Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Men!

Soccer Balls, Chippendale's Dancers and a Dracula peplum...It's The Men !!!

World Cup...of Skating: Russian Figure Skater Sergei Voronov in a soccer ball-inspired stretch Lycra top and black pants, Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011-2012 Season--Keep reading below to see if he made my "Love It" or "Not So Much" of The Men's at Cup of Russia Figure Skating "Fashion Two cents" Review

Over the weekend, the Rostelecom Cup--or Cup of Russia (of figure skating)--happened at the Megasport Arena in Moscow Russia...

Megasport Arena, Moscow Russia

In my last post, I talked about the costumes I somehow missed during this whole 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season, for The Pairs. Now, I am on to The Men...and the costumes that escaped my well-trained Fashion Designer and Figure Skating Fan "Eye". Shall we get started:

Artur Gachinski of Russia: It seems fitting since it is the Cup of Russia, to begin with a Russian figure skater--and his costume choice. For his Free Skate entitled "The Demon", utilizing music from "Interview With A Vampire", "Bram Stoker's Dracula", as well as "The Red Violin", he wore an all black ensemble featuring beaded applique over the very tight outseam of the pants as well as accents on the top "jacket" section (center front, collar, cuffs).

As he skated (and especially, when doing his turns), I loved how the peplum "flapped" in the wind. I liked this costume: it reflected the music, the theme and still seemed masculine and dark. If I had one critique: I would have liked maybe...some Red! (to signify the blood of the Vampires).

Artur has been dubbed the "new" Evgeni Plushenko (above)! Plushenko was great in mixing a bit of artistry with a lot of the athleticism--and making his "Dorothy Hamill-esque" layered shag move in the wind. And Gachinski does all that. Also, they have the same coach, and many people have commented on the fact that Artur Gachinski is inspired by his movements, and he's pretty much suggested that Plushenko is his Idol. But Plushenko also knew to add some color in his costumes. Take note Artur.

Konstantin Menshov of Russia: Continuing with the Russian boys, it's Konstantin Menshov. Menshov got 8th place (out of eight) at the Rostelecom Cup this weekend and for his Free Skate, he chose to skate to "The Race" by Yellow, Kill Bill's "Battle Without Humanity", and Debussy's "Clair de Lune". His all black jacket and pant look was very Ski Instructor at some FABULOUS--and very exclusive--James Bond-ish Ski Resort in Cortina Italy. It also had the "essence" of Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix". Maybe that should have been his soundtrack. Just sayin...

Andrei Rogozine of Canada: For his Short Program, Moscow, Russia-born (don't ask, it's Figure Skating!) Rogozine skated to "Broken Sorrow" and "Fanfare" by Black Violin. Somehow, I also haven't talked about this young figure skater--and his costumes--in my "Figure Skating Costumes" blogs here. For this skate, he wore a metalized gunmetal-colored above-elbow sleeved shirt featured placket pocket accents and a large Fleur-de-lis applique on the back. I liked the sort of "Western Tex-Mex" aspect of the shirt--even though that had NOTHING to do with the music or program. Also (on a good note), I am usually NOT a fan of the "Wear-a-belt-with-your pants as part of your Grand Prix Costume" but...I liked his big buckled silver one here. However, the overall iridescent look was a bit "Chippendales Las Vegas Goes Line Dancing at a French Club". Go figure.

Sergei Voronov of Russia: For his Free Skate to Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci", Voronov's costume was a bit of a mishmash of a "Sexy Harlequin" Clown/Stripper: his silver-grey and black ensemble has cut-out applique in "Argyle"/diamond shapes, stand-up asymmetrical collar, center front "tears of a clown" in red, and a side-front chest illusion opening that "travels" dangerously near his thigh. There is A LOT here: A) I love that it's "different" but, B) It's very Cirque du Soleil after waaaay too many pre-Dinner Show drinks! It almost made me wish he would have gone this route:


Now, let's finish with Mr. Soccer Ball:

Yes, kids, it's "Mr Pagliacci" Sergei Voronov of Russia and his "Soccer Ball" ensemble. For his Short Program he skated to "The Final Game" by Hans Zimmer. THANK GOODNESS his costume had something to do with the soundtrack to his skate. Well, just a bit--in terms of being a sport-themed look; it's actually from a BASEBALL-themed film "A League of Their Own", which has NOTHING to do with soccer, or a soccer ball for that matter. Why his top is printed like one is yes, beyond me. But...somehow, I still liked it: it was kitschy, "graphic" and definitely caught my "costume eye attention". Soccer or Baseball, it's still kind-of Figure Skating Fashionable...to me!

