Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--Ice Dance!!

Costume Change-a-Thon!!

Top Ice Dancers: (Left to Right) Silver Medalists Alex Shibutani and Maia Shibutani, Gold Medalists Charlie White and Meryl Davis, Bronze Medalists Zachary Donohue and Madison Hubbell, and Pewter Medalists Logan Giulietti and Lynn Kriengkrairut, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion San Jose, California

Rounding out my Blog Costume Review of last weekend's 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in San Jose California, we are now left with the colorful and always sassy (most of the time, especially those Eastern Europeans!!) Ice Dancers. For this 2011-2012 Season, the Short Dance is a Latin-inspired one, as required and specified by the ISU/International Skating Union. I think it should ALWAYS be Latin...much more exciting that way--musically and costume-wise! Oh, and did I mention there were some Costume Changes this time around. Love that! So, let's begin:

Bronze Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donahue Free Dance Costume: They skated to "I Put A Spell On You". And their costumes, though contemporary, were on the yawn side. I get it--they're supposed to be a couple in the midst of a love spell, and so on and so forth. Now, I understand that her mother makes all her costumes and Kudos to all Mom's and especially ones with Sewing Talents (I LOVE me the Sewing Moms!), but I just wasn't a fan of these in particular. Both his and her "costumes" (if one could call them that) were straight out of a store from a mall: Madison's, from "Contempo Casuals" back in the 80's and 90's and Zachary's, from "Ross Dress For Less".

Hubbell and Donahue Short Dance: For their Latin-influenced Short Dance, they BROUGHT IT!! (Thank Goodness). Now here, I really, really liked Madison's costume. So, Congrats to her Mommie on this one! They danced to samba and rhumba rhythms and her costume reflected this. I loved the black-and-white print, the multicolored strips of fabric mimicking feathers. And I also liked that she slicked her hair back in a FIERCE chignon. She looked like a Fantasy Cheetah from Brazil! Oh, and I almost forgot about Zachary: he looked HOT HOT HOT! The plunging neckline, the sheer and solid panels on the shirt, the "tuxedo" stripe on the pants...all fab!

Madison Chock and Evan Bates: For their Short Latin Dance to "Chick, Chick Boom", Madison wore a coral-red costume and Evan went black (of course). I liked her costume; it moved marvelously on the ice (love the "fringed" strips of fabric on the skirt section), and I liked the sexy styling and contrast velvet and sequined underpiece. Unfortunately, they did not skate they're best and didn't make the podium this year. But they get my Nick V. Medal for sexy costumes!

Costume Change The Ice Dancers Edition:

Silver Medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani: They did their Latin Short Dance to "Batucada", "Skip to the Bip" and "Jazz Machine". Maia wore a deep violet halter neckline costume with silver crystal embellishment and fringed skirt (fringe is BIG this 2011-2012 Season!). I liked this costume--the color is vibrant, the sequins are strong, framing her torso well and it was great to see a sassy semi-backless number on little Maia. Speaking of sassy, Alex's costume (the deep violet stretch shirt in particular) was tight and hunky! I didn't realize there were defined muscles on that boy (I know, he's just 20!).

NHK Trophy: Anyhow, from the minute they stepped on the ice (I was there at the HP Pavilion!), I noticed "Wait, those aren't the same costumes they wore last time in the Short Dance". And after a quick web search on my iPad at the stadium, lo and behold I was right: this above is what her costume looked like when they competed at the NHK Trophy in Japan--also for the Latin Short Dance: a one-shoulder black asymmetrical skirt costume with silver beaded fringe. Alex wore a black tuxedo shirt and pant look.

ISU Grand Prix Finals: this above is what they wore for their Latin Short Dance at the ISU Grand Prix Finals in Canada back in December. Maia's was the same black one shoulder costume but they added pink edge trim to it and Alex's remained untouched.

Shibutani and Shibutani Free Dance Costumes: Continuing with the costume change theme, Maia also changed her costume for the Free Dance to "Selections from the Sun Valley Serenade Soundtrack" by Glenn Miller. Above is the "new" one she wore last weekend at the US Nationals. The orange and fuchsia color was pretty and strong enough to stand out on the ice, and I liked the original "threading" detail through the side of the costume.

Grand Prix Finals: This is what she last wore at the Grand Prix Finals--same color story but had a more "conservative" 1940's feel to it, in its neckline, flutter sleeves. Alex also changed his suspenders and tie to match the colors of Maia's dress which really helped unify the looks.

