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In my last post HERE, I discussed the LADIES of Skate Canada International 2017 and their costumes--and all those COSTUME REPEATS (!). Sooooo...now it is time for the MEN. Thank goodness that they were a bit more Costume savvy than the ladies and did not do COSTUME REPEATS but they did do Music-and-Program Repeats instead. So, at least, somehow, they opted for NEW costumes, Gracias a Dios!





Shoma Uno of Japan: I look forward to what Japan's Shoma Uno will wear each season for his programs since he seems like a skater who cares about his costume and the whole stage presence/artistry of it all. For his Short Program to Winter (from "Four Seasons") by Antonio Vivaldi, he wore this costume above. I loved this costume on him. The Ombré dyed stretch velvet combined with the beautiful beadwork that mimicked ice crystals all combined to create the perfect accent to his stunning skating.





Free Skate to Turandot, Nessun Dorma (from "Turandot") by Giacomo Puccini, performed by Jose Carreras--Shoma Uno wore this costume for his Free Skate. it consisted of black pants (of course!) and an intricately detailed royal blue top. The top was striking and impacting. It featured a "plunging neckline" (demurely covered by nude illusion), and gold sequin applique highlighting his neckline and upper torso. It's obvious Shoma Uno LOVES a FABULOUS top for his skates and this follows this style pattern. In case you were wondering, this program was a REPEAT PROGRAM (The Season of Figure Skating Groundhog's Day!): This "Turandot" program was the same as Season 2015-2016 but THANK GOODNESS, not the same costume. this is what he wore then:









Takahito Mura of Japan: Mura skated his Short Program to Zapateado (Flamenco) wearing this black-and-white ensemble. The look had the ubiquitous black pants as well as a very flashy applique lace-like top featuring sleeve ruffles, stand-up collar, crystals and, if that wasn't enough, fringe on the front as well as what looked like sleeve "garter belts". I (kind of) see the Flamenco reference (the lace, the ruffles...the black & white) but it was still kind of a mess. 





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 mismatching black and white 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. But...at least he didn't repeat his costume:













Michal Brezina of Czech Republic: Michal has a new look and he's giving "Hipster Skater" (Oh lordy!) with that annoying top knot. He skated his Short Program to Kodo (Japanese Drums) in this black and white costume featuring a skin-tight top with crystal studded dragon-like motifs. The look worked--he did look like one of the Kodo performers and at least he didn't wear this:












Patrick Chan of Canada: Patrick skated his Short Program to Dust in the Wind by Kansas in this ensemble of black pants and a white-and-black top. According to CBC Sports, Patrick Chan arrived at Skate Canada International after some travel snafus but...his costumes didn't. The three-time world figure skating champion missed last Thursday morning's practice after his flight out of Detroit on Wednesday was delayed. He missed his connection in Toronto, and spent the night there before flying to Regina on Thursday. Well, his costumes might not have arrived and I don't know where he got this, but I liked it! It was sleek, fit him well, and the top was kinda beautiful with that great snow-like detail.





Free Skate to Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, performed by Jeff Buckley: Once again, not sure if his actual costumes finally arrived and these were those but if not--who cares? I thought this was, again, quite beautiful. I LOVE seeing male figure skaters wear softly draped tops such as these. It might not have been much of a costume--and it would be nice to see maybe some red piping (or a red tuxedo stripe) down the side of the pants--but I appreciated the draping.







Jason Brown of USA: Jason skated his Short Program to The Room Where It Happens (from "Hamilton") by Lin Manuel Miranda. We know that Jason Brown has probably never met a fabulous costume he did not like and from the moment he stepped onto the ice, you KNEW he was skating to "Hamilton": I loved this costume. The sleeveless jacket color, the sharp black buttoned lapels, white ruffled blouse, grey vest, pants...all reflected the era and look of Aaron Burr in "Hamilton" and overall, it was an EXCELLENT costume: 











Jason Brown Free Skate to Inner Love by Maxime Rodriguez: For his Free Skate, Brown donned this all blue look consisting of stretch velvet pants and an ombre-shaded skin-tight top featuring an off-center illusion panel accented by sequined embellishment. Once again, I "Heart" Jason for embracing a head-to-toe costume look. I loved the bold color and especially the gorgeous crystal detail on the front of his top. If I had one small critique, it would be the fit of the pants. I'm not sure if it is the weight of the velvet material or just a bit too much ease, but they seem a bit loosey-goosey. I almost wish the entire outfit were one piece. I have a feeling he could pull it off!



**COSTUME EXTRA:


Alexander Samarin of Russia: Samarin skated his Free Skate to La Naissance de Yaha by Saint-Preux, The Unforgiven III by Metallica and House of the Rising Sun performed by Dave Evans wearing this...and why not?? The music was hard rock/metal and his costume reflected this in a kooky costume way. The top had orange colored "fire" accents (??), a nude illusion black scroll-like sleeve (just one) and take a look at that skull belt buckle! I just HAD to add this photo--and costume--to end my Men Costume Blog.



