Nick Verreos Rates the Figure Skating Costumes: U.S. Nationals 2011--The Men & my UniversalSports.com Figure Skating Blog!

Oh Boy!

Le Men: (Left to Right) Richard Dornbush, Gold Medalist Ryan Bradley, Ross Miner and Jeremy Abbott, 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Last week, the 2011 U.S Figure Skating Championships occurred in Greensboro, North Carolina and I talked about the Ladies, Pairs and Ice Dance Costumes HERE--but I didn't want to leave the Men behind...So now, here goes MY MEN...well, my "Nick V. Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" on what the top competing men wore.

Let's begin with two-time U.S. National Champion Jeremy Abbott:

Jeremy Abbott: Short Program

For his Short Program, Jeremy Abbott skated to "Viejos Aires"--a Tango. I like seeing the non-vest-and-pin-striped-trouser Jeremy so it's "refreshing" when he does this "costumey" short program. There's a little "Victor/Victoria"--or is it "Victor/Victor" element to it with the half vest/half jacket look but, it works. I also love that he really embraces the entire ensemble--from head to toe--and even slicks his hair in an intense manner, to match the intensity of the sequined black and white costume as well as the powerful Tango program.

Jeremy Abbott: Long Program

For his Long Program, he skates to "Life Is Beautiful" and yes, it's a little yawn-inducing but I like the subtle sequins in the plaid vest and I have to concur that for that music, the costume works. I guess the Fashion Designer in me would love to see...well, a little more but I understand what he was going for.

Richard Dornbush: 2011 US National Silver Medalist

Richard skated to "Sherlock Holmes" and his costume reflected this: The ubiquitous vest (this is really THE staple go-to piece for Male Figure Skaters!). I liked the tie, and the contrasting patterns. He's young and anything more flashy would not be right. Thank Goodness, the sleeves were fitted and modern as opposed to some big ol' Leg-o'Mutton Blouson Sleeves he could have gone with. He had a PHENOMENAL night, so really everything else is just secondary!

Ross Miner: 2011 US National Bronze Medalist

Ross skated (beautifully I might add--one of my favorites!) to "Casablanca" and honestly this was a definite yawn of a costume. I don't want him to look like a Moroccan Souk Rug Salesman, but I also don't like him looking like part of the Catering team at someone's Bar Mitzvah! Although he did accent the crisp white shirt with some fabulous cuff links, I really want him to spice it up next time (costume wise)...just a little bit!

Keegan Messing: Long Program

OK, now here's someone who tried to "spice it up", but it didn't work. Poor Keegan. He skated to "The Hulk" but his costume was more Cirque Du Soleil...on a budget! It failed on all levels. It looks as if he went to "Hollywood Toys and Costume" on Hollywood Blvd. and bought a costume in a bag. And then decided to wear it...to the U.S. Nationals! The top did not go with the pants and that brown (?) belt with the silver diamante buckle further dumbfounded me.

But now...

Ryan Bradley: 2011 US Nationals Gold Medalist

Ryan won the Gold and became the "Comeback Kid" of the 2011 U.S. Nationals! I absolutely ADORE him! He is my new secret crush! (well, not so secret now). He could wear a Garbage Bag as a costume and I would be like "You Go Ryan!". For his Long Program, he skated to an "Amadeus/Mozart Medley" wearing a ruffled neckline blouse, fitted jacket/brocade vest and very fitted pants. It was "Amadeus: The Hot Calendar Guy" version! I, personally, would have taken this look even further and been even more playful giving him a real foppish quality to his costume, but like I said, he can do no wrong in my book!

Ryan Bradley: Short Program

Now, speaking of HOT: Ryan Bradley in his "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" ensemble, which he wore when he brought the house down skating to his Short Program. This was my FAVORITE costume for ALL the men skaters! Now THIS is how you do ARMY. If this is what the Recruits/ROTC would have dressed like in high school...huney, then I might have skipped UCLA and my Fashion Design studies and signed up!

Boogie Woogie Ryan

Ryan gets my "At-a-Boy Nick Verreos Figure Skating Costume Fashion Gold Medal" of the 2011 U.S. Nationals for this fabulous sexy yet still somewhat traditional, but still "campy" (in it's own very TIGHT stretch woven fabric sort of way). I'm sure lots of girls in the audience wanted to put on a 40's snood, a fitted jacket and A-line skirt and do the Boogie Woogie with him after they saw this! Thank you Ryan for "bringing it"--in your wonderful skating, as well as in your costumes!


For My Complete "Fashion Review" of the US Figure Skating Nationals: Go to Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com "Go Figure" Blog and Photo Slide Show of my "Figure Skating Fashion Two Cents", Click HERE and HERE!

Nick Verreos Rates the Figure Skating Costumes: U.S. Nationals 2011

Color On The Ice!

Twizzle Fire: Ice Dancers Meryl David and Charlie White

The 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships--"The US Nationals"-- in Greensboro North Carolina began last Saturday and ended today. This is the "Miss USA" (of course, I had to give a "Beauty Pageant" analogy!) of Figure Skating. The top winners (usually the top 2 or 3) go on to represent the USA at The World Figure Skating Championships--"The Worlds"-- in Tokyo Japan this March. So, of course, you all know what that means: Time to Rate the Costumes...

Here are my "Nick Verreos Highlights" from the pairs, dance and ladies competition:

Ice Pairs Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Evora and Ladwig's costumes. The bright violet colors were eye-catching and stunning. the Swarovski crystals were nothing short of spectacular. I loved how there were heavier stones on the asymmetrical neckline of her costumes and it was genius to use same-color-as-the-top stones for him. I also liked his old-school "retro" costume and the use of the Blouson top with the black pants. Whoever they are consulting in the creations of these costumes, keep doing it! They get an A+ in my book!

Ice Pairs Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin

Yankowskas and Coughlin earned their first ever Pairs Title mesmerizing the sold-out crowd with a powerful "Ave Maria" program. I thought their costumes were perfect: Angelic, sublime and just right to correspond with the music. They looked as if they were skating on clouds with "Figure Skating" angels guiding them through. I especially liked Caitlin's mock-neck ivory beaded costume with illusion shoulders and sleeves. Along with her severe yet elegant blond hair, she almost reminded me of a Russian Ladies Figure Skating Doll!

Ice Dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White

Davis and White won their third straight ice dance title easily. Their program--a Tango Medley--was strong, filled with emotion and scissor sharp! In terms of costumes, Meryl Davis switched hers from the costume she wore previously to this program.

Before, it was an asymmetrical deep wine colored beaded dress and now, she went for BOLD, FIRE Red and intense! I think it was a good choice to switch. Their costumes needed a bit of a costume "pop" for such a fiery Tango program and this new costume certainly delivered. I do think, however, that it looked a bit "overdone" in terms of the diamante trim and the embroidered lace beading. It look a bit "cheap prom dress"--just a teeny bit. Overall though, I was happy for the change.

Rachael Flatt

Rachael Flatt also changed her costume and WOW! What a smart little cookie she is: That color is just EXACTLY what she needed to give life, emotion and WAKE everyone up to her beautiful skating and performance. I am IN LOVE with this neon canary yellow. In Love. Personally, I don't think she need the long sleeves and maybe should have opted for a variation of short sleeve style or just sleeveless. But on the whole: Ten Points Miss Rachael!

Ashley Wagner

Ashley Wagner decided to go very elegant and "Red Carpet Safe" with this black all-over sequined costume. What I though was unusual about it was the fact that there was no mesh-illusion on it (a staple of most figure skating costumes). The strong black color made a great contrast against her porcelain skin, making her look like a John Singer Sargent Painting...on the ice!

Alissa Czisny

I was a big fan of Alissa's asymmetrical ruffled dress late last year when she debuted it on the Grand Prix Finals, where she took the top prize. And I still like it now. The watercolor Degrade shadings, the cascade ruffle detail; it's modern, directional and stands out in a sea of traditional looking sequin-and-illusion costumes. The costume worked at the Grand Prix Finals and it worked now because she--again--took the top prize.

Go on Alissa!

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: Grand Prix Cup of Russia!

Babushkas Loves Sequins!

Tango Hands Abbott: US Figure Skater Jeremy Abbott at Cup of Russia

Figure Skating Fever: If you've been keeping up with my blog here, you might know that I have been covering the Costume "Hot's" and "Not's" for UniversalSports.com for this season's Grand Prix series.

Now we are in St. Petersburg Russia for the Cup of Russia 2010. Several Figure Skaters changed up their costumes from the last time they competed--some good and some not so much. Here are some improved ones:

Ashley Wagner US Figure Skater

Where Are My Castanets: I think Ashley’s Long Program costume is a step in the right direction. She always looks elegant and regal and I think this more traditional style suits her skating better. Although a bit fussy for my taste (not a fan of the ruffled “rickety-rack” trim that looks as if it came from JoAnn’s Fabric Store), the strapless effect of the dress and the beautiful Ombre-dyed skirt enhance her beautiful skating.

Akiko Suzuki Japanese Figure Skater Skating to "Fiddler On The Roof"

And the Award For “Much Improved” Goes To: I think this is a big improvement from the costume Akiko wore at Cup of China. It is more sophisticated and reflective of what is happening in fashion now; the asymmetry of the neckline, the diagonal ruffles, the contrast edging, the rosette details. The previous costume looked juvenile and meant more for a Junior Skater. She went from 15 to 25 in ONE beautiful Costume!

The "Why Bother"...

Tomas Verner Czech Republic Figure Skater Skating to a Michael Jackson Medley

Beat It: Czech boy-wonder Verner changed up his costume by going from a blue shirt to a black shirt (boy, that was a STRETCH!). While I understand that he is simplifying everything this year, I think this is taking things a step too far. He went from looking like he worked on the Lido Deck to becoming a student at the Marcel Marceau School of Mime!

And Then...

Lucie Mysliveckova and Matej Novak: Let My People Go: Remix

Russia's Mysliveckova and Novak skated to music that included--among others--an African-American Spiritual Song, ABBA and well, everything in between. The soundtrack was a potpourri of a MESS and what did I think of their corresponding costumes?

Click HERE to read what I really thought plus view all my comments from the Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating.

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 UniversalSports.com: Grand Prix Cup of China

Go Figure China!!!

My New Love: Chinese Pairs Sui Wenjing and Cong Han

The Grand Prix of Figure Skating continues and this past weekend, we were (not I but the figure skaters!) in China for, yes, the Cup of China. The skating was of course, amazing but naturally, I'm here to discuss the lovely--and sometimes not-so-lovely costumes, for my Figure Skating Blog for UniversalSports.com.

One thing I need to get off my designer chest: After watching this past weekend, I am now in LOVE with the Chinese Pairs couple of Sui Wenjing and Cong Han. She's about 4' 7" tall and like EIGHT!!! (OK, I lie, she's 15, but still!) and they were the World Junior Champions last year and now are debuting in the Senior Grand Prix circuit. And did I mention I LOVE them! They were unbelievable. Those two are ones to watch! If they are that good now, huneyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! But I digress, let's get to my Figure Skating Costumes "Two Cents":

Chen Peitong Short Program

Mud and Yellow Fish Creature: I assume that Chinese Men's Figure Skater Chen Peitong's yellow and brown costume had something to do with the "Yellow River Concerto" soundtrack he skated to--that doesn't mean it worked! It was as if some already not-so-pretty fish got stuck in mud in that aforementioned Yellow River and out came this hybrid of a creature worthy of a bad Japanese Monster Movie. Icky Poo.

Faiella and Scali Short Dance

My Fair Skating: From the minute Italian Ice Dancers Faiella and Scali stepped onto the ice, their costumes had "My Fair Lady" written all over it, but in a subtle not overdone way. His: A dapper gentleman's 3-piece suit evoking tailored elegance and hers, an ivory with black-and-white striped dress was an exquisite representation of Audrey Hepburn's iconic costume from the movie. A perfect example of how costumes don't have to SCREAM to have a powerful effect and yet, can still put an exclamation mark on a sublime ice dance performance.

Pechalat Bourzat Short Dance

I Need a Shot of Vodka: “Dr Zhivago” never looked so intense, chic and oh-so-passionate. These outfits perfectly represent how costumes can enhance a performance when Ice Dancers get it right! The intensity of the fire red color juxtaposed against the jet black beading was a perfect contrast and evoked the style of the Early 1900’s. Her asymmetrical chiffon skirt was a great choice adding fluttery movement and drama to the overall look.

Miki Ando Free Skate

Figure Skating Red Carpet: I absolutely loved Miki Ando’s Free Skate Costume in which she skated to Piano Concerto in A Minor by E. Grieg. Miki usually goes for black-colored costumes so this wasn’t a surprise. What I admired was the demure elegance of the front combined with the captivating sexiness of the plunging low back. The beading was delicate yet expressive and she is even accessorized: Notice the “built-in” diamante necklace! A ten in my Figure Skating Costume Book!

And now we go from Miki Ando's "Figure Skating Red Carpet Chic" to Alena Leonova's Costume above...

Click HERE to read what I REALLY thought of this colorful Dingle Ball Explosion, as well as many other costumes from the Grand Prix Cup of China!!!!

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.