NHK Trophy: And above is the very first version of their Free Dance Costume which they debuted at the NHK Trophy. I really liked these costumes. They reflected the "Big Band" theme of the music, they looked young, fresh and oh-so-cute, like two college kids back in the 40's going out to a dance. But I suspect, they were deemed too cute and young-looking. Therefore the changes. But I have to say, I absolutely love that they keep changing their costumes--whether it is because they and their coaches can't make up their minds in terms of what look works, or if it's to keep the dance exciting and to keep the fans excited--like "what will Maia wear next!?" Whichever reason it is, as a fashion designer and a fan of the sport, it keeps me watching!

Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White: And yet, another Costume Change...this time with Davis and White--the "Golden Couple" of Ice Dancing. This time, the costume change was for their Short Latin Dance to "Batucadas", "Life is a Carnival" and "On The Floor". And it was just Meryl who did the change. Again, I noticed it immediately when she stepped on the ice. For the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, she wore a bronzed, copper and gold costume with intricate swirly patterns and fringe (of course!) at the bottom. It was a change from her last two "appearances" on the ice:

Skate America 2011-2012: This is what she wore for the Latin Short Dance at the first Grand Prix competition event of the season. It was a bright neon orange halter style costume with keyhole detail, skirt fringe and multicolored stones at the hip and neckline. Charlie wore black pants and striped bronze-and-black shirt...

Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012: This was what they wore at the Cup of Russia Grand Prix. I loved this look on Meryl!!! This is my favorite of all the three costume changes. It was the same color story as the one at Skate America but in terms of the styling, it was FASHION FASHION FASHION! Loved the asymmetry of the torso, how sexy it was and the very expensive-looking bead work at the bust. Also, notice that Charlie changed his shirt--to a more wavy pattern (as opposed to striped) print--same bronze-and-black color though. I wished she would have stayed in this costume for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I feel it's much more impacting and Latina! Very JLo On Ice!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--The Pairs!!

First, A Question: What Does This:

Caydee Denney (with her Pairs partner John Coughlin),Gold Medalists 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships...

Have To Do With This:

Toddlers & Tiaras?? (concentrate on the abundant eye makeup) Read on...

Pairs Bedazzled: The Top Pairs Medalists in the Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, HP Pavilion San Jose California

Continuing my "Nick Figure Skating Costume Two Cents" on last weekend's Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (which I had the pleasure of attending in San Jose California). You can click HERE for my Ladies Review and HERE for my Men's Review--but now, the Pairs. Shall we get started...

Pairs Bronze Medalists Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig: For their Short Program to George Gershwin's "The Man I Love", their costumes were on-point! His was a tailored look of a lilac dress shirt, plaid vest--very fitted--pink tie and black pants. Normally, I am NOT A FAN of the dress shirt-tie-and-pant look for male figure skaters but within the Pairs context this works. This combination suits him just right--and works with the music. Amanda's costume was beautiful. Loved the light rose pink color, the one-shoulder styling and delicate beading. The open back detail...

Was sublime. These costumes worked seamlessly together. There were elements of understated traditional elegance, romance, and a little bit of "high fashion" all at once.

Evora and Ladwig Long Program Costumes: For their Long Program to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe" and Debussy's "Reverie", they decided to go more "Period" costume. I liked hers but his seemed, well, too blouson-y. I get the theme, their costume pairing...yet something was "throwing me off". Oh wait, maybe it was those darn black pants! I guess I wished they would have been the color of her midriff corset--more of a burgundy color. I think it would have made the look even more unified.

Silver Medalists Mary Beth Marley and Rockne Brubaker: For their Long Program to Rachmaninov's "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor", Mary Beth wore a fuchsia costume with black and rhinestone detail. The strong color definitely popped on the ice. She looked so pretty in this. I also loved that she continued the elegance of this costume to her chignon hairstyle as well. Rockne donned a black cropped jacket suit with a shirt matching Mary Beth's costume. Both costumes worked very well together, especially to the classical music soundtrack they skated to.

Marley and Brubaker Short Program: They skated to "Singing In the Rain" for their Short Program. Their costumes were bright, safe and oh so cute. But...soooo "Junior Champions" for my taste. Both costumes were so "Figure Skating 101" and something one could purchase off the rack from a Skating Store. Give me a little creativity here. Something...

Gold Medalists Caydee Denney and John Coughlin: Now, we finally get to the Pairs who won the entire thing--and who I began my blog posting here with. I love their skating. I have now "experienced them" twice--while attending Skate America and again in San Jose, at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. And in both occasions, they got me up on my feet (yes, I even put my bucket of popcorn down for these two!). They are athletically wonderful--and John is a corn-fed tall glass of water! (sorry, I was supposed to use my "quiet voice"!). And Miss Caydee..."bless her heart", as they say in The South...