**UP NEXT: The PAIRS and ICE DANCE COSTUMES of Skate Canada International 2017!

This past weekend was the second event of the 2017-2018 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition: 2017 Skate Canada International. This year's event was held in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada. Last week, I discussed the costumes for the first event of the series--the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia competition (Click HERE for Ladies, HERE for Men and HERE for Pairs & Ice Dance) so now, it's time to talk about the Costumes of Skate Canada 2017! First up, it's the LADIES!







Now...not sure why but it seems like GROUNDHOG'S DAY in the Figure Skating Costume World for this 2017-2018 season. Lots of the figure skaters--whether Ladies, Men, Ice Dance--are repeating programs of the past. Many figure skating fans and commentators speculate that since it is an Olympic Season, many of them are going back to their "tried and true" programs from past seasons that were successful and are now reprising them in hopes of recreating their previous success and winning that elusive Olympic Medal. With that said, you'd think they would at least do a "costume refresher". But NO... Maybe these skaters are on a VERY TIGHT costume budget? BUT... what about the skaters that are repeating costumes from past programs skating to NEW programs! OK, now I'm really thinking that they are either being cheap or (let's hope!), it is just the beginning of the season and their actual costumes are still being created, so they're just repeating these because they have nothing else--for now! We'll see...



With all that in mind, let's discuss the LADIES of Skate Canada International 2017:



Ashley Wagner USA: Short Program to Hip Hip Chin Chin performed by Club des Belugas (same Short Program from 2015-2016 Season). The costume--well, it wasn't much of one--it was a rather drab black leotard with simple crystal beading accented by a ragged hem skirt thang. I know that sounds so un-fashion-y but seriously what was that? I wasn't a fan; it just didn't look refined, ISU Grand Prix competition level and almost seemed store bought (Mon Dieu!)...Since Ashley has done this program before (Yes, it's Groundhog's Day kids!), I wanted to see what costume (or costumes) she wore to this before... 








HELLO FABULOUS!!! OK, now I'm REALLY MAD! Ashley wore these TWO styles during the 2015-2016 Season Short Program and it baffles me that she just didn't re-wear one of these!!!! Instead of that black "thang" with the raggedy hem. Will someone PLEASE find these in Ashley's closet and stuff them in her carry-on bag for her next competition??!! Pretty please?







Free Skate to Diamonds, One Day I'll Fly Away, The Show Must Go On (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack): Ashley decided at the last minute to drop her "La La Land" Free Program and go back to this one which she skated to back in the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 Seasons. So, while the program is a repeat, the costume, thank goodness is not. This red sequined style is new and pretty on Ashley. The costume hints at a corset silhouette in the front as well as in the back with the criss-cross looping. While this was a nice costume, it still didn't have the stage appeal and Haute Costume look of these:










Kaetlyn Osmond of Canada: In case you are thinking you may have seen this costume on Kaetlyn before, it is because...YOU HAVE! Not only has Osmond gone back to her Short Program to Sous le ciel de Paris, Milord performed by Edith Piaf from the 2016-2017 Season, she is using THE SAME COSTUME as well. The costume features a tie-neck design, midnight blue sequined chiffon with applique details, all giving a nod to Parisian Chic. I liked the costume then and still do but... really, I just wish she would have worn something new. Just because well...I HAVE ALREADY SEEN THIS BEFORE!





Free Skate to Andante Allegro (from "Swan Lake") and No. 24 Scene: Allegro (from "Swan Lake") by Petr I. Tchaikovski, Stumbled Beginnings (from "Black Swan") and Nina's Dream (from "Black Swan") by Clint Mansell--OK, now I'm HAPPY!! This "Black Swan" costume was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! The design was exquisitely made, looked Ballet-perfect, refined, elegant...Kaetlyn looked like Margot Fonteyn at the Royal Ballet with this costume, Prima Ballerina makeup and that top-knot...SUPERB! I also LOVED how the sequins/crystals were peeking over the shoulders...










Marin Honda of Japan: Honda skated her Short Program to The Giving by Michael W. Smith in this sublime costume above. I thought this nude/blush colored costume was so pretty and delicate and right for the music and the skater. The sequin work over nude illusion also included random feathers and some amethyst colored jeweled crystals as well. 







Free Skate to Turandot by Giacomo Puccini: For her Free Skate, Marin wore this scarlet red colored design featuring gold sequins in a very intricate pattern highlighting her upper torso. Once again, this was an exceptional costume from the young 16-year-old Japanese skater. 




