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: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Ladies

Babushka NOT!!!

Last weekend was the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia and yes, naturally I've already discussed The Pairs as well as The Men, so even though I'm a week late, I still feel it was necessary to talk about The Ladies--and more importantly, the costumes I haven't given my "Nick Two Cents" on...So...here we go--The Ladies of the Cup of Russia 2011:

Sofia Biryukova of Russia: Let's begin with the Russian ladies (since it is, after all, The Cup of Russia)--Somehow, Sofia Biryukova, this lovely skater, has "escaped" my "Nick Costume Review". Who knows why? But better late than never. For her Free Skate at the Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012, Sofia skated to Puccini's "Turandot"--an opera about a cold-hearted princess in China and her suitor who falls in love with her. I absolutely LOVE her "Royal Blue" Chinoiserie-inspired costume featuring gold flower-and-leaf applique. The asymmetrical/twisting torso-neckline with its gold binding was superb. This girl ended up Fourth in the overall standings in Moscow, but to me, this was a First-Rate costume.

For her "Seven Years in Tibet" Short Program, Sofia's costume consisted of a very elegant and restrained black illusion, chiffon and stretch satin ensemble. For this music and theme, she could have gone a whole other route with the costume (maybe another version of her Free Skate costume), but she didn't. And I'm glad. This showed stylistic restraint, remained somewhat true to the music and still, got my "High Fashion Nick Points"!

Alena Leonova of Russia: I've discussed Alena's "Pirates of the Caribbean" costume to her Short Program at this season's Grand Prix already but I haven't talked about her Free Skate to "Adagio For Strings" and "Requiem for a Tower" costume. It was quite a number--all black, with caviar-beading detail, applique and sculpted embroidery, as well as an asymmetrical nude illusion front torso neck and back.

It was like "Black Swan: The DIVA Chapter". I also liked this costume. The way the applique "crawls" up her neck is fab and yes, all that different embellishment could have gone a "Wackety-wack" route of too-much trim but it didn't. I think it was smart to keep all of that in the same black color tones.

Haruka Imai of Japan: I've talked about Haruka before during this Grand Prix season, however, I have not talked about her Free Skate costume in particular. She skated to a modern arrangement of "My Fair Lady" in the costume seen above. Now, everyone (and her mother) knows those iconic costumes from that film:

Audrey Hepburn looked REGAL in this ivory and crystal detailed "Going to the Ball" gown as well as...

The black-and-white ensemble above. Haruka Imai's costume of fuchsia with black heavy lace overlay had NOTHING of either of the two iconic Hepburn looks. Maybe that was the point but I just didn't "get it". I would have rather she had worn something that had "hints" of one of those two iconic ensembles from the movie. Otherwise, really, what's the point? What do you guys think?

Amelie Lacoste of Canada: Amelie Lacoste is one skater that somehow also has missed my "Nick Skating Costumes Two Cents". So, let's get to it: for her Free Skate to "The Sea and Sinbad's Ship", "The Story of the Kalender Prince", "The Young Prince and the Princess Festival at Baghdad" --all from "Scheherazade"--she wore a carmine red costume with golden embroidery neckline trim that gave hints of that Mid-Eastern/Orient Queen. Where I had a problem was her haphazard 80's work-out hair. Her costume: Nice. Her hair: Mess.

For her Short Program to "Ojos Negros", she wore a black costume ("Ojos Negros" means Black Eyes, in case you didn't know). In addition to the black color costume base, it also had crystals strewn throughout the neckline, straps and bodice. On a scale of 1-10 for Costume, I would give her a FIVE. This was "I can get this at a Bear Mountain Ski Shop OFF SEASON ON SALE!". We've seen the center front diamante straps before in many many skating costumes, in many many prom dresses, in many tacky beauty pageants...can we get a little more original?

Agnes Zawadszki of the USA: Agnes...how you and your costumes have escaped me? This American skater skated to "Harlem Nocturne" and "Whatever Lola Wants" for the Cup of Russia 2011-2012. Her costume was a lilac and nude illusion look with mini crystals and featuring a five-layer diamante choker. She looked like a Princess in this; kind of like a Lilac Swarovski Crystal Bird. In other words: me LIKEY!