For their Gold Medal-winning Free Skate to "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's Turandot, she wears an aqua blue-green applique lace and sequin costume with a band collar that is a bit too 1986 Figure Skating Costume for my taste. But that's really not my biggest critique. It is her garish eye makeup that did it for me.

Part of me loved it--the part that loves "Toddlers & Tiaras"-- but simultaneously, that's why I also thought it was so trailer-trashy. I think the combination of her blond hair, the pastel costume and her "I just had too many Bloody Mary's in Vegas" eye color, all made it wrong. I love her skating and think both of them are wonderful but...she needs a Costume--and Make-up-- Intervention.

Denney and Coughlin Short Program Costumes: For their Short Program to "East of Eden" (the TV Miniseries), I also thought their costumes were a bit of a letdown. His was just a variation on what we would see during their Long Program (wow, a convertible collar with beading--as opposed to no collar with beading!).

And hers: on a good note, I liked the deep lilac color. On a not-so-good note, there was absolutely no interesting design element. This was again, Figure Skating Costume 101, bought from a store. When you are at World Class Competition Level, it's time to "Bring It On". I'm hoping they will--and change their costumes, for Worlds or at least try to "Step it up" for the 2012/13 season!

Next Up: The Ice Dancers!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--The Men!!

San Jose Menzzzz!!!!

Galindo Love: US National Champion Rudy Galindo and Nick Verreos, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion San Jose California

Last weekend I attended the 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships--the US Nationals--in San Jose California. In my last post on my time there, I talked about my "Nick Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" of the Ladies Costumes--and now, I'm onto the Men's. But, before I begin my tale on the oh-so-not-exciting Men's Costumes (Guys!!! STEP IT UP!!!), I must share my excitement over meeting two-time U.S. National Champion Rudy Galindo (see photo above). He actually approached me first (I was only 1.2 seconds from approaching him!), and confessed his love of "Project Runway" to me and that he was a "big fan". I returned the praise naturally! Needless to say, this was a big Photo Moment!

David Paul, Ice Network's "The Inside Edge with Sarah and Drew" Drew Meekins, Nick Verreos and Tim Koleto, Midwestern Sectional Junior Men's Champion at the Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, HP Pavilion (Photo Courtesy of Sarah S. Brannen)

I also ran into my Figure Skating "Twitter Buddies", author and photographer Sarah S. Brannen, Drew Meekins, who write the FAB blog "The Inside Edge with Sarah and Drew" for IceNetwork.com. They brought along their friend, Midwestern Sectional Junior Men's Champion Tim Koleto, who actually competed at the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. He was third after the short program and ended up sixth after the long in the Junior Division. He was so sweet and had the MOST PERFECT eyebrows!! He wins if there were medals in eyebrows!

Skatin' Boys: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Jimmy Nguyen, Andrew Harmon, David Paul, HP Pavilion San Jose California

I also ran into other friends, including Jimmy Nguyen who happened to have his Flip Cam and filmed some fun cheeky videos of us giving some Fashion Skating Fashion Commentary (at the end of this post)...But now, let's get to why you guys are really here reading this: to see my "Two Cents" on the Men's Costumes. So...Here we go:

Gold Medalist Jeremy Abbott--Long Program Costume: For his Gold Medal-winning long program where he skated to "Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3" by Muse, Jeremy wore a costume that was simple, modern and not distracting to the performance. I like the diagonal lines/seaming in the long-sleeved shirt as well as the contrasting matte and iridescent/glittery fabrication. One could argue that on the scale of exciting men's costumes, this might end up on the lower end of that scale. But hey, Jeremy doesn't really do "Glam" "Fabulous" or anything near that, when it comes to his on the ice fashion. When you land an incredible quad like he did, he really doesn't need the costume bells and whistles (although you KNOW I would love it!).

Jeremy Abbott Short Program Costume: His short program costume to "Sing, Sing, Sing" and "Bei Mir Bistu Shein" is one of my favorites of the season. I've gushed HERE about how much I LOVE this look on Jeremy. The suspenders/braces, the high-waisted pinstripe pants, the SPATS...All fashion fab!!!

Silver Medalist Adam Rippon Long Program Costume: twenty-two year-old curly-haired cutie Adam Rippon, captured the Silver Medal at the Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships last weekend. For his Long Program to "Air" and "Tocatta & Fugue" by Johann Sebastian Bach, he wore a nymph-like costume consisting of a long-sleeved nude-colored Ombre-dyed draped top, gathered "cummerbund" waistband piece and brownish-black pants. I think this costume worked well with his skate and music and his very lithe figure (can you say "figure" for men?? Well, I just did!). It had an ethereal quality which was perfect for him and his skating and I loved the draping.

