.....Skate Canada 2013 Costumes Recap Part Two: The Men and Ice Dance!

Oh Canada: Gold Medal Winner Patrick Chan--2013 Skate Canada International 

 Top Three Men: (left to right) Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan (Silver), Patrick Chan of Canada (Gold) and Nobunaru Oda of Japan (Bronze)--2013 Skate Canada

Continuing with this edition of my Skate Canada 2013 Costumes Recap, in my last post I talked about the Ladies and Pairs of 2013 Skate Canada and now, it is time to discuss The Men and Ice Dance...The boys featured some creative costumes and well, Ice Dance had a "Groundhog Day" of sorts, when it came to one of the teams.  Shall we get down to Costume business and discuss? Yes, let's do it:





The Men:

Patrick Chan Canada, Short Program: Patrick wore this costume above for his Short Program to "Elegie in E-flat minor" by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Patrick is not know for wearing costumes with lots of 'bells & whistles" (i.e sequined appliques, multicolored crystals, etc.) so I don't expect much when I see Patrick. But this look semi-impressed me; it was a beautifully made "tuxedo"-style shirt with ombre-shaded coloring and (wait for it!) tiny crystals throughout. 

Free Skate: For his Free Skate to "Concerto Grosso" by Arcangelo Corelli, I really liked this look. As you can tell, he never really changes his pants--almost always black--but where he and his costume designer get creative is with the tops. This was an interesting shawl-collared lilac-grey shirt with beaded flower applique. It had hints of the Baroque-style present in his music.

Jeremy Abbott USA, Short Program: Jeremy skated his Short Program to "Lilies of the Valley" from the Pina sountrack by Jun Miyake in this brown costume consisting of pants, textured "leather" vest, and v-neck stretch long-sleeve top. This is soooo very Jeremy...

 No matter what music Jeremy skates to, his costumes always look as if he is one Robin Hood's Merry Men (above)

Free Skate: For his Free Skate to "Exogenesis Symphony Part III (Redemption)" by Muse, again he didn't disappoint with his typical Jeremy Abbott Color Scheme (brown, gray). I liked the "leather" with grommets armhole shoulder detail in the gray heathered top he wore. And yes, this here also could work as one of Robin Hood's Merry Men.



Both his Short and Free Skate costumes were designed by Elise Fife. Now, in case you were wondering, Jeremy skated to this same music back in Season 2011-2012. He liked it so much, he brought it back. What kind of costume did he wear back then for that?

 Jeremy Abbott, Free Skate to "Exogenesis Symphony Part III"--Season 2011-2012

Nobunari Oda Japan, Short Program: For his Short program to "Cotton Club" by John Barry, Nobunari wore this fun look consisting of a beaded open dress shirt and bedazzled blue untied bow-tie, with black "tuxedo" pants. I liked the pop of color in his tie and the ode to the look of the days of the infamous nightclub during America's Prohibition Era.

Free Skate: Speaking of Robin Hood...Nobunari skated his Free Skate to the iconic "William Tell Overture" by Giacochino Rossini. I am never a fan of beige and brown in a costume, but his look was perfect for the music and theme. The brown stretch velvet pants were cut in line of the period costumes of the time,  and although the jagged hem of the shirt was a bit cheesy, it did look nice when he did his jumps and turns. I appreciated the gold sequined belt giving a bit of interest to the costume and I also loved that some of that gold trim was added as a "peek-a-boo" accent at the neck/shoulder.

Yuzuru Hanyu Japan, Free Skate: Yuzuru is one of those male skaters who does not shy away from donning "frilly, crystal-filled" costumes and I, for one, get excited to see what he will wear since it doesn't fall under the "same old/same old" Male Figure Skating Costume look. For his Free Skate to Music from Romeo and Juliet by Nino Rota, Yuzuru wore this costume which featured a "one shoulder" flounce, a nude illusion and solid white/gray ombre dyed fabrication, and yes, lots of multicolored sequins (I'm not too sure I am a fan of these). I did like the juxtaposition of male and female qualities to this costume--it's as if he was BOTH Romeo and Juliet! When I first saw him on the ice in this I thought "This is soooo Johnny Weir! He would have totally worn something like this". Well, guess who designed this? Yep, Johnny Weir.

Ice Dance:

Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri Italy, Free Dance: This Italian Ice Dance team skated their Free Skate to "Un giorno per noi" from Romeo and Juliet performed by Josh Groban and "Dance of the Knights" from Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev. The costumes were elaborate, traditional and could never be mistaken for anything but Romeo and Juliet. Charlene's almost-see through sequined sleeves were gorgeous and I liked the Empire-waisted gold rope and the fact that her gold scroll trim also ended up in his costume to tie it all in.

