Figure Skating Costumes: The World Figure Skating Championships Moscow: The Men!!

The Dandy Men...Ruffled Collars, Brocade Vests, Sequins and Carnival Cruise Dance Troupe Colors!!!

Go Canada: Patrick Chan of Canada wins Gold at the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships

The 2011 World Figure Skating Championships just finished in Moscow at the Megasport Ice Rink in Moscow Russia. There was a time there when no one knew if the Worlds would even happen since originally, they were scheduled to take place in Tokyo Japan. Following the massive earthquake and tsunami, the International Skating Union had to come out with a statement which read: "The Japanese Skating Federation regretfully and reluctantly declines hosting the Championships."
Soon after this announcement, the ISU had received bids to stage the event from Russia (Moscow), Canada (Vancouver, British Columbia), the United States (Colorado Springs, Colorado or Lake Placid, New York), Finland (Turku), Croatia and Austria.
And Moscow won and they put on a great show (Kudos to Moscow!).

With the watchful eye of Prime Minister Putin (seen above NOT cracking a smile, as usual), the Championships took place. Well, of course, as you know I LOVE me some Figure Skating Competitions--yes, for the sport which I am a fan of, but mainly for the COSTUMES!
So, here I begin my "Nick Verreos Worlds Figure Skating Costumes Report" and I start with THE MEN (naturally!):

Patrick Chan of Canada:

Patrick Chan of Canada won a Gold for his near-perfect skating and as you can see above, he was just a "tad" bit excited. He set new records for both his Short Program and Free Skate. In terms of Costumes (which is what we REALLY care about here!), he wore the same costumes for the World Championships that he featured at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2010/2011 Cup of Russia back in November of last year. For his Free Skate to "The Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber, he wore a metallic brocade vest with fitted jacket and white bow-tied shirt underneath.

And for his Short Program to "Take Five" by Paul Desmond, he wore a black vest with contrast white piping and sequined "Argyle" diamond details in the back--finished off with sequined-studded "tuxedo" pants. He is serious and all "business" from the front, but...

A Sequined Party in the back!

And now onto the Costume Changing Boysssssss...
Daisuke Takahashi of Japan:

In contrast with Parick Chan most of the other top male skaters did change their costumes (which I was happy about but a bit strange for just the last event of the season). Japan's Daisuke Takahashi--he, of the KRAZEE coiffed and hair-sprayed hair (do Japanese girls like that??)-- changed BOTH his Short Program and Free Skate costumes. Same music, different costumes.

Last year's Free Skate Costume looked like this above: Billowing bishop sleeves in sheer black with diamantes, and a double-breasted vest in red and black. While for the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships last week, Takahashi wore this:

Notice something "kinda" similar? Same Costume, but different "Color Way" kids! So, if you want to get technical, it's really still the same costume.

Now, for his Short Program last year at Skate America 2010, he wore this colorful and very "A Night At The Copacabana" ensemble. Well darlings, I think he and his "people" didn't think it was "Latin" enough because this past week, he wore THIS:

He went from looking like the Conductor of a Band in Havana Cuba to the "sexually questionable" dancer on a Carnival Cruise to San Juan Puerto Rico! And I for one, LOVE IT! First of all: The color and prints are FAB-U-LOUS!!! And I especially love that he embraces the costumes along with the accompanying music. He doesn't do it 65%, he goes 110%!!

Nobunari Oda of Japan:

Now, onto another Japanese Skater, baby-faced Nobunari Oda--He also changed his costumes. At Skate America 2010 last year, he wore this above for his Free Skate--a white "blouse" with a "hint" of black applique and an asymmetrical ruffle collar/neckline.
But for the 2011 Worlds...

He got rid of the cascading ruffle and added more black embroidered applique, which I think was a wise decision. The shirt has much more of an impact now. I think he might be learning from his country-mate Takahashi: Take it from 65% to 110% darling! He did, in his own baby-faced way.

Takahiko Kozuka of Japan:

The other top Japanese skater, Takahiko Kozuka also did (kind of) a Costume Change, when it came to his Short Program. At last year's ISU Grand Prix Final in Beijing China, he wore a pinstriped vest and pants, along with a "retro" printed shirt.

Well, for the 2011 Worlds, he thankfully got rid of that vest as seen above. I am NOT a fan of those ubiquitous vests for Male Figure Skaters (Boys: It's getting TIRED!!!). And exposed the shirt that was hiding underneath in all its "What Thrift Store Did He Get That From?" glory.