*Next Up: The Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Ice Dancers and Ladies!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Pairs!!

A "T.G.I. Friday's" Waiter, a Futuristic Couple and a BIG Statement Making Necklace...

Referee & Feathers: Katarina Gerboldt and Alexander Enbert of Russia show that it's not just the Ice Dancers who get all the "Costume Fun"

This weekend was Thanksgiving Weekend for the USA but in Russia, and Moscow to be exact, it was "Cup of Russia" Weekend! Yes, kids, if you've been keeping score with my "Figure Skating Fashion Review" Blogs, we are now onto the sixth and final leg of the 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, before the Grand Prix Finals which will be held in Quebec City Canada December 8-11.


This year's Cup of Russia is also known as the 2011 Rostelecom Cup, named after one of the chief sponsors, Rostelecom, the Russian state-owned telecoms provider is a based out of Saint Petersburg and Moscow. But enough about that, let's get to the COSTUMES, and in particular the ones that stood out in my eyes--either good or not-so-good. Also, since I probably have discussed EVERY Pair, Ice Dancing couple, male and female figure skater--while reviewing the costumes from the previous five Grand Prix--I am trying to stick to skaters who somehow missed my "Nick Costumes Two Cents".

First up are The Pairs:

Gerboldt and Enbert of Russia: For their Short Program, Gerboldt and Enbert skated to "Gopher Mambo". One would usually expect this very fun Latin music during the Ice Dancing competition and not in the Pairs--so, it was a nice change from say the "usual musical accompaniment subjects" like , Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" or Ravel's "Bolero" (continuing reading below). Their costumes (I am assuming) were supposed to parallel the "kooky" cha-cha-cha of the Mambo music backdrop--as well as be a little "Latin" in its styling and bold colors. I liked the bright purple of her feathered-and-beaded dress and his vest.

But at the same time, I don't know what a black-and-white striped shirt had to do with Mambo. He looked like a Referee at a Gay Football Match--or the head bartender at a T.G.I. Friday's!

Maybe he should have followed the costume footsteps of Laila Ali and Maksim Chmorkovskiy from "Dancing With The Stars" back in the 4th season of that reality TV show (above). I liked how the costumers used the purple there and well, not made him look like a referee/waiter!

For their Free Skate, Russians Gerboldt and Enbert skated to "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (a popular music choice for Figure Skaters and Pairs in particular) and yes, it was a more toned down-and-elegant costume change. The bronzed and silver-white colors go well together but yet again, I am dumbfounded as to what these Disney-perfect Prince and Princess looks have to do with a musical/film starring Catherine Deneuve, who sells umbrellas with her mom and then falls in love with a young auto mechanic.

Stolbova and Klimov of Russia: Since we are talking about the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia, it seems appropriate to stay with the Russians--in terms of my Pairs Costume Review. These two placed fourth overall and therefore almost made it to the medal podium. For their Free Skate, they skated to a modern arrangement of the "Polovetsian Dances" (from "Prince Igor"). Again, I was surprised (in a good way) to see such vibrant and rather creative costumes for a Pairs competition. Her asymmetrical blue-green with gold-and-black midriff corset and belt was unusual and looked a bit like she couldn't decide whether she was Dracula's Mistress or a Russian Princess from the late 1800's--and I liked that costume juxtaposition. However...

