ICE STYLE.....ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals 2015/2016 Barcelona: Costumes Recap & Highlights--LADIES and MEN!

Men and Ladies Costumes: Costumes Highlights of the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals Barcelona

In my last ICE STYLE post HERE, I talked about the PAIRS and ICE DANCE Costumes Highlights of the 2015/2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals which occurred a couple of weekend's ago in Barcelona Spain. Now, it's time for the LADIES and MEN.



LADIES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mao Asada Japan: For her Short Program to Bei mir bist du schoen, a famous Yiddish song from a
Yiddish musical, her costume was a fuchsia pink number with silver
diamante crystals with pink trim sewn in flower-like patterns. It also featured
long sleeves and an open back. This was quite feminine and pretty. It wasn't ground
breaking in its design, but the color was impacting and the high neck and open
back made for a striking image.

Free Skate to Madame Butterfly by
Giacomo Puccini: I liked this for the
most part. The ombre-like shading of the delicate lilac color, the obi-like
cummerbund at the waist...there were details I appreciated. It just seemed
to lack Costume DRAMA, which I expect especially with such a dramatic
musical backdrop. And the proportion of the sleeves are a bit
overwhelming. I would, at the very least, shorten the sleeves by a few inches.
But overall, she looked beautiful.

Satoko Miyahara Japan: Satoko Miyahara skated her Short Program to Firedance from
"Riverdance" by Bill Whelan and was very
"Carmen"-like in this red with black netting trim costume. The
design also had scrolling applique and sequins. I wasn't a fan of this. For
some reason, it didn't look polished or expensive enough. I did like the hints
of black contrast and the red rose in her chignon hairstyle but besides this,
it was just not that interesting of a design.

Free Skate to Un
Sospiro by Franz Liszt: Miyahara
wore this fuchsia pink costume featuring silver and multicolored
diamantes and a scroll-like front bustier design. The skirt had tiers in an
ombre-like pink coloration. The look was pretty and very starting-out
ballerina. Nothing spectacular about this. She looked like she was part of the
Junior Skating group. I'm sure it must be difficult to make her look
sophisticated since she is all but a mere 17-years old. But I do appreciate the
beautifully tiered skirt!

Evgenia Medvedeva Russia: For her Short Program to Melodies of the White Nights (soundtrack) by Isaak Schwarz, Evgenia wore this marsala/wine-colored costume with small
sequined crystals. The costume was very Figure Skating 101 in its design and I
wished for something a little more extraordinary.

Free Skate to "Music
from W.E. Soundtrack" by
Abel Korzeniowski (Right): Here, Evgenia gave me what I was asking
for. I liked this blue sequined costume. She looked liked Wallis Simpson in
this costume, or at least vibed her look, even with her pale skin and dark
hairstyle.

Elena Radionova Russia: For her Free Skate to "Titanic"
(soundtrack) by James Horner to this costume above. The costume was
trying to give hints of a turn-of-the-century look worn by actress Kate
Winslet when she played Rose DeWitt Bukater. Elena's
costume was lilac colored based with a pink/red waist sash and sequins
throughout the top section. This was half Adolescent Figure Skating Costume and
half-Professional; it seemed a tad bit too "youngish"-looking but I
get that Elena is, after all, only 16 years old. But still, I wish her costume
here showed slight maturity.

Ashley Wagner USA: For her
Free Skate to Diamonds (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack), One Day
I'll Fly Away (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack), The Show Must Go
On (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack, she wore this costume above. I really liked this
white with gold sequin applique design. I especially adore the "necklace". While it was the same Free Skate as last season, Ashley completely changed up her look. The costume was more "Bollywood" Diva and less "Nicole Kidman
Moulin Rouge" and I loved that.

Gracie Gold USA: For her Short Program to El Choclo by Angel Villoldo, Gracie wore this chic black and red costume featuring a nude illusion open back, red and silver crystals. It was very Moderno Tango Couture. She said that this costume is like a "Louboutin" shoe...since it's got the pop of red from underneath. #LoveIt



MEN-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yuzuru Hanyu Japan: For his Short Program to the same music he
skated to last season, Ballade No. 1 op. 23 in G minor by Frederic
Chopin, Yuzuru wore this costume above. It
was a slight change (very slight) from what he wore last season to
the same music. The cummerbund is
copper as opposed to the original black and the top/blouse is a more subtle
ombre shading and features panels (on the midriff side and sleeves) of gold.
 I liked this.

