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Showing posts with label Skate America 2017. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skate America 2017. Show all posts

Thursday, 30 November 2017

ICE STYLE.....SKATE AMERICA 2017 Costumes: PAIRS & ICE DANCE

November 30, 2017 0 Comments



Cha Cha Canada: Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada after finishing their Short Dance--2017 Bridgestone Skate America, Lake Placid NY



Time for the third and final 2017 Skate America Costumes Blog: The PAIRS and ICE DANCE. If you missed my "Ice Style" blogs on the LADIES, click HERE...and for the MEN, click HERE, but now, let's begin with the PAIRS...WARNING: Costume Changes Ahead!



PAIRS:



Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier of USA: Denney and Frazier skated their Short Program All Of Me by John Stephens, Toby Gad performed by John Legend in these lovely costumes above. I liked the matchy-matchy color story between the two; her vanilla cream costume matched his tuck-pleated-and-French-cuffed tuxedo shirt. Her sequined look was Figure Skating Traditional but totally on-trend--if by that I mean, her top section reminded me of all those "nude gowns" being favored by Beauty Queens of late (read my "Miss Universe" Evening Gown review HERE and you'll understand!). 





Free Skate to Who Wants to Live Forever by Brian May, performed by Queen & David Garrett--For their Free Skate, they wore these costumes above at Skate America 2017. The color story was deep indigo blue with hints of red. I thought these were quite modern and directional--especially when compared to their Short program costumes which veered on the traditional. I especially liked the asymmetrical long-ish top and how it really made for a perfect "Male Costume Bookend" to her look. In case you are paying attention to this season's Grand Prix, you might have realized that these looks above were a Costume Change from what they wore at the 2017 Skate Canada International for the same Free Skate:











Jumpsuit Diva and Sparkle Brandon--OK, I'm going to be honest here: I kind of liked the all black "Jumpsuit & Sparkle" Denney and Frazier. Maybe I've been watching one too many Mae Berenice Meite and old Carolina Kostner videos but....I think I like these more. Am I crazy? (Don't answer that!)















Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada: Duhamel and Radford of Canada skated their Short Program to With Or Without You by U2 performed by April Meservy wearing these blue and black costumes above. Meagan's look featured a sheer tank with deep blue lace overlay including delicate silver beading. I thought she looked pretty, sexy and modern. Eric looked sleek and fab in his matching deep blue top that had delicate rhinestone details at the collar, shoulder and sleeve bands. Oh, and yes, he wore a pair of nice super-tight black pants. This, my dear figure skating fans was a COSTUME CHANGE from what they last wore at Skate Canada International 2017 for the Short Program (and I am happy they changed! Thank you and Merci Meagan and Eric):






2017 Skate Canada Short Program Costumes--I wasn't so sure about Meagan's odd waistband and "V"-like sequins #JustSaying







Aliona Savchenko and Bruno Massot of Germany--Free Skate to La Terre vue du ciel by Armand Amar, edited by Maxime Rodriguez: For their Free Skate, the German Pairs couple of Savchenko and Massot wore these lilac-hued costumes above. I LOVED Aliona's white-and-lilac ombre dyed costume which featured gathered upper torso and a sequined neckband. The costume also had a center front nude illusion panel and diamante-studded waistband. Bruno matched her costume with his top. This was a COSTUME CHANGE from what they last wore for their Free Skate at the 2017 Skate Canada International:








It was a costume change for her and not for Bruno. I have to say that I like both looks on her. What do you guys think? 







Now, time for ICE DANCE:





Kana Muramoto and Chris Reed of Japan: Short Dance to Cha Cha: I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez; Rhumba: Mondo Bongo by Joe Strummer; Samba: Batucada de Sambrasil by Estudios Talkback--I have no idea who designs their costumes but I like them! These looks were fun, sassy and "Carnival" fab. I loved the goldenrod/fuchsia and black colors and especially her multi-fringed skirt. I especially liked how the tips of the fringe were dip-dyed black; she looked like a glorious Samba Bird of Paradise! 







Free Skate to The Last Emperor (soundtrack) and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence by Ruyichi Sakamoto--These Free Dance costumes were pretty, elegant and right for that beautiful Ruyichi Sakamoto music. There were hints of Geisha Fab in her pink flower applique costume and I also liked his gray chiffon draped top. I wished there were tiny pink details on his look to bring him back to her but other than that, these were nice costumes.







Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy: Cappellini and Lanotte skated their fun Short Dance to Cha Cha: Kaboom performed by Ursula 1000; Samba: Skip to the Bip performed by Club des Belugas; and Samba: 1008 Samba. While most of the Ice Dance men are utilizing this Samba/Rhumba/Cha-Cha Shorty Dance to be Muy Caliente Sexy Hot with their costumes (sheer, plunging and tighter!) here, while still super tight fitting, Luca is all covered up...and in all black! I get that Anna's fuchsia-and-silver colored costume makes a bold color statement alone but still, I just wish he didn't look like a valet about to take my car away. Her costume, on the other hand, is one of my favorites of the season: It is spectacular with the crystal beaded bodice and fuchsia ruffled skirt that is just the right length for her teeny tiny frame. In a way, by making him fade away, it highlighted her even more...which was probably the point!