Prince Igor, the Hollywood Toys & Costume Version: I was a little "on the fence" with her partner, Fedor Klimov, and his grey with gold-and-black "Armour" detail ensemble. I get the period Russian Prince-like details but somehow, it still looks a little bit like a cheap "Halloween" get-up one can get from "Hollywood Toys and Costumes" on Hollywood Blvd. But it certainly showed off his toned physique: his legs and booty are KRAZEE!!!

Sprockets in Russian: For their Short Program, they skated to a "modern interpretation" of Ravel's "Bolero", they chose to look a little futuristic/modern. But somehow, they both ended up looking like extras from Saturday Night Live's "Sprockets" TV sketch...

Modern Asymmetrical Work Out: Fedor wore a silver tank top under a navy blue sheer blouson top and Ksenia, she had on a silver crop top under a boat neck/off-the-shoulder (I guess the designer couldn't decide!) sheer blouse all attached to an asymmetrical skirt-dress silhouette. It was all very "Jane Fonda Work Out Video--the Space Odyssey 2001 Edition". I do have to give it to them in terms of looking a bit contemporary. Even if their version of contemporary looks a bit like it was from 1996.

Finally, I want to discuss a Pairs team from the USA:

Cain and Reagan of the USA: For their Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012 Short Program, they skated to Henry Mancini's "Moon River" from "Breakfast At Tiffany's". Naturally, they tried to vibe a little of the movie and especially Audrey Hepburn's iconic Hubert de Givenchy ensembles in the use of all-black plus of course THAT big ol' necklace:

However, I wished the necklace Ashley Cain wore was actually more like Hepburn's in the movie. Or...that the costume designer would have incorporated it into the costume, like in a pearl-and-sequined embellishment detail on the neckline that's attached to the rest of the ensemble.

It just looks like an after-thought here. Like she went to the nearest Moscow Department Store and bought the biggest necklace she could find! Also, the shape is more Elizabeth Taylor "Cleopatra" and less Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly.

Finally, for their Free Skate to "Doctor Zhivago", they chose to go an elegant black-and-ivory route with their costumes and not go too "Period Costume-y". I actually think it's rather great that her partner, Joshua Reagan looked more FAB than she did. It was ALL about his white elbow-sleeved "Jacket" with black piping.

The flap-over style reminded me of the Balmain "Napoleon" jacket (above). Together in their Free Skate costumes, both Ashley and Joshua looked perfectly paired (with their matching black-and-ivory), still relevant to the music and wow, quelle surprise...not tacky or "kooky". A rather "contemporary" take on Dr. Zhivago. Yeaay for them!

*Next Up: More Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Costumes...Stay Tuned!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Trophée Eric Bompard Grand Prix of France--The Men!!

A Folies Bergère MC, a Xanadu RoboCop and a Nymph...It's Time for the Boys of Grand Prix France!

Folies Bergère Host: Want to know what I thought of this lovely costume for France's Florent Amodio? Well, keep reading kids...

This weekend is the fifth in a series of six ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series, Trophée Eric Bompard Grand Prix of France and it is happening at the Bercy Arena in Paris France. Organized by the Federation Française des Sports de Glace, which translates to the French Federation of "Sports on Ice" or Figure Skating (doesn't it sound so much fancier en Francais??). The Grand Prix of France is called Trophée Eric Bompard, since the cashmere clothing company has been its chief sponsor since 2004. So, let's get to the important stuff: the Costumes! And with this post, we'll start with The Men.

Canada Gold: Patrick Chan of Canada won his second gold medal Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2011-12012 series. I've discussed his fashion during the Grand Prix of Canada in this previous post HERE so I won't go into it again, just to say: Love his skating, love his costumes! Go Patrick!!

Adam Rippon of the USA: Curly-haired cutie Adam Rippon almost got to the podium in Paris France (he ended up 4th). First of all, I just realized he was born THREE years AFTER I graduated from High School! (yep, it's official: I am OLD!!!). Moving on...I really liked his Free Skate costume to "Air" and "Toccata & Fugue" by Johann Sebastian Bach. The salmon-pink-grey ombre dyed draped top was sensuous, Grecian and may I add, a fabulous alternative to all those cheesy "buttoned-down dress shirts" or blouson "Men's Figure Skating blouses" that many of the other men find a need to wear! I wish the color was a bit stronger but I "get it" that it's subdued and elegant. He looks like a Nymph in a Nureyev ballet!