Patrick Chan Canada: For his Short Program to Mack the Knife performed by Michael Buble, Canada's Patrick Chan wore this "contemporary"-looking costume comprised of a white dress shirt, v-neck sweater and gray trousers. The look is not much of a costume but it worked with the Michael Buble music. I'm usually not a fan of a non-costume costume but I'll give Patrick a pass...this time. But, he still should have put on a belt. That I won't forgive him; he looks "undone". And if he ever does put on a belt, I hope he makes sure that it is a nice non-Ross Dress-For-Less one.

Daisuke Murakami Japan: For his Short Program to Bring Him Home performed by Josh Groban from "Les Miserables", Daisuke wore this draped neck creme "blouse" with black pants costume. He accessorized it with mustard colored gloves and thin brown belts. It was a very cleaned-up Jean Valjean.

Shoma Uno Japan: For his Short Program to Legends by Sacred Spirits, Japan's Shoma Uno wore this black, gray and silver sequined costume. I liked the unusual embellishments on the top and how it blended seamlessly (almost) with the sold black pants.

Free Skate to Turandot by Giacomo Puccini performed by Vanessa Mae and Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini performed by Paul Potts: Shoma Uno's costume featured an ombre yellow and olive green top with gathered neck as well as a sequined embellished velvet vest. The colors blended nicely and gave hints of the Puccini "Turandot" opera and its Central Asian/Persian story theme.

Javier Fernandez Spain: For his Short
Program to Malaguena performed by Paco de Lucia and Placido Domingo,
Javier wore this costume above...and I liked it! I though he looked sexy (Hola!!),
sharp and very much like a Fab Toreador! The almost blood-red color of his
satin blouse was strong and impacting and his velvet and sequin satin shawl
collared vest was MUY BUENO!

ICE STYLE.....2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia: Figure Skating Costumes Highlights--Ladies, Men, Pairs & Ice Dance!

 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia

The fifth in the 2015-2016 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition event was held this past weekend: the 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia. The competition was held at the Small Sports Arena of Luzhniki in Moscow Russia. In my continued love of figure skating--and particular--figure skating costumes--I have already discussed Skate Canada 2015, Cup of China 2015 and now it's time for the Rostelecom Cup of Russia 2015...

 Russia Skating: 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia 

 Here are my Costumes Recap/Highlights...Let's begin with the LADIES:

 I Won!--Russian figure skater Elena Radionova reacts as she relaizes she has won the gold medal--2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia 

Elena Radionova Free Skate: Elena skated her Free Skate to "Titanic" (soundtrack) by James Horner to this costume above. the costume was trying to give hints of a turn-of-the-century look worn by actress Kate Winslet when she played Rose DeWitt Bukater. Elena's costume was lilac colored based with a pink/red waist sash and sequins throughout the top section. There were also small fluttery "cap sleeves" hanging over the shoulders/arms. This was half Adolescent Figure Skating Costume and half-Professional; It seemed a tad bit too "youngish"-looking but I get that Elena is, after all, only 16 years old. But still, I wish her costume here showed slight maturity.

Short Program to "Je T'aime" by Laura Fabian: I actually loved this peach colored costume worn by Elena for her Short program. The top section was quite exquisite and the back (lower left photo) was quite beautiful. I also kind of liked the wrist "bracelet" details that were actually nude gloves with bejeweled details.

Evgenia Medvedeva Short Program: Russian Evgenia Medvedeva skated her Short program to Melodies of the White Nights (soundtrack) by Isaak Schwarz wearing this marsala/wine-colored costume with small sequined crystals. The costume was very Figure Skating 101 in its design and I wished for something a little more extraordinary.

Free Skate to "Music from W.E. Soundtrack" by Abel Korzeniowski: Here, Evgenia gave me what I was asking for. I liked this blue sequined costume. She looked liked Wallis Simpson in this costume, or at least vibed her look, even with her pale skin and dark hairstyle.