Adam Rippon Short Program Costume: He skated to "Korobushko" by Bond, based on a nineteenth-century Russian folk song about a peddler and a girl...therefore it makes sense Rippon would go all "Russian Fold Dancer" in terms of his costume: a bright red satin "blouse" with waist tie and off-center black-and-gold placket. Although simple and very to-the-point, with it's Russian reference, it worked. In my "Nick fantasy" world, I would have LOVED a BIG OL' FUR HAT to help finish off the look, but A) That may not have been good when he goes up in the air and tries to complete a Triple Axel...and B) He already has a perfect "Head Accessory": his own curly locks!

Coach Style Sidebar:

Ross Miner (right) with one of his coaches, Peter Johansson (left)

Bronze Medalist Ross Miner's coaches are three-time U.S. Figure Skating Championship medalist Mark Mitchell and former Swedish national champion Peter Johansson and I'm fascinated by them--they look like perfect coach "twinsies"--a brunette and blond version!

Coaches Mark Mitchell and Peter Johansson with skater--and pupil--2007 U.S. seventh-place finisher Juliana Cannarozzo

Mitchell and Johansson are always dressed impeccably, perfectly groomed and also boast near-fat free figures. I don't know why, but every time I see them sitting with their skaters, I can sooo easily picture them in Mykonos in Speedos having a lot of fun! But, I digress...
Let's discuss their pupil--and 2012 U.S. Bronze Medalist, Ross Miner:

Bronze Medalist Ross Miner Long Program Costume: For his Long Program to "The Untouchables" by Ennio Morricone, I liked that he wore a head-to-toe costume--as opposed to what most of the male skaters do by just throwing on a same-old, same-old pair of black pants. I LOVE it when a skater dons an entire costume, especially one that works, and this midnight blue-colored ensemble with sequined trim did. What it had to do with "The Untouchables" is beyond me, but it looked modern, elegant and still, had good "costume" factor. It is subtle, yet stylish, just like his coaches.

Ross Miner Short Program Costume: Ross skated to "Para Ti" for his Short program, and this was one of my favorite costumes for the Men's. Yes, he wore those aforementioned skin-tight black pants that have become de rigueur for the male competitors...but his top was EXQUISITE. I loved the interesting seaming--both in the front and back--also, the contrast of the sequined, embroidered fabrication with the black velvet was great. There were elements of 15th Century Spanish Court Costume and yet contemporary skating costume detail as well.

Pewter Medalist Armin Mahbanoozadeh Long Program Costume: Armin skated to "Kill Bill" soundtrack for his Long Program. As we all know, "Kill Bill" heroine, actress Uma Thurman wore that iconic bright yellow catsuit with black stripes down the sides of her sleeves and legs in the film:

Which obviously "inspired" Armin's costume. His was all black with yellow tape on the legs. However, at first glance--if I didn't know what music he was skating to--I would have asked "Why is their CRIME TAPE on his pant legs?". I get the correlation to the film and Thurman's jumpsuit but...it just fell a bit flat for me. I wished (oh how much do I wish!), that he would have gone ALL the way and donned a bright yellow costume with the black trim on the sides. If he was a Russian or Japanese male figure skater, you just KNOW he would have done that! Or at least the reverse and wear a black jumpsuit with yellow trim.

Armin Mahbanoozadeh Short Program Costume: For this, he skated to "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin. The song--as we know--contains distinctive musical patterns of classical Moroccan, Indian and Middle Eastern music. His costume reflected this. Or at least the top did. The interesting patterns on his shirt had Near East influences as well as an "Art Deco" touch. Again, I wish he would have taken it a bit further--maybe included some of that trimmed pattern down the sides of his pants.

Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen, Nick Verreos and Tyler Duckworth:

Up Next: My "Nick Costume Two Cents" on the Pairs from the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--The Ladies

Figure Skating Fun:

Arrival Pose: Nick Verreos at the San Jose, CA International Airport

After blogging about the Figure Skating Fashion for the last 2 seasons here on my blog, I decided it was time to see some of these costumes "Up Close" and since the Nationals were almost in my backyard--well, almost--an hour away by plane in San Jose, CA...

I, along with my partner, David Paul (who LOVES himself some figure skating!) decided to make a weekend of it! Yes, we hopped on a Horizon/Alaska Airlines propeller plane at LAX and an hour later, we were in San Jose....to go to the 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, HP Pavilion San Jose California

This years Nationals were being held at the HP Pavilion and yes, we bought tickets for all of the weekend high-profile events--including the Ladies Finals, Pairs, Ice Dance and Men's short and Long Programs. This is like the "Miss USA" of figure skating...and very very important!!!