Brian Joubert of France:

Hunk of all Figure Skating Hunks (I mean SERIOUSLY, look at THAT...Upper Leg Muscle!). Anyhow--Monsieur Joubert changed costumes for his Free Skate to Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven. Above is his new Free Skate Costume, a powder blue stretch lace (now you KNOW you are a so-called "Real Man" if you are comfortable enough with your masculinity to wear POWDER BLUE STRETCH LACE!) plunging-neck top with UBER tight blue pants. To be honest, I'm not so much a fan of this new costume. He looks like a Ballet Dancer from a third-rate ballet company in Suburbia USA, but (at least) it is an improvement from...

This (above) costume which he last wore at the ISU Figure Skating Championships in March 2010 in Torino Italy. The whole top looks like a costume reject from Mad Max-meets-Braveheart. Brown and muted mustard have NEVER been my favorite of color combinations, darlings.

And...Finally: An Honorable Costume Mention Goes to: Amodio Florent of France

A Futuristic Mexican "Mariachi" featuring a studded vest with CHAPS!!! And a Michael Jackson Tribute in Blue Sequins, suspenders, and fingerless gloves. It just doesn't get any better! Enough said. Thank you Florent. Merci.

Nick Verreos Figure Skating Fashion Blog UniversalSports.com: Grand Prix Finals Best and Worst!!

A GRAND Grand Prix: My Best and Worst...with "Professor Nick Costume Grades"!

Linear Tango: Davis and White of the US, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals, Beijing China

This past weekend was the 2010 ISU Grand Prix Finals of Figure Skating in Beijing China at the Beijing Capital Gymnasium. Thank goodness for Universal Sports and NBC because I got to watch the entire event from the comfort of my home back in Los Angeles! So, yes, the Grand Prix series is over--for this year--and as you may know, I have had the pleasure of critiquing the costumes for UniversalSports.com and their Figure Skating Blog "Go Figure" (love that!).

So, for my “Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents” blog, I thought I would do a “Best” and “Worst” of the Season, in terms of the costumes of course. And since--besides being a Fashion Designer--I am also an Instructor at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM here in LA, I thought it would be perfect to also give these "Best" and "Worst" Grand Prix costumes my "Professor Verreos Fashion Grades”...

Lilac Lift: Pang Qing and Tong Jian of China at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals, Beijing China

But First: Even at this Grand Prix Finals, after traveling across the Globe to four different continents for all the various Grand Prix Competitions, there were still some skaters changing up their costumes, and in the case of Japanese Figure Skater Miki Ando, a whole new Short Program!! Here are some Examples of the Last Minute Costume Switcheroo's:

Why The Change: In Beijing this past weekend, Miki Ando skated a new Short Program to "Broken Sorrow Egyptian in the Night" and Gabriel's Oboe The Falls. I loved this new ivory lightly beaded costume. Miki loves a PLUNGING back and this one had it! It was interesting in that (correct me if I am wrong), but I don't think the back was even covered in the typical nude illusion but it was actually just bare! If so, she SERIOUSLY must have had A LOT of double-stick tape! It was a prettier and softer Miki, but I wasn't a huge fan of the bell sleeves and also the length of the skirt was too long. I personally didn't have a problem with her other Short Program Costume--or her other Short Program for that matter--so I am still confused as to why she even changed it! I think she's also realizing she shouldn't have changed anything since she didn't do so well.

Fringe Couture: Another Japanese Skater, Daisuke Takahashi busted out a new Short Program costume. If you look close, he KEPT the same pants but switched the top. The new top was black, instead of lipstick red, and featured fringe. I love Takahashi because in terms of costumes, he just "goes for it" and understands the importance of costume as an integral part of the entire performance although I do prefer him with the slicked back hair.

Fiercer Vest: In his new Long Program, Takahashi also changed his top but kept the old black stretch velvet pants. The new top included a black shirt with beaded black vest. I like this new one much better than the magenta and lace one he wore before (on the left). It looks more modern, more "fashionable", and shall I even say, fiercer (sorry, I know, that word is TIRED) although 2 black costumes is a bit repetitive for my taste.

Now, let's get to my "Best" and "Worst" of the entire Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2010--Below is an "Amuse Bouche" of my List--one for each category...