Rachael Flatt of the USA: Finally, I will conclude with another American skater, Rachael Flatt. She skated her Free Skate to Stravinski's "The Firebird" wearing a dynamic and rather show-stopping costume. The lipstick red, gold, and silver ensemble SCREAMED "Firebird" and I especially loved the wrist "Flames/Feather" detail. This is an example of a costume that went perfectly with the music and added to the overall theatricality and presentation of her skate. Too bad she didn't make it higher in terms of overall scores (she was 9th out of ten skaters at Rostelecom Cup).

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Trophée Eric Bompard 2011--The Ladies!

Vive La France...

Continuing with my Trophee Eric Bompard/Grand Prix of France Season 2011-2012 Costume "Two Cents"...I've discussed The Men, The Ice Dancers, so now, we're onto The Ladies:

Elizaveta Tuktamisheva of Russia: For her Free Skate to "Besame Mucho" and "Caravan", Gold Medalist Elizaveta's costume consisted of a black with silver crystals ensemble that gave the essence of a "mysterious" and slightly elegant woman. Even though...Elizaveta is only FOURTEEN years old, this costume matured her and in a good way. Because of her very young age, she probably should stay away from bright bubblegum pinks or canary yellows and too many diamantes for fear of crossing that "Toddlers & Tiaras" line. This black costume worked for the skate and the music. BTW: She is a little "Jumping Diva" in terms of her performance. She's like the Russian Tara Lipinski!

For her "Tango" Short Program, she wears a red fluttery-sleeved number with silver sequins and beading with a silhouette that's appropriate to her very young age. Brighter in color than her Free Skate costume, adding just the right amount of Latin Fire!

Sonia Lafuente of Spain: Gorgeous Sonia Lafuente got 7th place during her time in France at Trophee Eric Bompard. For her Free Skate, she skated to "Concierto de Aranjuez", which of course, I think of as Michelle Kwan's Music (Love you Michelle!), but nevertheless, it seems to be very popular with EVERYONE and their daughter!

In terms of her costume: you would think as a Spaniard, she would "bring it" with her Madrid-influenced costume, but this ivory stretch lace and crystals re-embroidered number was a bit of a let down. It was sweet, for sure. But, it definitely needed MAS! Her costume looked like a $99.99 special at a "Mountain High" Ice Skating Shop, which is fine, but not for a Grand Prix. At least this season's costume was much more "lady like" compared to last year's Short Program costume:

Tattoo España: if Madrid had a version of the "LA Ink" Tattoo Reality TV Show, Lafuente would be one of the stars--at least in this get-up. Here, she was skating to "The Feeling Begins" by Peter Gabriel (go figure!).

Maé Bérénice Méité of France: Mae placed sixth overall at Trophee Eric Bompard over the weekend. This marks the FIRST time I have discussed Mademoiselle Meite here in my "Figure Skating Costume" postings, so I was excited! How could I not comment on this, her Short Program costume which she skated to "Fever, Jessica's Theme" from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "Hey Pachuco" from "The Mask".

She obviously comes from the Surya Bonaly School of Costuming!!! There's the midriff side-and-back revealing sections, those tacky-licious gloves, the bright pink satin Lycra fabrication with "Bedazzler" crystals, plus is that a "heart" shape hair pin accent?? It's a bit much and I may be wrong but it looks like the skin-revealing sections are not even covered with "nude" illusion or mesh...I think she is treading very closely to that "50% covered up rule" of ladies figure skating costuming.

Yretha Silete of France: Here's another lovely figure skater who somehow has missed my "Nick Figure Skating Costume Two Cents", France's Yretha Silete. For her Free Skate to "Xotica" by Rene Dupere (a Cirque du Soleil composer), she wears a turquoise blue and golden nude costume featuring "leaf"-like applique and oversized beaded front-and-back "necklaces". I actually love the colors of this costume and it's unusual design. She's very much like a "Bird of Paradise Caribbean Queen of Flora-and-Fauna". Also, with the barrettes in her hair, she's giving you a little bit of Josephine Baker. I know that some of you might argue, well what makes hers not "Krazee" as opposed to Mae Berenice Meite's? First off: she's not looking like a HOOCHIE Barbie! And secondly, the costume looks a little more refined and thought out. So, therefore, je l'aime!

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!