Courtney Hicks of USA: I always look forward to Courtney Hicks and her costumes because she "brings it"! This costume for her Short Program to Nocturne (from "La Califfa" soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone, performed by Yo Yo Ma made me smile. I LOVED the feather-like sequin detail in the front and off-center "plunging neckline". The ombre-dye-looking blue coloring was pretty and I also liked the handkerchief-hemmed skirt section. Her braided top-knot was so chic as well!





her coach Todd Sands and his wife Jenni Meno-Sands had a hand in helping her style her looks.  I remember Jenni's costumes ALWAYS being SUBLIME, elegant and Stylish. I wonder if Jenni had something to do with Courtney's costumes??? Inquiring minds want to know (i.e. ME!).





Karen Chen of USA: Karen skated her Short Program to El Tango de Rozanne (from "Moulin Rouge!") and in case you are having another one  of those "Figure Skating Groundhog's Day" feelings...you are correct: She has worn this costume before (Seriously: What is going on???). This is the same costume she wore for her last season's Free Skate to Tango Jalousie by Jacob Gade. Well, at least it was a Free Skate and different music. I liked it then and I still think it's SOOO Tango Fab! But yes, it would be nice to see something new. 







 Free Skate to Slow Dancing in the Big City (soundtrack) by Bill Conti: Speaking of new, this is! Karen skated her Free Skate in this blue crystal studded costume. The program was new (originally, it was supposed to be "Carmen" so...I wonder if she just would have worn the SAME costume for her SP and Free Skate??!! Two-for-One!). Glad she didn't because then it would have REALLY looked as if she was under MAJOR budget constraints. This costume was nice and I did like the heavy-to-light display of crystals but I can't help but think it just lacked that certain "Figure Skating Bespoke Costume" look. In other words, there was really nothing extra special about it.




Maria Sotskova of Russia: Oh here we go AGAIN: Another Costume Repeat Offender! Maria wore this powder pink colored costume for her 2017-2018 Short Program to Swam Lake by Tchaikovsky. And yes, if you think you saw this before...you're right again! This is the same costume she used last season for her Free Skate to different music, At the Manilovs (from "Dead Souls") Addagio by Alfred Schnittke. If it worked for that, I guess (her team) thought it could work for "Swan Lake"???? OK, it's official, these people are being CHEAP...or shall I say "thrifty"--or I.S.U. or their countries figure skating associations aren't giving these kids enough funds. The costume is pretty and that back is gorgeous and yes, this would be so fab as a gown for a future "Miss Universe" but....Can I See A NEW COSTUME!!




Free Skate to Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy: Oh GOODIE: A new costume! Russia's Maria Sotskova skated her Free Skate wearing this deep lilac-hued costume featuring intricate gathered-and-braided details embellishing the bust and midriff sections of her torso. I liked the "different" take on a gathered/draped costume and I thought that--overall--it worked with the iconic music and program, but it all seemed a little heavy and bulky....and dare I say....polyester-synthetic! Ye Gads! 





Anna Pogorilaya of Russia: Anna skated her Short Program to Esperanza by Maxime Rodriguez. The music is a classical flamenco style and therefore, her red and gold costume works. The look was a mix of "Scheherazade Meets Madrid". The fit on the upper torso was a little odd and loose and I feel she needed something to accentuate her waist. It was a dramatic look, but made her look a bit square-shaped.




Free Skate to Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski: For her Free Skate, she wore this "Black Swan"-like costume. It wasn't as refined or high-end chic as Kaetlyn Osmond's but it was OK. I liked that the silver crystals in the front gave the illusion of a slimming look with the design. And I also didn't dislike the gloves (I am usually not such a fan of those gimmicky gloves!). But poor Anna...




This is not part of her skate, kids! Anna fell several times and naturally, photographers were there to capture it. I added these photos because I was just excited to see close-up's of the crystal detail (seriously!). But, yeah, if you think this is just a fluke. Google "Anna Pogorilaya". Literally, the second name search that comes up is..."Anna Pogorilaya Falls". If you think I'm kidding, look HERE. It seems to be her "thang".






Rika Hongo of Japan: Japan's Rika Hongo is a skater who I also look forward to--in terms of costumes. She seems to understand the power of fab costumes as integral to her program. This season, she did not disappoint. Hongo skated her Short Program to O Fortuna (from "Carmina Burana") by Carl Orff wearing this eccentric and striking red design featuring multicolored jeweled sequins, a nude illusion shoulder/neckline/sleeve section ad black crystals that almost looked like Tribal Tattoos. Me LIKEY it!






Free Skate to Frida (soundtrack) by Elliot Goldenthal: Lastly, Rika skated her Free Skate to "Frida" and she delivered another wonderful costume! I LOVED the black oversized netting...the bold and colorful flower designs...her center-parted hair and on-point makeup! It may be the second Grand Prix event of the 2017-2018 season but this is already one of MY FAVORITE LADIES COSTUMES!



**NEXT UP: The MEN and their COSTUMES of 2017 Skate Canada International!