Free Dance to Biongiorno Principessa (from "La Vita e Bella" soundtrack), Life Is Beautiful (from "La Vita e Bella" soundtrack) by Nicola Piovani, arranged & performed by Mi Loco Tango, and La Vita e Bella (from "La Vita e Bella" soundtrack) by Nicola Piovani arranged by Claudio Mandonico. Cappellini and Lanotte are known for their very Italy-centric Ice dances and this Olympic Season was no exception for their Free Dance. She wore an ivory colored dress with beaded top section and nude illusion neckline. I thought she looked quite Mumsy and matronly. I did like Luca's high-waisted pants-and-shirt costume. The pants were super tight which was a good thing, but the colors were SOOOOO drab. I get the whole We're-Italian-peasants-dancing-up-a-storm theme but still, I wish they didn't look so sad and uninspiring.











Maia and Alex Shibutani of USA: How do you say AMAZING in Ice Dance?? The Shibutanis, that's how! I LOVED their Short Dance to Mambo: Mambo No. 5 by Perez Prado; Cha Cha: Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White by Perez Prado and Samba: Mambo Jumbo/Mambo No. 8 by Perez Prado, and I especially ADORED their costumes. These were BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO! They looked so fabulous, I almost wanted to jump through the TV and do Twizzles with them (OK, maybe not!). I thought her bubblegum pink with gold and silver crystals dress was A STUNNER. And Alex was no Costume Chopped Liver: I thought his nude bedazzled shirt with black pants look was sexy and a perfect costume partner to her colorful eye candy costume. 







Free Dance to Paradise by Coldplay: For their Free Dance, they went much more subdued--keeping in mind their emotional and modern music. I liked the red and black colors and I especially liked her softly draped chiffon dress featuring subtle hints of ombre dying. I also appreciated how his shirt perfectly matched her dress coloring. This might not have been as impressive as their Short Dance costumes but they were quietly beautiful and appropriate for this Free Dance.  







Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada: Gilles and Poirier of Canada wore these costumes for their Short Dance to Bossa Nova: Bossa Cubana and Mambo: Gopher Mambo. Piper wore an aquamarine and black Devore velvet-like dress with an open back and GORGEOUS gold jeweled sequins on her upper torso. And Paul...well, he started with black pants and sequined black top but then...halfway through their skate, she ripped his sleeves, revealing Cha-Cha ruffles of a similar fabrication to her dress. While it was gimmicky, I liked it! He definitely needed a style element of fun and the ruffles did it. The costumes above, were somewhat of a COSTUME CHANGE...Let me show you:







The top photo (out of these three above) shows his "New" costume, as opposed to the lower two photos (which are from the last time they skated at the Rostelecom Cup of Russia 2017). Notice that they added sequins to his neckline AND his tiered ruffles got a color "upgrade". Back when I saw the first version of his look, I thought he needed more color...and I guess, they A) either read my blog; or B) they realized this all on their own!











Free Dance to Stolen Hearts, Perry Mason Theme by Fred Steiner, Smokey Sax Perry, Mason Theme by Fred Steiner: For their Free Dance, the Canadian Ice Dance couple wore these black costumes above. Piper's featured a "plunging" neckline (covered in illusion of course), open sides and a fishtail hem dress/skirt hem. Paul was in a skin tight black turtleneck , black pants and a "police badge" accessory at the waist. These were a COSTUME CHANGE from what they last wore--also at the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia...and HINT: I was not a fan...







This is what I said in my blog then: "I love this pair and hope somebody rescues them from these costumes. Please change this ASAP!"...And Merci and Thank You, because I guess someone heard my Costume Pleas!




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Wednesday, 29 November 2017

ICE STYLE.....SKATE AMERICA 2017 COSTUMES: MEN

November 29, 2017 0 Comments



Adam Rippon of the USA, after skating his Short Program--Bridgestone Skate America 2017 Lake Placid NY



In my last ICE STYLE post HERE, I discussed the LADIES COSTUMES from the 2017 Skate America Grand Prix of Figure Skating, so now it's time for the MEN. Let's begin with Israel's Daniel Samohin:







Daniel Samohin of Israel: Daniel skated his Short Program to It's a Man's Man's Man's World performed by Seal wearing this all black look. The costume featured black pants, a long black shirt with sheer sleeves and a sequined top underneath. I liked the peek-a-boo element of seeing some fab sparkles coming from his chest; this gave a nice stage-impacting element and added to the overall image of Seal performing the song on a big international stage. 