Skating Goddess: 9-time US National Champion, 5-time World Champion, 2-time Olympic Medalist Michelle Kwan, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships "Hall of Fame" Induction Ceremony

I was so excited to attend the Ladies Final Competition--which was held this past Saturday--and as part of the afternoon's event at the HP Pavilion, there was a very special (and a big highlight for me) Induction Presentation of Michelle Kwan into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She wore a bright silk satin mustard yellow top and black skirt during this ceremony and actually got teary as all the congratulatory video montages played on the HUGE overhead pavilion screens.

Now, let's get to the Ladies Final and The Costumes!!!

The Top Four: Left to Right--Alissa Czisny (Silver) Ashley Wagner (Gold), Agnes Zawadzki (Bronze), Caroline Zhang (Pewter), 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion

Gold Medalist Ashley Wagner: I LOVED Ashley's Free Skate costume. She skated to "Music from Black Swan" and yes, this is one of my favorite costumes of the entire season. The one-shoulder embroidered lace applique with beaded detail design is both elegant and directional.

Ashley Wagner--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "Music from the Pollock Soundtrack" and wore a red halter neckline costume with rhinestones. It's pretty, it "pops" on the ice and appropriate for the music and theme.

Agnes Zawadzki--Long Program: Agnes was First Place after her Short Program but received the Bronze Medal after the Free Skate. For her Free Program, she skated to "Rhapsody In Blue" By George Gershwin and wouldn't you know it...she wore a royal/electric blue costume with a one-shoulder/band mock-neck silhouette design with yes, lots of crystals. On the ice, this costume really stood out and look fabulous!

Agnes Zawadzki--Short Program Costume: For her Short Program, Agnes skated to "Harlem Nocturne" and "Whatever Lola Wants" wearing a similar one-shoulder/band neckline costume--but in deep violet. I like that she knows how important these strong colors are, especially on "stage". Up close, these costumes do look about five minutes away from looking too "Figure Skating Betty" however, it somehow works on Agnes. The colors work really well against her skin tone and hair color. On that note, I love that she keeps her hairstyle in an elegant side-parted chignon each time.

Alissa Czisny--Long Program: OK, I will have to get this one off my chest right now: I wasn't a fan of this costume. There, I said it! Alissa--whom I love--and I was "pulling for her"--got the Silver Medal after her Free Skate to "La Valse Triste" by Jean Sibelius. The costume was a little too lingerie/corsetry-looking for my taste. It was "Trashy Lingerie"-ish. On a good note: it had "hints" of Rodarte--the much-praised High Fashion brand everyone and Anna Wintour just LUVS--however, it fell a bit short for me, in terms of impact. I am not a fan of the long skirts for Ladies Figure Skating and well, the entire look was not impacting enough.

Alissa Cizisny--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "La Vie en Rose" from the Sabrina soundtrack and wore this elegant rose-pink boatneck sleeveless costume with all-over crystals. I liked this--it was classic and serene. And the thin belt at the waist is soooo "Red Carpet"-ready! The back is covered in Silver Crystals and is absolutely breathtaking. The photos do not do this costume justice.

Mirai Nagasu---Short Program: Mirai skated to "Danzarin" Tango Lorca to her Short Program. This costume looked like something one could buy off the rack--from one of the skating shops in the Arena. And kids, that's not a good thing--especially for the Nationals. She need to "Bring It On" and for me, she didn't. I can design--and sew this costume--in my sleep!

Caroline Zhang: Pewter Medalist Caroline Zhang wore on of my TOP costumes of the Ladies Final Championships. It was a black number featuring original beading detail under her bust and framing her torso. She skated her Free Skate to "Allegro Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104-1" in this and it worked seamlessly into the performance. Tres Chic Caroline!

Rachael Flatt: One of my favorite figure skaters, Rachael Flatt--skated to the "Firebird Suite" from The Firebird by Stravinsky for her Long Program/Free Skate. She changed her costume and showcase this new design at the US Nationals. Here is the one she wore before. I liked the multicolored beading that (I am assuming) was supposed to mimic feathers of a bird. The colors, design and crystals--they all looked well-made and expensive. But, the best part of her costume came at the end of her performance--during the "Kiss-And-Cry", when she put on a "Stanford University" (the college she attends) cap. Soooo CUTE! Go Miss Rachael!

Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Previewing the Ladies Final:

Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Recap'ing Ladies Final Competition: