Figure Skating Fashion Minute: ISU 2012 World Championships Nice France--The Ladies Finals Costume Review!

Costume Changes, Colorful Bedazzling...and THAT Kostner Cameltoe!!!

OOHH GURL, I Wish I Didn't Get First Runner Up: Russia's Alena Leonova on the left (Silver Medalist) looks on with a bit of "shade" as Italy's Carolina Kostner rejoices in her Gold Medal-winning title as the Ladies 2012 World Champion of Figure Skating in Nice France

Figure Skating Costume Fans: let's continue with my "Nick V. Costume Two Cents" on the ISU 2012 World Championships of Figure Skating which are happening (well--just ended) in the gorgeous resort French city of Nice. I finally got back from my little trip to Miami where I hosted a fun "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event in one of their stores and upon returning I rushed to the computer to watch the Ladies Final Competition so here goes my "Costume Recap-a-Looza":

Akiko Suzuki Japan: Bronze medalist Akiko Suzuki skated very well--obviously enough to get Third Place--and wore this GORGEOUS bright blue costume for her Free Skate performance to Johann Strauss II's iconic "Die Fledermaus". I have to say that this is one of the BEST Figure Skating Ladies Costumes of the season: so classy, elegant, well done and expensive-looking. The silver be-jeweled neckline is impeccable and the way that it extends to the back like a major statement-making necklace is just FABULOUS!!! Kudos to the designer/creator of this costume. This costume was a CHANGE from what she wore in a few of her previous competitions during the season:

Pretty In Pink: Here is Akiko Suzuki--same Free Skate Program with the same music--at the 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals in Quebec City Canada back in early December of last year. It was an ombre' /degrade' pink "strapless" number with silver sequins throughout.

Swirly Blue: And even earlier in the Season during the NHK Trophy in November of last year, Akiko wore the above baby blue and crystal accented costume above. I liked the asymmetrical sleeve design and the ribbon detail, but I have to say, the one she wore to the Nice World Championships (top of post) is the BEST of the three. For sure!!!

Kanako Murakami Japan: Murakami is another skater who changed her costume during the season and leading up to this World Championships. For her Free Skate to Mendelssohn's "Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64" in Nice France, she wore this deep blue (popular color!) costume featuring a wrap top detail with jet beading in silver and royal blue. She also had changed her Free Skate Costume...

Sequined Bow: Here is the costume she wore at the 2012 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Colorado Springs Colorado back in February of this year. I really loved this light blue-to-creme sequined costume. It was feminine, pretty, and I always respect quality beading and this is an example of that! Murakami's people don't do cheap beading kids! Between this one and the deep/royal blue costume, I'd have to pick the one above. What do you guys think?

Mao Asada Japan: Continuing with the Japanese Figure Skating Costume Change DIVAS...Mao Asada wore this lilac draped and sequined costume for the Nice 2012 World Championships and her Free Dance to Frank Liszt's "Liebesträume". At first glance, it had the essence of an Elie Saab Haute Couture Collection--the color, torso twisted-knot draping, but...

In closer inspection--it looks a bit "Happy Hands At Home" in terms of the twisted draping and sequins. The cluttered paillette fabric looked stretch-sequin cheap and the bust draping was amateur at best with how they catch-stitched (sorry, too many sewing terms!) the knotting. She also wore this costume to the 2012 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships but...

This, above, is what Asada wore to the Japanese Nationals and for most of the season in her Free Skate. I have to say: I love this one above more than her draped-sequined-and-knotted version. The color is the same but the "flower" beading is prettier and so is the silhouette.

Alena Leonova Russia: Russia's "Pirates of the Caribbean" Queen wore this black costume for her 2011-2012 Season Free Skate to "Adagio for Strings" and "Requiem for a Tower". Unlike the Japanese ladies, she has not changed her costume throughout the season but for the World Championships, she changed her hair style. In Nice France, she let her hair down a bit--which looked great and I LOVED her UBER smoky eye make-up...

Banged Alena: But previously, Alena had bangs and an up-do and toned down her eye make-up. Which one do YOU guys like best? Bangs or No Bangs? Smoky Eye or Not-so Smoky??

Ksenia Makarova Russia: Skating to her "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend" and "I Want To Be Loved By You" Free Skate, Russia's Ksenia Makarova wore this white costume above. I was well, underwhelmed, to say the least...I just don't understand why she changed to this when she looked soooo Marylin Monroe-meets-Madonna "Material Girl" in what she had worn in previous competitions:

Material Girl: This bubblegum pink number reflected much more the iconic imagery created by "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" Costume Designer William Travilla. She wore this to the European Championships and I just have to wonder: why oh why she changed? I love me the pink...not the white! Just my Two Cents...

Carolina Kostner Italy: Now, let's get to the FABULOUS Carolina Kostner and her Gold Medal Winning performance at the 2012 World Championships of Figure Skating. Her skate: FABULOUS!

Her costume: Oh Dear! I've discussed this ombre sequined gray-silver number HERE and well, I had issues then, and yes, I have issues NOW! I give Kostner MAJAH points for winning the World Championships--Campione del Mondo!!! ---after such a long career, she stuck it out and now, she has the fruits of all her labor...

But that jumpsuit. It's TRAGIQUE. The idea is good (I love me a Sequined Disco Ball Jumpsuit!) however...it is sooo poorly executed. The fit is too loose and wonky. If you look at the video below, look closely at her top section, there are some unintended darts and folding in the neckline which I guess are alterations on a stretched-out neckline. Fix That! Make a new sample. I'm sure Miss Kostner has the money to do so! And yes, there is THAT Cameltoe. Seriously!!! Put a CENTER FRONT crotch seam and FIX that as well while they're at it!

On a good note: I do love that asymmetrical back and the straps; it's very interesting and that section fits well, unlike the rest of the costume. I just don't understand how you can make a costume for someone with one of the most PREFECT bodies in the world...and make her look unflattering. But oh well, Miss Carolina won the GOLD and Good for her!!! Congratulazioni!

Carolina Kostner's Free Skate at Nice 2012 World Championships--Hear the RAI Italia commentator's excited elation at her FAB performance:

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: ISU 2012 World Championships Nice France--The Ladies Short Program Costumes

Les Dames...

Ashley Wagner USA: Wagner ranked the highest score of the two Americans competing (poor Miss Alissa Czisny--she's SIXTEENTH!!)--The red sequined dress to her "Pollock" Short Program for this 2011-2012 Season is pretty and expensive-looking. On a (slightly) negative note: it's a bit "Figure Skating Costume 101" and not so Fashion-creative.

Speaking of Alissa...Even though she didn't do so well at the 2012 Nice World Championships, I still LOVE her serenely elegant back silver sequined costume--it's a "throw back" to those simple Vera Wang numbers.

Nice France

The ISU 2012 World Figure Skating Championships are occurring in Nice France and in my last posting, I wrote about the Short Dance Costumes of the Latin-Fabuloso Ice Dancers and now, it's the Ladies' turn...They just did their Short Programs. If you've been a fan and a follower of International Figure Skating Competitions (and my blog here), in terms of costumes, there was nothing really new (the costume changes usually happen with the Ice Dancers) but there was still enough color and fashion worthy of some "Nick Two Cents":

Alena Leonova Russia: Skating to "Sirens" and "Pirates of the Caribbean", Leonova's costume reflected her music perfectly. It's rare to see a "pant's-costume" in International Ladies Figure Skating Competition, so I give her 'Nick Points" for going there. I've seen this costume on her so many times now, that I am just DYING to see something different...like add some Swarovski crystals to that vest!!!! Or at least begin with a big ol' Pirate hat and then swoosh it off into the audience when you begin...something!

Kanako Murakami Japan: The top Japanese skater (so far after the Short Program), Murakami skated to "Violin Partita No. 2" by Johann Sebastian Bach. Her swirly lilac sequined costume is OK--nothing too "Japanese Vogue Magazine"-fashion earthshaking...but just OK. I'd like to see something more modern and fashion-forward, especially when skating to such classical music.

Carolina Kostner Italy: in Third Place after the Short Program Results, Miss Kostner wears this neon green and sequined number for her "Allegretto From Trio. No. 2" skate. Love the bright color and asymmetry of the style lines. However, I want to see more Cavalli or Dolce & Gabbana and less Torino Italia Skating Store .

Mao Asada Japan: Skating to "Scheherazade", Asada wore this baby blue costume with tassels, gold trim, embroidery and diamante crystal details...I have to say, that I miss this Pantaloon costume which she wore for the NHK Grand Prix back in November 2011:

I like this costume much better. It's daring. Fits the music, theme, and stands out far more--in a better way--than the baby blue number.

Sarah Hecken of Germany: I'll give you one guess as to what music she is skating to in this red and black with tassels and rose applique costume....If you thought "Carmen" by Bizet, well, you were wrong. It was to "Malaguena" by Ernesto Lecuona. It looks very much like a Spanish mantilla and therefore, I like it!

Ksenia Makarova Russia: To her Short Program of "Maria and the Violin's String", Makarova wore a powder blue costume with delicate crystal beading that is both modern and elegant. I like its simplicity and lack of "Toddlers & Tiara's" details. She gets an "A" in my Figure Skating Costume Book! Although she gets a big deduction for that one nude illusion glove! Maybe she hurt herself and it is a wrist brace and she decided to add some Swarovski Crystals?! If that is the case, then she is back up to an "A"!

Valentina Marchei Italy: Skating to "Johnny's Mambo" , her red-and-silver costume strikes me as something one would see from the Ice Dancers. And this is why I'm a fan! It's both tacky and Fab--at the same time. Love the torso sequin detail and then the skirt is all "Fire-and-Ice" with it's "shredded" fabric. The thing that throws me off is the "look at my crotch" applique in the center front of the skirt... Valentina, we might not want to focus there!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: ISU 2012 World Championships of Figure Skating --Ice Dance Highlights!

Bonjour Nice!

Oh Canada: Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir in their Short Dance Costumes, 2012 ISU World Figure Skating Championships Nice France

Hello Figure Skating aficionados--as well as KRAZEE Figure Skating Costumes fans: It's time for some more Figure Skating Costumes Fashion Fun...

The ISU 2012 World Figure Skating Championships are happening (March 26-April 1) as I BLOG, in (of all places) sunny and beach-y--and very A-List and expensive--Nice France:

And, before any of y'all think I flew out there to see these Championships and partake in South-of-France Resort vacation....not so mucheyyyy, I am still in LA living vicariously through the costumes clad skaters at these Championships! But you know who is there:

Princess Caroline of Hanover, her daughter Alexandra (in peach-colored skirt and striped blue-black top) and three-time World Championship silver medalist Surya Bonaly--yes, MISS Surya "back-flip" Bonaly (as well as Olympic Champion French-Russian Ice Dancer Marina Anissina with bright orange-red hair). Miss Surya donned a powder-blue suit with a two-sizes too big cropped jacket (why are those sleeves so, umm, big???). Her suit looks very Chanel Vintage 1984--and not in a good Vintage Chanel way. On a good note: very Pan Am Flight Attendant Chic! Naturally Princess Caroline in her navy pea coat, striped dress shirt, and BIG Ol' purse, looked FAB!

So let's get started on one of my favorite fashion topics: the Ice Dance Costumes--Short Dance Highlights:

Virtue and Moir Canada: Canada's "Golden Dance Couple", Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, did their "thang" during the Short Dance to "Hip Hip Chin Chin", "Temptation" and "Mujer Latina" (it's a Latin Dance Theme this 2011-2012 Season, in case you were out of the loop, kids!). Even though I am NOT a fan of the Ice Dance (and Pairs) Men just wearing an all-black look, Scott does look HOT! Tessa's raspberry-colored and sequined halter and strappy styled dress (which she debuted at Four Continents) is a bit on the "Happy Hands at Home" for me and well, not Latina Sophisticated enough. Just my "Figure Skating Costume" two cents...

Davis and White USA: I've said this before and I'll say it again: LOVE THEM!!! I've discussed these costumes before so I won't take BLOG time here so you'll just have to read my reviews HERE.

Weaver and Poje Canada: I just can't get enough of these two! I don't know what animal prints have to do with their "Historia de un Amor" and "Batacuda" Samba and Rhumba music, but heck...I don't care! Love her fringed zebra black-and-gold printed dress and his asymmetrically bedazzled jumpsuit. These two belong together, and look like a perfectly-costumed Ice Dance team. And that's it!

Pechalat and Bourzat France: Their Short Dance musical theme was "Carnival in Rio". I liked her sequined blue, silver and neon apple green dress, even though, yes, it's a bit on the "Huneeeyyyy, you've had a few too many Cointreau's!" Fabian Bourzat's look is too disheveled. I abhor the un-tucked shirt look (even OUT on the ICE!) and here, he looks like it's 4am and he cannot find his way home from his late-night "Cirque du Soleil" stint.

Hurtado and Diaz Spain: They are currently EIGHTEENTH on the official ISU Results after their Short Dance. For their Short Dance, they skated to Brazilian Sergio Mendes' "Mas que Nada" and "Magalenha" and yes, I have high Costume Hopes for these Spaniards. For one, they are already LATINO!!! And they brought it...in terms of color.

I love the peach and neon apple green colors of Sara Hurtado's crystal-encrusted halter dress. But it is a bit on the "Toddlers & Tiaras" side (the center front bust bandeau piece is SO unnecessary and costume low-rent). I did like that her partner Adrià Diaz, did not do an all-black look but matched her.

Ilinykh and Katsalapov Russia: For their Latin-inspired Short Dance, they skated to "Hip Hip Chin Chin", "Mas que Nada" and "Mujer Latina"--almost the same as Canada's Virtue and Moir. But their costumes couldn't be more opposite.

Elena is Supermodel beautiful and she showed off her flawless body in this black asymmetrical open side-back dress. She looked AMAZING! And love that sleek chignon BTW! Nikita: well, you know what I think of those all-black men's costumes. I'll give him some "Nick Points" for the plunging deep-V neck shirt.

Shibutani and Shibutani USA: Brother and sister Ice Dance team Maia and Alex Shibutani changed their Short Dance Costumes for this season's ISU 2012 World Figure Skating Championships (well, Maia did!). To their "Batucada", "Skip to the Bip" and "Jazz Machine" Short Dance for this Nice World Championship, Maia donned a violet-colored costume featuring a sweetheart neckline with gold coin-and-sequined detail. It was a change from this:

What she wore at the 2012 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships last month in Colorado (above photo). Same color, different style. I like the Nice France version better. Good Costume Change Maia!

Stay tuned for more "Nick Figure Skating Costume Two Cents"!!!

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!!!