Adelina Sotnikova Free Skate: Sochi Olympics gold medalist Adelina Sotnikova skated her Free Skate to "Je Suie Malade" by Laura Fabian. besides the fact of the timely importance of this theme and skate--and costume--I liked this look for her. The costume--black gathered netting coming from a multicolored heart--looked modern, chic and right--for the skate and music. It also reminded me of the Valentino Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear gown below:

Valentino Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear

 Russian Triple Trophy Win--(L to R) Evgenia Medvedeva silver medal, Elena Radionova gold medal, Adelina Sotnikova bronze medal--2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia

 MEN------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Javier Fernandez Spain: Javier won the gold in Men's at the 2015 Rostelecom Cup of Russia. This, above, is what he wore for his Free Skate. Click HERE for my comments.

Adam
Rippon USA Free Skate: Adam skated his Free Skate to a Beatles Medley including "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". I liked this costume.
It showed off his fat-free figure (is it OK to say "figure" for men?)
and at the same time had design hints of the iconic Beatles Sgt. Pepper music.
He wore this...

 At "Skate Canada 2015" and I wondered HERE what, if anything, it had to do with the music, theme, and his skate. Needless to say, I was glad he made the change.

Adian Pitkeev Russia Free Skate: 2015 Rostelecom Silver medalist Adian Pitkeev skated his Free Skate to The Mission (soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone. I thought this was an appropriate costume to this skate and music. I liked the deep keyhole and light diamante crystal sequin detail. It also fit him very well. 

Ross Miner USA: For Ross Miner's Short Program, he wore this black and slate-gray costume outfit for "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel. I am normally not a fan of the black short/trousers look for ANYONE--man, pairs male partner...you name it! But I liked this on Ross. I think what I liked the most were his pants; at the very least, they were design-interesting. Now...what can we do about that Ross-Dress-For-Less belt?

PAIRS-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kristen Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro of Canada: For their Free Skate to "Romeo and Juliet (soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong", I liked this coordinating ombre lilac costumes. Her mini-crown was on-trend and the sequin work on her costume--in particular--was very good.

Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov Russia Free Skate: For these Russian Pairs' Free Skate to Man and Shadow (The Unknown Known soundtrack) by Danny Elfman, they wore these post-modern directional costumes. I liked these costumes, especially her gathered and criss-cross ribbon look; very modern, very chic. 



ICE DANCE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje Canada: For their Short Dance to "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss. I loved these costumes worn by Canadians Weaver and Poje. He looked regal, dapper. And she looked very Haute. Both were a vision of costume perfection.

Free Dance to On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter and Run by Ludovico Einaudi: Modern, chic and so right! I also liked these costumes worn by Weaver and Poje for their Free Dance, especially her one shoulder black and nude illusion sequin dress. Modern, chic and the perfect accompaniment to the program.

ICE STYLE.....Figure Skating Costumes Recap of Cup of China 2015 Grand Prix: Ice Dance, Pairs, Men and Ladies Costumes Highlights

Cup of China Costumes--Ladies, Men, Ice Dance...Costume Highlights of the Cup of China 2015 Grand Prix of Figure Skating

Catching up on my Figure Skating Costumes Recaps, now, it time to discuss some of the costumes seen at last week's Cup of China 2015 Grand Prix of Figure Skating. In case you want to read my Costumes Thoughts on Skate Canada International, you can click HERE.

Cup of China is the third of six international events in the 2015-2015 Grand Prix, a senior-level invitational competition series. This weekend was the 4th Grand Prix event taking place in Bordeaux France--Trophee Eric Bompard, but unfortunately, it was cancelled halfway through the competition after the horrifying Paris attacks.