Free Skate to Two Angels by Sergei Erdenko performed by Loyko--First, I have to explain (in case you weren't watching Skate America 2017 like I was!): The reason Daniel is holding his shoulder and looking so distraught in the above photos is because he was taken to a local hospital after dislocating his left shoulder in a fall during his free skate on Saturday. Samohin skated off the ice by himself, holding the shoulder, and walked out of the competition area. We all hope he is OK. Now, back to his costume: I liked it. He wore a white and purple top with blouson sleeves featuring crystals and an ombre-like coloring. His pants were a deep hue of the color on his top. This is really a great costume and I look forward to seeing it and Daniel back on ice soon.















Liam Firus of Canada: Canada's Liam Firus skated his Short Program Happy Ending by Mika wearing this blue shirt-and-pants costume above. I liked the "Acid wash" dyed look of his shirt (soooo 1992!) and uniquely placed flower/peacock feather-like embroidery. 











Ross Miner Short Program: Cosmic Superhero by Bart van Wissen, Magic Cure by Inkmash, and Downtown by Macklemore, Ryan Lewis feat. Eric Nally--Ross Miner skated his Short Program in this all black costume. the look featured a faux leather-like shiny shirt with studded shoulders, matte black pants, metallic belt. I liked all of it, especially the great studded shoulder detail (smart to have detail up there since the cameras would be focusing a lot in the upper torso). I also was happy that he didn't wear a "Ross Dress For Less" 90's belt and instead, wore something that almost looked as if it was actually DESIGNED (what a novel idea!) for the costume! Thank you Ross. 













Sergei Voronov of Russia: Sergei skated his Short Program to Adios Nonino by Astor Piazzolla. This is a Tango and therefore, I assume Sergei was going for a "Modern Tango" look with his red and black costume. The top was a bit odd with the different panels and I was especially confused about the nude-like ones. Was this supposed to be skin-colored illusion? And if so, why the odd placements in the midriff and neck area? He looked a little more "Tron" than Tango.





Takahito Mura of Japan: Mura skated his Short Program to Farrucas--Zapateado (Flamenco) wearing this black/silver/gray top and black pants costume. The top had lace sequined fabric and big red satin rosettes as details. I get how he was trying to go for a Spanish Flamenco dancer in this. But, the top just seemed a bit unrefined in its design. This costume--by the way--was a Costume Change, from what he wore last time at Skate Canada International 2017:








Ruffles and Fringe: So....which costume do we like better?





Free Skate to The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber--For his Free Skate, Takahito brought back (Groundhog's Day!) his program from the 2014-2015 Season but...it was a different cut of music (well, at least, there's that!) AND this old-but-new program was choreographed by none other than Charlie White! In terms of his costume, he wore this part black/part Cabernet red jacket look with heavily studded lapel, a red chest pocket hankie and black gloves. Mura, once again, took it into a Too Mucheey Costume Level. I get the "Phantom" reference, but it was all a bit too kitschy for my taste. 





Nathan Chen of USA: I really, really...REALLY hope that his real costumes are STILL NOT READY and we will see SOMETHING for the Grand Prix Finals because these are...The "Ross Dress For Less"/Server-at-a-Restaurant Nathan Chen Costumes Edition.

On the left is the black dress shirt and pants look he wore as his "costume" for his Short Program to Nemesis by Benjamin Clementine. I get that the music is sweeping, jazzy, modern...so a sleek all black costume is appropriate but...THIS? Nathan looks like he is making drinks at a local bar in Lake Placid. And for his...

Free Skate to Mao's Last Dancer (soundtrack) by Christopher Gordon (right), he decided to give the all black shirt-and-pants outfit a color change...into blue! There's really nothing to discuss since THERE IS NOTHING HERE except that he still looks like part of the waitstaff of a restaurant/bar.











Adam Rippon of USA: Adam wore this Rock & Roll flashy look above for his Short Program to Let Me Think About It (Eddie Thoneick Remix) performed by Ida Carr feat. Fedde Le Grand. I LOVED IT! Adam has been on a costume roll wearing SUPER TIGHT sexy tops with plunging necklines and see-through fabrications, and I am a big fan! A) Adam is lean as a toothpick so...he can do it! And B) It's refreshing to see something that is fun, flashy and NOT an all black boring look straight out of a department store. I really like the faux leather panels and the rhinestones accenting the top. Throw in that center front zipper and sheer stretch chiffon and Adam is ready to hit the dance floor! All that's missing is a FAB disco ball.





Free Skate to Arrival of the Birds ("Crimson Wing" soundtrack) by The Cinematic Orchestra
O by Coldplay--This is the same program music from last season but Thank Goodness, it was a different costume. Not that I didn't like last season's costume but THIS IS GORGEOUS! The look--designed by Veretto Sport and designer Braden Overett--included blue skin tight pants and a second-skin sequined top. That top was OUTSTANDING--like Figure Skating Haute Couture! There were hints of the sky and bird's wings (to go along with the music) but not so obvious like last season's feathered costume. #Love




**UP NEXT: PAIRS and ICE DANCE COSTUMES of 2017 Skate America!!






And don't forget about my NEW "The Pageant Coloring Book"! Where you can create your very own Evening Gown Competition with 25 of my hand-drawn Pageant Queen illustrations. Click HERE to purchase NOW on amazon.com:







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