Nelli Zhiganshina and Alexander Gazsi Germany, Short Program: For their Short Dance to "Le Jazz Hot" performed by the cast of Glee, Zhiganshina and Gazsi wore these costumes. Hers was an emerald green dress horizontally gathered in the front with back cascade ruffles in the back and his consisted of a patterned sweater vest, dress shirt with elbow patched, bow tie and black pants. I didn't quite get the connection between the two costumes. I understood the concept of him playing a geek, I just wish it connected to her costume more. Now, what did they wear for their Free Dance?

THE SAME THING!!!! Yes, kids for their Free Dance to "Carrigan & Dibs" from the Casper soundtrack by James Horner, "Mr. E's Dance Card" from the Batman Forever soundtrack by Elliot Goldenthal and "Clint Eastwood" by Gorillaz, they decided to wear the SAME COSTUMES. I may be wrong about this (I'm sure Figure Skating aficionados will let me know!), but this might be the first time in a long time, this has ever been done. Did their actual Free Dance costumes get lost? Did one of their suitcases not make it to Canada? Nope, according to them, their Free Dance is supposed to be a "continuation" or a "Part Two" of their Short Dance. And therefore, the same costumes. Well, that's a good story but I'm not sure I'm buying it. I will say, they are being very "Costume Recessionista" about it all.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir Canada, Short Dance: Canada's Virtue and Moir wore these costumes for their Short Dance to Selections by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, including "Dream a
Little Dream," "Muskrat Ramble" and "Dancing Cheek to Cheek". I thought these were fun, appropriate for the music and went well together. Her feathered and sequined dress had a 20's flapper style quality with a little bit of 30's chic. And I liked that it was all tied in with his black bow tie, suspenders and high-waisted black pants.

Free Dance: For their Gold Medal-winning Free Dance to Seasons by Alexander Glazunov and "Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor" by Alexander Scriabin, they decided to go the almost "non-costume" route and wear these above. When they first came onto the ice, I was a bit disappointed (coming from my fashion designer perspective) but then, as their beautiful Free Dance progressed--lightly but assuredly--I got it. The music is very classical yet their looks are more on the contemporary side. If this was a modern dance/ballet, the dancers would have probably worn this as well in the performance. I guess, I just miss the very Modern and directional looks they wore in last season's "Carmen" Free Dance:

Flawless.

ICE STYLE.....2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships--Men's Costumes

 Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver Medalist Denis Ten of Kazakhstan, Gold Medalist Patrick Chan of Canada, Bronze Medalist Javier Fernandez of Spain--2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, London, Ontario, Canada

The 2013 World Figure Skating Championships ("Worlds")
occurred a couple of weeks back in London, Ontario, Canada at Budweiser
Gardens. As you know, I LOVE ME some figure skating and especially
talking about the costumes. When the Worlds were happening,
unfortunately, I was traveling doing events for Macy's as well as
hosting the FIDM Debut 2013 Fashion Shows so...I didn't have time to do
my traditional "Nick Figure Skating Costume Recap" but now I do.

 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, London, Ontario, Canada at Budweiser Gardens, London, Ontario, Canada

I was
almost not going to talk about it (since it occurred a couple of weeks
ago--which is like A YEAR in "blog time"!) but so many people--either on
Facebook or Twitter kept asking "Nick, where's your "World's Costume
Recap?" that well, I decided to do it. So without further a do--Let's
begin with the MEN:

Alexei Bychenko Israel--Alexei failed to advance to the Free Skate but, nevertheless, I wanted to comment on his Short Program costume to "Party Sailor" by Wilson Picket and "John Rango" by James Brown. I can see the sailor theme with his top for sure. But (here we go again!), I am SO NOT A FAN of the BELT!!! And why a BROWN one?? Couldn't he have found one that matches the pants? Or hey, have the costume designer actually create Sailor Pants (with the front flap)? Heck, I can go to the Army Surplus store and find some for him!

Viktor Romanenkov of Estonia--For his Free Skate to "Prince of Egypt" by Hans Zimmer, Viktor made me (Costume) proud! He may have [placed 22nd out of 24 skaters in the Free Skate but he was up there in my Top Three for Best Men's Costumes. This was Tutankhamen HOT!

Justus Strid of Denmark--Justus (who ended up last overall) did his Free Skate to "Where Do I Fit In" by Nicola Piovani in this get-up. It was so bright, so jarring...that I had to discuss. Piovani was the composer to "Life Is Beautiful" as well as many other soundtracks. Here, in this costume, he looks like a cross between a clown and a referee. Maybe that was the point? He doesn't "fit in" anywhere!