Michal Brezina of Czech Republic: Michal got the third place Bronze Medal at the Grand Prix of France (blame him for not letting Rippon have a spot on the podium). Now, I've already given my "Nick Two Cents" on his Free Skate to "Untouchables" HERE. Basically, it was half Eliot Ness/half Gay Boy in Mykonos! But let's discuss his Short Program look which he skated to Japanese Kodo Drums. He wore a black crew-neck top and pants with white wrapped "belt" and wrist "ties". The top had sequined appliques of a dragon and a snake. I appreciated that he didn't go all out Samurai Shogun Warrior but rather sexy Euro Boy hinting at the Japanese Culture. Good job.

Florent Amodio of France: Oh Florent--Without even knowing it, he is becoming the "Johnny Weir of France"--with his over-the-top costumes. Brazilian-born Amodio can't help but add a little bit of his South American blood into all his ensembles. Although he was an infant when he was adopted and brought to France, you'd think he was ALL RIO! I've talked about his "Tony The Tiger" meets "Lion King On Ice" costume for his Free Skate HERE. But somehow, I haven't discussed this muted purple and bubblegum pink sequined (OH Lordy, all those words TOGETHER!) tuxedo vest, jumpsuit ensemble. He skates in this get-up to (wait for it!) George Gershwin's "Summertime" and "Jumpin Jack" by Big Voodoo Daddy. He looks like the host of a Folies Bergère show...in Lake Tahoe! Oh, and are those mini tied bows around his gloved wrists??? Je t'aime Amodio!

Song Nan of China: Finally, I want to talk about Chinese figure skater Song Nan and his Short program costume. "Requiem for a Dream" Soundtrack by Clint Mansell . The Darren Aronofsky cult film depicts addiction, leading to the characters’ imprisonment in a world of delusion and reckless desperation that is subsequently overtaken and devastated by reality. His costume, however, is giving me, "RoboCop" meets "Xanadu" meets "Blades of Glory". He's like an extra at the "Princess Cruises Blade Runner EXTRAVAGANZA"!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: NHK Trophy 2011--The Ladies!

An Aladdin Princess, A Golden Supermodel on Ice, and Best Costumed Lady at NHK Trophy 2011-2012 Goes To...

Jasmine Asada: Silver Medalist Mao Asada of Japan in her "Scheherazade" costume, NHK Trophy 2011 Sapporo Japan

The Ladies gave their costume BEST at this weekend's Grand Prix of Japan/NHK Trophy 20111-2012 and I was watching--on TV--from my big ol' couch here in LA. I was happy to see a lot of COLOR, creativity in design and expensive-looking Swarovski jeweled crystals (not the cheap kind thank you very much!) Who were my faves?

The Top Three: (Left to right) Silver went to Japan's Mao Asada, Gold Medalist Akiko Suzuki of Japan, and Bronze, Russia's Alena Leonova

Akiko Suzuki of Japan: Akiko won the Gold, at home and I've discussed her costumes here on my blog in my Skate Canada Fashion posting. I loved both her Free Skate (top photo with the other medalists) and her Short Program (above photo) costumes. My favorite of the two is this gunmetal grey SP one. She wears this while skating to Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody" and well, she looks like some Contessa who should have a fabulous Castle to come home to! The black leaf design encircled by crystals is original and elegant. Imagine extending this costume into a floor-length gown! Gorgeous.

Mao Asada of Japan: She got 2nd place in Sapporo. I also give her my "Fashion Silver" Award when it comes to her Grand Prix of Japan fashion. For her Free Dance to Liszt's (a popular choice this season!) "Liebestraume", she looks all things pretty in this lilac-colored ensemble. The delicate crystal flowers detail at the torso could go the route of "Toddlers & Tiaras" in a HOT Triple Lutz Minute, but it didn't. It looked restrained yet still theatrical at the same time and VERY expensive!