BEST:

Modern Razzle Dazzle: Our US “Golden Girl”, Alyssa Czisny dazzled on the ice taking the Top Spot for her skating, and in addition, I give her my “Nick Verreos Gold Medal” for her costumes. Both her Short and Free Program choices reflect where Ladies Figure Skating Costumes should head for the future. They were directional, fluid, and feminine and gave a nod to actual fashion trends (the asymmetrical neckline, under-bust beading, strong color) and in addition, they could remarkably, go from the Ice to an Awards Show Red Carpet--with just a change of a skirt! Grade: A

WORST:

Dingle-ball Witch: When I first saw Russian Figure Skater Alena Leonova in BOTH her Short (L) and Long Program (R) Costumes, I yelled “Oh Dear!” Now, I’m not a Professional Judge of Figure Skating, but I’m pretty sure, those are not the words one wants to hear when they first step on the ice. I know that her Themes involved Polka/Circus and “Witches of Eastwick” but that still didn’t excuse the dingle-balls, the $1.99 Diamante trim, the BEIGE ice skates (not a fan!), black gloves with painted nails (I swear!) and the 1976 Nadia Comaneci hair-DON’T. Cirque du Soleil: Yes. Grand Prix of Figure Skating: NYET! Grade: D

To Continue Reading my Complete List of Best and Worst Costumes of the 2010 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Click HERE on my Figure Skating Blog for UniversalSports.com!!!!

Nick Verreos Figure Skating Fashion Blog UniversalSports.com: Skate America!

Figure Skating Grand Prix Compare & Contrast...The Costumes

My Ponytail is Kissing the Ice: Canadians Crone and Poirer at Skate America this past weekend

The Grand Prix of Figure Skating continues and now, we're in the good ol' US of A for Skate America. This past weekend--while I was in The Bahamas taking in the fashion at Island of The World Fashion Week 2010, there was lots of skating happening in Portland Oregon--home of well, the newest Winner of Project Runway, the much-maligned Gretchen Jones. I wonder if she went. Doubt it. Too much color and sequins for her taste.

But I digress...At the start of this season's Grand Prix series several of the skaters either re-hashed old costumes or started out with costumes that just weren't quite right. Now that we are in the third Grand Prix city, some have decided to debut their new costumes or completely change their original concept--to good results and well, some to not so good. If you've been following my blog, I'm writing a fun "My Two Cents" fashion blog, giving my commentary on this season's costumes for UniversalSports.com.

Let's take a look at Skate America:

Stylish Ice Dancers David and White, USA

Vogue Magazine, the Figure Skating Issue: I absolutely LOVED Davis and White’s new costumes! They clearly decided they needed something more modern and while that often can translate to boring, these costumes were anything but. The asymmetry in the skirt is perfection and added just the right amount of drama to the simplicity of the top portion. Take note ladies: This is all you need; some beautiful beading and clean, modern lines. It was photo-editorial perfect and on-the-ice perfect.

Figure Skater Kanako Murakami, Japan

Victor (Mask of Zorro) Victoria: I have no idea why Murakami would change from the original half red/half black costume to this new half lavender/half black costume. They are both equally BAD. On a positive note, the plunging neckline works better on her and I must say that it definitely works better in movement than seen here in photographs. But somehow, it still looks like a cheap “Victor/Victoria” remake as opposed to “The Mask of Zorro”.

Figure Skater Rachael Flatt, USA

Grown Up Sequins: At first glance, I thought “why did she even bother switching costumes?” but then I looked closer. Rachael is all about the details and boy does this costume have details: The plunging neckline and DEEP back are perfection for her petite frame and the soft fluttery short on the sides, long in the front skirt was pure genius to make Rachael’s legs look as long as possible. The color is 2 shades lighter than the original which was a great choice and the beading is 1^st rate. Kudos Rachael! Looks like someone’s growing up! And this Design “poppa” is proud.

Now here's a Figure Skating Fashion Tease: Find out what I thought about German Pairs Skaters Savchenko and Szolkowy get-ups (hers mainly!) by clicking HERE!!!!

Nick Verreos Figure Skating Fashion Blog on Universal Sports.com: Skate Canada Edition!!!

Miss Grand Prix Canada Is...

Sequin Trimmed Podium: The Top Three Ladies, Ksenia Makarova (Russia), Alissa Czizny (US, won the Gold), Amelie Lacoste (Canada)

I'm so excited to be back for another week of Figure Skating Fashion Two Cents for this Grand Prix Season. Last week we were in Japan (well, I wasn't unfortunately but they were!), and now...

We cross many, many time zones and arrive in Canada for the Grand Prix: Skate Canada edition. Let the Sequins, Asymmetrical Hemlines and Glue-Gun Begin:

Mandarin Evita: Figure Skaters and especially Russian Figure Skaters love a good asymmetrical costume. And Ksenia Makarova, skating to Evita for her long program, did not disappoint.

While she definitely was on the right track with the deep red color and very Eva Peron hairdo, the asymmetrical Nehru/Mandarin collar made the whole look literally askew--and also not "Country-appropriate" for the Argentine Muse.

Where's My Bayonet: Patrick Chan has decided to go "green" this season and recycle last seasons long program. He once again skated to Phantom of the Opera in this slightly period inspired all black costume.

Chan is one of those skaters that chooses simplicity over drama and although there is nothing wrong with this look, he definitely could have used an update. And he looked like he was doing a bad Civil War Reenactment as opposed to The Phantom!

Retro Chic: Vanessa Crone and Paul Poirier were definitely one of my favorite skates across all disciplines. They skated to Eleanor Rigby, and although I must admit I am not a huge Beatles fan (sorry!) I am a huge fan of Christopher Dean. His choreography is breathtaking and always innovative. These costumes were a perfect match for this program. The simplicity and retro vibe they portrayed, allowed the program to speak for itself. They actually got me to like The Beatles...just for 4 minutes.

Cha-Cha 1986: When I first saw Gorshkova and Butikov hit the ice, I said “Oh Dear!”, I should have said “Ay Caramba!”. They skated to a Cha-Cha medley and their costumes, though bold and exuberant, reminded me of a cross between “Blades of Glory” and...

Some tacky dance show review in Reno—circa 1986.

Scheherazade Aerobics: Fumie Suguri of Japan skated to Bagoa's Dance from Alexander...in stretch velvet pants! Now, Fumie was one of the first skaters to bring back pants to women’s skating a few years ago: Several seasons ago she looked sleek in a black pant suit ensemble, but here she is just a hot mess.

She looks like my “kooky” Aunt from Boca Raton going to her Aerobics Class at the Marriott, headband and all.

Ole!: Cynthia Phaneuf was at the top of her game during the short program in this one sleeve gold beaded costume. She looked sleek and modern and I loved her hair pulled back into a simple ponytail, very “fashion runway” in fact. Every detail accentuated her Spanish Theme perfectly—and not one Red Rose in sight (take note ladies!).

What did I think of Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein's "Cabaret" costumes above? Click HERE to read my Universal Sports Blog and see what I thought about them and many more of the costumes.

Skatin' Nick: Scoring the Ladies Short Program Costumes

Thursday night was the US Nationals Ladies Short Program and it marked the return of Miss Sasha Cohen...
She returned to Figure Skating after a four year absence. This was her FIRST competition this season (due to injury) and since taking a hiatus back in 2006. Nobody even knew if she would arrive, until Wednesday afternoon! As you can see from the video of her practice, EVERYONE was following her EVERY MOVE, jump, and footwork sequence. In the end, she did great, considering the extreme pressure she was under, with very minor mistakes. There are very few people in the professional figure skating world who could do that (Michelle Kwan comes to mind but after that, I can't really think of anyone). Sasha is currently in second place.In terms of her costume: I loved it! It was perfect for her Paso Doble Short Program. It featured a caviar-beaded embroidered bodice with skin-colored stretch netting cut-outs and a mini fluttery skirt, all in a deep Sevillana red. I could have done without those gloves, they're too 1984 Senior Prom for me.
Costume Score: 8.8 out of 10!

One of the favorites to make it onto the Olympic Team (only two spots this year kiddies!) Rachael Flatt, did not dissapoint. In what many people have regarded as one of her strongest programs ever, Rachael skated very well. Her fun personality came through while at the same time, "nailing" all the jumps. One of the only ladies to land a triple-triple at the Grand prix season, this time she garnered 3rd Place for the short program (very close to Sasha). Her rose-pink sequined costume fitted her bubbly exuberance perfectly. There was nothing "shocking", too "Couture" or too "costume high-brow". It was Figure Skating 101 done well.
Costume Score: 7.5 out of 10.

Mirai Nagasu placed 1st Place (!!) after a near flawless Short Program. Wish I could say the same for her choice of costume. I know that sometimes Short Program Costumes are not as "showy" as the Long Program ones but even with that, I just wasn't a fan of this velvet and gold beaded concoction. It looked old. Not old as in an 80 year-old Grandma would wear, but old as in it had been in a closet since 1962 and suddenly it was dusted off and brought out for "a new life".
Score: 4.5 out of 10.

2008 US Bronze Medalist Ashley Wagner placed 4th Place after a shakey Short Program in Spokane Washington. Her costume was an ombre violet-blue number featuring side leaf-like beading. I loved the asymmetrical skirt, the one-sleeve-like detail with one lone feather sticking out of the beading... but I DID NOT like how high the bodice was cut--it really BUGGED me for some reason. I give her--and her costume designer--points for a very interesting costume design that was pretty but yet directional.
Score: 7.5 out of 10.

See you next time for the much-anticipated US National Ladies Long Program---loking forward to seeing some more Figure Skating COUTURE!!!