So, here are some Costumes Highlights from last week's Cup of China 2015 including Ice Dance, Men, Pairs and Ladies costumes:



ICE DANCE:

Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte Italy: Cappellini and Lanotte skated their Free Dance to La Dolce Vita (soundtrack) by Nino Rota in the costumes above. I loved Anna's black dress with silver crystal detailing. The heavy-to-light ombre-like effect of the crystals was short of magical and I also liked the "strapless cocktail dress" design effect. And in regards to Luca, I'm not usually a fan of the unfinished tuxedo look--unless it is done to make the skater look UBER SEXY HOT--but I still liked Luca's undone tuxedo shirt and pants ensemble. And the look of the blouson sleeve gives the basic shirt a bit of drama.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates USA: American's Chock and Bates skated their Short Dance to Foxtrot: More by Andrea Bocelli and Waltz: Unchained Melody by Il Divo in these looks above. I thought that Madison--as always--looked beautiful and so feminine in this ultramarine blue dress. I liked the intricate gathering and draping at the torso and how the multicolored sequins were used in strategic locations. I also liked the contrast color of the underskirt. Evan's tuxedo with tails was sharp and I appreciated how his pocket hankie was the same color as Madison's dress. And I REALLY appreciated him slicking his hair back and at least giving the impression of being a little more "formal" and fancy.



PAIRS-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yu Xiaoju and Jin Yang China: Yu and Jin skated their Free Skate to Humility and Love (from "Creation" soundtrack). I LOVED these costumes. They are one of my Top Faves from this season. I love the varying shades of blue--on her and him. Her neckline beading is exquisite but here, I think the Costume Star is Jin Hang. His draped jersey cowl neck top is sublimely fluid, and I love the shoulder sequins details. Very well done for both!



MEN-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Javier Fernandez Spain: Super Cutie Javier Fernandez skated his Short Program to Malaguena performed by Paco de Lucia and Placido Domingo...and I liked it! I though he looked sexy (Hola!!), sharp and very much like a Fab Toreador! The almost blood-red color of his satin blouse was strong and impacting and his velvet and sequin satin shawl collared vest was MUY BUENO!

For Javier's Free Skate to Guys and Dolls performed by
Frank Sinatra--I thought this was another good costume for Javier. It was
perfect for his music, went well with the theme and it looked great on him. We
know he LOVES wearing this retro pleated high-waisted pants (remember his
Charlie Chaplin look from several seasons ago?) so I'm sure he was
happy to embrace this look again for his current free skate.

Jin Boyang China: Cup of China 2015 silver medalist Jin Boyang skated his Free Skate to Dragon Racing by John Powell in this costume above. In case you're wondering where the music is from, it's from "How To Train Your Dragon 2" computer animated film. I don't know why but I wasn't a fan of his costume. I think I just wished it looked more like the main character in the movie, as opposed to a sci-fi Samurai (which is what he looked like!).

Michael Christian Martinez Philippines: Michael Christian skated his Free Skate Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev. I LOVED the intricate details of the costume, especially the top. It's smart--design-wise to keep a lot of interest at the top and with all that gold and sequin applique in the velvet tunic-top, he sure did...

Now, in case you're wondering, he also skated to the same music for his SHORT program at last year's 2014 Sochi Olympics. And he wore the costume in photo above for this skate. It's a variation on his current one and it was donated to him by Tania Bass, a well-known figure skating costume designer, who saw his Facebook plea for proper Olympic attire. I wonder if this season's "Romeo and Juliet" costume was also a Tania Bass donation?



LADIES---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ji Zijun China: Ji Zijun skated her Short program to Clair de Lune and La Polka de Paris by Patrick Doyle. I've always been a fan of her costumes. They are always refined, expensive-looking and very Couture. This was no exception. I loved the heavy-to-light sequin details, the asymmetrical neckline and blue color variations. This was GORGEOUS!

Rika Hongo Japan: Rika skated her Short program to Incantation from Cirque du Soleil. She certainly got the Cirque du Soleil aspect of this
costume nailed. It was colorful and interesting and she looked like she could
have stepped off the stage of a Las Vegas Show and gone directly on to the ice.





Finally...

Mao Asada Japan: Cup
of China 2015 gold medalist Mao Asada wore this mini kimono/geisha costume for
her Free Skate to Madame Butterfly
by Giacomo Puccini. I liked this for the most part. The ombre-like
shading of the delicate lilac color, the obi-like cummerbund at the
waist...there were details I appreciated. It just seemed to lacking
Costume DRAMA, which I expect especially with such a dramatic musical backdrop. And
the proportion of the sleeves are a bit overwhelming. I would at the very
least, shorten the sleeves by a few inches. But overall, she looked beautiful.