Not sure about that pretzel-twist knotted waistband (looks a bit odd and jarring there), but the beautiful top makes up for it. Now, what I just LOVED was...

Asada's Scheherazade costume. It's so OUT there, it's GOOOOD!!! She looks like a cross between Princess Jasmine of "Aladdin" and an extra in those old "Bob Hope Goes To (fill in the blank)" movies. It's not every day one sees an "I Dream of Jeannie"-like harem pant costume, so as a Fashion Designer, Mao made me smile with "Fashion Glee" when she stepped on the ice.

Kiira Korpi of Finland: The "Supermodel On Ice" Kiira, looked radiant in her canary yellow costume, which she wore to her "Over The Rainbow" Short Program. At first, I thought "what does her costume have to do with that?" but then I remembered the YELLOW BRICK road!!! Hello!!!

This was the Lycra and silk chiffon with an encrusted crystal Costume ROAD! The entire design was beautiful and made her look like she should be on the cover of a fashion magazine.

And then, for her Free Skate to Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm", she wore another red carpet mini stunner, with a black costume featuring "swirled" silver-grey crystal detail and original armhole-and-shoulder crystal accents.

I also loved her 1930's-looking finger wave hairstyle that went fabulously with her music and costume. She looked like one of those Hollywood Starlets in a Busby Berkeley musical movie!

Ashley Wagner of the USA: But to me, one of the best Fashion Ladies on the NHK Trophy Ice Title goes to Ashley Wagner of the USA. She missed the Medal podium by a little over 5 points but to me, she got the Fashion Gold. I've discussed her "Black Swan" costume here and in case you missed it: this was one of my FAVORITE costumes in YEARS!!! Stunning, gorgeous, dramatic and SO "Swan Lake" Ballerina.

But I didn't discuss her red halter-necklined Short Program costume which she performs to "Pollock". This looks like a more mature version of Maia Shibutani's red "Big Band" costume. The heavy crystal beading detail looks expensive as opposed to tacky and the silhouette works for her. It also makes a sweet-and-pretty contrast to what she then wears for her "Black Swan" Free Skate. Good Job Ashley! You make my "Best Costumed" Nick List!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: NHK Trophy 2011--The Ice Dancers & The Pairs!

Fiery Latin Dances, Big Band Prepsters, Lovestruck Romantics with No Fashion Sense and more...

The Ice Dance Medalists: (Left to right) Silver Medalists Weaver and Poje of Canada. Gold winners Shibutani and Shibutani of the USA, and Bronze Medalists Illinykh and Katsalapov, Grand Prix of Japan 2011

This weekend, Sapporo Japan and the Makomanai Sakisui Heim (say that three times!) Arena (above) was "Skating Central" and played host to the NHK Trophy/Grand Prix of Japan for 2011-2012. In my last post, I talked about The Men and their costumes--well, the ones I liked (for the most part) and now it's time to recap the Ice Dancers and the Pairs:

Reed and Reed of Japan: Brother and sister Ice Dancing team of Cathy and Chris Reed are half American and half Japanese--she renounced her US Citizenship in 2009 and he has dual citizenship (for now). They competed for Japan and in terms of their costumes (which is of course what I'm most interested in here!), I really liked their Short Program Latin-inspired outfits. Her black and pink fringed look with side "cut-out's" was electric, sexy and looked like a Brazilian Carnival performer. I also liked that the touches of pink were brought back to his look. I'm also a sucker for a MPN: Male Plunging Neckline!

Shibutani and Shibutani of the USA: Another brother and sister team--this time Maia and Alex Shibutani--got the Gold (Yeayyy Maia and Alex!) with their fabulous performances, infectious energy and "We are just SO happy to be here" smiles! Here, I want to highlight their Free Skate Costumes, in which they skated to Glenn Miller Orchestra's "In The Mood" "Moonlight Serenade" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo". They looked soooo cute together, I just wanna be their Gay Uncle and take them shopping and buy them tons of clothes!