Brian Joubert of France--Sexy Hottie-McHottie Brian Joubert knows that A) he's very athletic, B) he's a Sex Symbol in his country and C) He's got to keep the ladies in the audience smilin' (and some of the boys too!) by always showing some muscles, in one shape or form. For both his Short Program and Free Skate costumes, he delivered. The first photo is from his Short Program to "Genesis" by Justice and "Aerodynamic" by Daft Punk. Love the faux leather details juxtaposed with the black illusion. The top is amazing... masculine, futuristic and sexy at the same time. In the costume above--for his Free Skate to Gladiator by Hans Zimmer, he's looking like a cross between a Spartan Warrior and a Samurai. I like the asymmetry of the top (notice the "nude sleeve"), silver applique and leg warmers (yes, those are LEG WARMERS!). Now, the belt he's wearing, I actually approve. Why? Because it goes with the rest of the costume and doesn't look like it is from "Ross Dress For Less".

Max Aaron of USA--Take a guess where this is from? If you guessed "Tron", you were right! Yes, Max skated his Short Program in one of the most "unusual" costumes worn by the men this 2012-2013 season. He skated to "Tron: Legacy" by Daft Punk in this black jumpsuit/unitard designed by Kay Evans. I think it's perfect for the music and theme and graphic enough to stand out. Now, speaking of "standing out"...oh never mind, I have to keep it PG-13 here!

Daiksuke Takahashi of Japan--I always like what Daisuke wears in competitions because he's not afraid to go soft with his costumes and use flowy, drape-y fabrications...so very feminine but still, he looks completely masculine. For his Short Program to Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven he wore this cowl draped top costume with fluttery volants and encrusted sequins.  This was different from what he has worn previously for the Short Program this season:

The music of Daisuke's Short program was different from what he had been skating to previously this season--a "Rock 'n Roll Medley", therefore his costume changed as well. The "old one" (which I also LOVED!) reflected his old "Rock 'n Roll Short Program.

For his Free Skate to Music from Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, Daisuke stayed romantic, soft and "frilly" with details on his costume--especially the top portion. He knows how details and trims can add movement while he's skating and uses them well. Pagliacci is a tragic opera about a clown and there's nothing tragic or clownish about this ensemble. He first "unveiled" this costume in December of last year at the 81st Japan Figure Skating Championships. But...

Before then, this above is the costume he had been wearing for his Season 2012-2013 "Pagliacci" Free Skate.

 

Takahito Mura of Japan--Takahito skated his Free Skate to Music from the TV series Shogun and I think his costume was exceptional in terms of the theme. I love the cross-over trim detail of his kimono top, the silky velvet fabrication--showing elegance and wealth and I especially like how the costume theme was taken down to his boots as well.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan--Yuzuru's costume for his Free Skate to Music from the Notre-Dame de Paris soundtrack by Riccardo Cocciante was one that I really liked all season long and commented on previously here on my blog. In fact, I deemed it one of THE BEST of the season. I said this: It was soooo Johnny Weir in its no-holds-barred design philosophy and embrace of feminine-like details. The
big cross, the ombre dyed ivory and red shirt, the one sleeve ruffle and
one black glove; lots of details and he was not afraid to "Go For It"!

Javier Fernandez of Spain--For his Free Skate to a Charlie Chaplin Medley, Javier wore this shirt, tie, vest and pants look, keeping within the "Charlie Chaplin" theme. I liked the combination of baggy pants and tight waistcoat. I think he
looks good. Slim and modern.

It would have been nice to see a very shrunken
jacket (like the "real" Charlie Chaplin) to finish the entire outfit off but I get that it might have been
restricting when it came time to accomplish his fab jumps!



Patrick Chan of Canada--Gold Medal winner Patrick Chan skated in this ensemble above to his Free Skate to "Selections by Rachmaninoff". I admit that I wasn't a fan of this costume throughout the season. It was drab and reminded one of the Miserables...in Les Misérables. But I did really like...

What he wore for his Short Program to Music from La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini. It was a deep
blue-colored, lightly beaded blouson long sleeve top with a plunging
neckline (Oh Patrick!). And also had attached convertible collar and cascade
ruffles. Since his music was Classical, I think he was trying to vibe a
classic and romantic look and he even had a lace back detail which is
A LOT of look for Patrick. I did LOVE the pants. They fit him PERFECTLY
and I liked how they had the beaded tuxedo stripe down the side,
bringing in the lightly beaded detail from the top. I appreciate the risk Patrick took with this costume and definitely thought it was one of the best of the season.



**Up Next: The LADIES Costume Highlights of the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships