Figure Skating Costumes: The World Figure Skating Championships in Moscow: The Ladies!!

Some Old and Some New...Costumes...that is:

Semi-Smile, Basic Smile, and Big-Ol' Smile: (L to R) Korea's Yu-Na Kim (Silver), Japan's Miki Ando (Gold) and Italy's Carolina Kostner (Bronze), 2011 World Figure Skating Championships

On my previous post, I gave my "Nick Two Cents" on the Mens Costumes of last week's 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, so now of course, we are onto the Ladies. The ultimate Gold Medalist of the Ladies was Japan's Miki Ando...

The Silver, a teary-eyed Yu-Na Kim (who had not competed since last year's World Championships and was "the one to watch") and finally, Bronze went to Italy's Carolina Kostner. Costume-wise there were some same-old same-old for this competition and some new. And speaking of NEW, leave it to Russia's Alena Leonova to shake things up--just a little bit--not on the Costume Front, but the HAIR front. Read on kiddies...

Same Costumes:
Carolina Kostner of Italy:

Roberto Cavalli Muse, Carolina Kostner, stuck to the same costumes she used last year during competitions for both her Short Program and Free Skate. For her Short "Galicia Flamenco" Program, she wore an elegant royal blue with black applique lace detail "one-shoulder" costume. Great color, looks well-made and a nice variation on the "Uh Oh, is she about to do 'Carmen'???" Spanish Sevillana look.

For her long--or Free Skate-- again, she stuck to the same costume she's worn before: An asymmetrically draped-and-shirred "Grecian Goddess" number in light pastels and muted golds.

I love these kinds of costumes since it kind of reminds me of the one I created for Sacha Cohen on the "Thin Ice" Challenge of Project Runway Season 2 almost six years ago. In other words, you ain't gonna hear any criticism here darlings...

Semi-Costume Change: Rachael Flatt of the USA

The lovely Rachael Flatt of the USA wore a deep lipstick red "sweetheart neckline" silver crystals and red sequined "Empire line" costume during her Free Program routine at the 2011 Worlds last week. It looked the same as what she had previously worn before. However...I thought something was different:

And after a bit of photo research, yep, I was right: She added sleeves! Above is what she wore at the Four Continents in Taipei Taiwan as well at the 2010 U.S. Nationals--sans sleeves. I like it either way, although my preference would be without sleeves. She looks FAB in strong vibrant colors that also play with her strong and vibrant blond hair--as well as her skating!

Now onto the Costume Change Ladies:

Mao Asada of Japan:

For the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, Mao Asada kept her same Free Skate lavender-colored costume which she has worn in previous competitions. However, she has almost always changed her Short Program "Tango" costumes.
Here's a sampling:

ISU Trophee Eric Bompard in France (above) in November 2010, and...

One month later at the Japan Figure Skating Championships, December 2010.

Here's the "new-and-improved" red-and-black costume she wore at the 2011 Worlds last week for her short program. Mao is rather hit-or-miss with her costume choices. Sometimes they veer on looking a little too "Toddlers and Tiaras" and something out of a soccer mom's sewing room. And then, when she tries to go a little "sexy", she still somehow has to put some poufy pom-poms or cheap-looking diamante trim. I like the twist-knots and more directional draping of this costume. At least she gets "Nick Verreos Improvement" points.

Yu-Na Kim:

Yu-Na Kim skipped out last year's entire Grand Prix series, wanting to concentrate instead on last week's 2011 Worlds. She came in a VERY Good Second but was saddened and crying throughout the Medal Ceremony (I just wanted to hug her!). In terms of Costumes, she always picks fabulously designed and very expensive-looking costumes that make her look like a Pro as well as a bit of a Figure Skating Fashionista. Since she hadn't competed in about one year, both her Short and Free Programs Costumes were NEW! (Yeayyy for Yu-Na!).
Let's take a look at last year's compared to the new ones:

Before: Short Program Costume--This chic one shoulder sequined number was very Art Deco and "red carpet" worthy.

Now: Yu-Na is still giving one shoulder but with a "twist".This black stretch velvet with blue and silver sequins is both pretty and modern at the same time.

My favorite part is the side and back and how it all seamlessly works its way around her torso.


Her last Free Skate Costume was this blue ensemble featuring a halter neckline with a crystal sequin halter neckline. Once again, she stuck to elegant, lady-like and never too gaudy, kitschy or over-the-top. Just right, for her and her routine.

Now, she chose a modern serious black and silver sequined costume that was again, almost "figure skating costume" text book perfect. I like the curved sequin detail and I especially like that those sequins look Swarovski-expensive (as opposed to poor Mao Asada's I-just-went-to-Jo-Ann's Fabrics-of Tokyo sequins).

And Now, Onto Miss Hair-Krazee: Alena Leonova of Russia

Oh yes, kids, that's one of my favorite Figure Skaters (in terms of KRAZEE Costumes), Alena Leonova of Russia. First of all, I won't even go into her costumes, because I have talked about that dingleberry monstrosity already which she wears to skate to (appropriately enough) "Polka (Circus)" and "La Strada" for her Short Program. Her hair now is all poufy, curly and very Bette Midler. If she thinks that's a good thing, her Gay Russian Hairdresser(I'm guessing here!) may have ill-advised her.

Here's her hair not too long ago--very "Dorothy Hamill Growing Out". The costume, by the way, has changed if only slightly. It seems that she has had it made in several "color ways" as we can see from above and...

Here, both from the ISU Cup of Russia in November 2010.

And for her Free Skate last week at the 2011 Worlds, Miss Leonova, slicked it all back-- her hair that is. She is such a CHAMELEON! I think she's just growing her hair out and can't think of nothing else to do. But even then, this look is a bit "Tanya Harding after a couple of Vodka Tonics" for my taste.


I still have to defer to this hair above. Keep it simple up top Alena. But go Сумасшедший (crazy) with the Costumes!!! PLEASE????

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.