Both of their costumes reflected the Big Band theme of their music really well: Her bright red halter-style crystal encrusted dress was very sweet and age-appropriate and packed a little bit of a punch. Alex's sweater vest, pinstripe pants and white shirt and tie look was straight out of some 40's college prepster from an Ivy League school sneaking out of class to go dancin'.

Weaver and Poje of Canada: These two skated to Je Suis Malade by Lara Fabian. This is a passionate song (the title means "I Am Sick") in which a woman is love sick over her partner ("My life ceases when you leave" goes the song). You would think that besides their presentation and skating they could somehow convey something with their costumes. But no, not so much. I understand that it's a contemporary song which requires contemporary "costumes" but these two looked like they had left a club in Brooklyn at 2:30am and didn't have enough money to catch a cab home back to New Jersey! First of all, I am not a fan of the tucked-in shirt and belted look for guys. It's mainly the belt I have a problem with; it just looks as if he got that from his closet. And her dress: I couldn't understand why that one strap was loose and hanging like that. I guess it was supposed to hint as if he had "passionately" pulled it off of her. But it just looked like a costume mistake. All that being said, they are a GORGEOUS couple!

The Pairs:

The Top Three: (Left to right) Silver Medalists Takahashi and Tran of Japan, Kavaguti and Smirnov of Russia who got the Gold, and Savchenko and Szolkowy of Germany with their Bronze Medals. I talked about the Russians Kavaguti and Smirnov and their costumes here so I won't go into that, but I will discuss...

Savchenko and Szolkowy of Germany: The only reason I am discussing these two is because of the fact that they are one of the top Pairs competitors and because they got third place at NHK this past weekend. I thought their Short Program Costumed, performed to "Angels and Demons" by Hans Zimmer, were on par with some of their previous season's kooky get-ups (which I liked!). Robin is in a black very tight jumpsuit straight out of some "Blades of Glory" remake, and Aliona is the so-called "Angel" in a very sassy and sexy white number. If that's an Angel, huney, time to book my ticket to HEAVEN!

On the other hand, NOTHING excited me about their Free Skate costumes. They skated something called "Pina" from a German 3D Dance Film (yeah, you read right!) of the same name. Anyhow, their costumes were so boring and uninspired that I want to YELL at the ice to bring back those Pink Panther outfits, like YESTERDAY--or wear those white and black jumpsuits all over again!!!

Berton and Hotarek of Italy: Stefania Berton and Ondrej Hotarek just missed the podium and garnered 4th place in Sapporo Japan. I liked, but not loved, their "Adagio in G minor for Organ and Strings" Free Skate costumes, seen above. The color is vibrant and perfect to get anyone's attention--even in the nose-bleed sections. But the scattered crystals look a little "Happy Hands at Home with the Bedazzler" and that diamante trim is straight out of Jo-Ann's Fabrics. Italians need to do better when it comes to costumes. Take a look at Carolina Kostner for a clue!

Takahashi and Tran of Japan: These two--who got the Silver Medal--wore one of my favorite costumes during the Pairs Free Dance competition. They looked quite elegant and "Figure Skating Costume" classic while skating to "Concerto de Quebec". Normally I wouldn't think of ombre-dyed muted olive, taupe and beige-y brown as colors that would make an impact as a figure skating costume, but they actually worked here (surprisingly!). The fact that they added them as almost a "detail/trim" and used the bright white as the most predominant color--in addition to the pretty well-placed mini flower crystals, it added to a nice costume story with their performance.

I thought her scooped back with back strapped detail was also a nice addition, especially since she was so "covered up" in the front. And PS: Tran's costume wasn't so bad as well. It coordinated with hers perfectly and hey, compared to what BA-BA-Boring Robin Szalkowy of the German pair wore, this is FAB-u-LOUS!

*Up Next: The Ladies of NHK Trophy 2011--Princess Jasmine of Aladdin Meets a Yellow-and-crystals clad Finnish Queen...