Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Men!

Soccer Balls, Chippendale's Dancers and a Dracula peplum...It's The Men !!!

World Cup...of Skating: Russian Figure Skater Sergei Voronov in a soccer ball-inspired stretch Lycra top and black pants, Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011-2012 Season--Keep reading below to see if he made my "Love It" or "Not So Much" of The Men's at Cup of Russia Figure Skating "Fashion Two cents" Review

Over the weekend, the Rostelecom Cup--or Cup of Russia (of figure skating)--happened at the Megasport Arena in Moscow Russia...

Megasport Arena, Moscow Russia

In my last post, I talked about the costumes I somehow missed during this whole 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season, for The Pairs. Now, I am on to The Men...and the costumes that escaped my well-trained Fashion Designer and Figure Skating Fan "Eye". Shall we get started:

Artur Gachinski of Russia: It seems fitting since it is the Cup of Russia, to begin with a Russian figure skater--and his costume choice. For his Free Skate entitled "The Demon", utilizing music from "Interview With A Vampire", "Bram Stoker's Dracula", as well as "The Red Violin", he wore an all black ensemble featuring beaded applique over the very tight outseam of the pants as well as accents on the top "jacket" section (center front, collar, cuffs).

As he skated (and especially, when doing his turns), I loved how the peplum "flapped" in the wind. I liked this costume: it reflected the music, the theme and still seemed masculine and dark. If I had one critique: I would have liked maybe...some Red! (to signify the blood of the Vampires).

Artur has been dubbed the "new" Evgeni Plushenko (above)! Plushenko was great in mixing a bit of artistry with a lot of the athleticism--and making his "Dorothy Hamill-esque" layered shag move in the wind. And Gachinski does all that. Also, they have the same coach, and many people have commented on the fact that Artur Gachinski is inspired by his movements, and he's pretty much suggested that Plushenko is his Idol. But Plushenko also knew to add some color in his costumes. Take note Artur.

Konstantin Menshov of Russia: Continuing with the Russian boys, it's Konstantin Menshov. Menshov got 8th place (out of eight) at the Rostelecom Cup this weekend and for his Free Skate, he chose to skate to "The Race" by Yellow, Kill Bill's "Battle Without Humanity", and Debussy's "Clair de Lune". His all black jacket and pant look was very Ski Instructor at some FABULOUS--and very exclusive--James Bond-ish Ski Resort in Cortina Italy. It also had the "essence" of Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix". Maybe that should have been his soundtrack. Just sayin...

Andrei Rogozine of Canada: For his Short Program, Moscow, Russia-born (don't ask, it's Figure Skating!) Rogozine skated to "Broken Sorrow" and "Fanfare" by Black Violin. Somehow, I also haven't talked about this young figure skater--and his costumes--in my "Figure Skating Costumes" blogs here. For this skate, he wore a metalized gunmetal-colored above-elbow sleeved shirt featured placket pocket accents and a large Fleur-de-lis applique on the back. I liked the sort of "Western Tex-Mex" aspect of the shirt--even though that had NOTHING to do with the music or program. Also (on a good note), I am usually NOT a fan of the "Wear-a-belt-with-your pants as part of your Grand Prix Costume" but...I liked his big buckled silver one here. However, the overall iridescent look was a bit "Chippendales Las Vegas Goes Line Dancing at a French Club". Go figure.

Sergei Voronov of Russia: For his Free Skate to Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci", Voronov's costume was a bit of a mishmash of a "Sexy Harlequin" Clown/Stripper: his silver-grey and black ensemble has cut-out applique in "Argyle"/diamond shapes, stand-up asymmetrical collar, center front "tears of a clown" in red, and a side-front chest illusion opening that "travels" dangerously near his thigh. There is A LOT here: A) I love that it's "different" but, B) It's very Cirque du Soleil after waaaay too many pre-Dinner Show drinks! It almost made me wish he would have gone this route:


Now, let's finish with Mr. Soccer Ball:

Yes, kids, it's "Mr Pagliacci" Sergei Voronov of Russia and his "Soccer Ball" ensemble. For his Short Program he skated to "The Final Game" by Hans Zimmer. THANK GOODNESS his costume had something to do with the soundtrack to his skate. Well, just a bit--in terms of being a sport-themed look; it's actually from a BASEBALL-themed film "A League of Their Own", which has NOTHING to do with soccer, or a soccer ball for that matter. Why his top is printed like one is yes, beyond me. But...somehow, I still liked it: it was kitschy, "graphic" and definitely caught my "costume eye attention". Soccer or Baseball, it's still kind-of Figure Skating Fashionable...to me!

*Next Up: The Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Ice Dancers and Ladies!!!

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: Trophée Eric Bompard--The Ice Dance Costumes!

Cha Cha Parisienne, and a French Egyptian Pant Change???

50% Cha Cha: Gorshkova and Butikov of Russia --Does her costume cover 50% of her top body?? (Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com)

This weekend was Trophee Eric Bompard, the Grand Prix of France 2011-2012 --I gave my "Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" on The Men in my previous post so now, we're onto one of my favorites: The Ice Dancers! For this 2011-2012 season, the ISU/International Skating Union specified a Latin theme for the Short Dance and therefore all the Ice Dancing Competitors had to do a Short Dance that had some Cha-Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, and maybe some Gloria Estefan here and there.

Trophee Eric Bompard Grand Prix of France

In terms of costumes, beginning this season (maybe because of the HOT HOT HOT Latin music??) the USFA/US Figure Skating Association states in it's "Handbook for Officials" that "the dress of the ladies must not give the effect of excessive nudity" Oh Dear!), and "the majority of the body must be covered". It goes on to state that the "surface" of the body (front, back, sides) must be covered at least 50%. Basically, the costumes have been getting a bit "racy" as of late and well, the officials are trying to "tone 'em down", make them a little less "Rated R" and more "PG" (Awwwww!!! I liked those "Rated R" ones from the good ol "Torino Italy Olympics" days!). Anyhow, we'll get to some of the Ice Dancer's costumes that might be inching very close to that 50% rule later, let's first discuss the Classy ones:

Virtue and Moir of Canada: These two took the Gold (again!) and did it with such class and elegance. I reviewed their costumes HERE when they were at Skate Canada. I wasn't such a fan of their Free Dance ensembles; I just felt they needed a little more "punch". They were fine but not "Wow!". But I did like their Short Dance costumes--hers especially.

In the above two photos, they are wearing their Short Dance "Latin" costumes at this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard. Her electric blue and silver crystal beaded and fringed dress was OUTSTANDING. The jeweled neckline is gorgeous, the color can stop traffic and the movement of the fringe is perfect for the performance. I just wish he didn't look like he just showed up for 2 pm rehearsals in his Deep V American Apparel long sleeve tee, since Tessa looks like she's ready to BRING IT for the "8pm Dinner-and-Drinks Salsa Extravaganza Show at the Riviera"! But, it seems that, especially with Ice Dancing and the Male, that yes, the woman is the "Peacock" while the man, a costume "afterthought".

Huang and Zheng of China: These two don very "LOCO" Costumes for their Latin-inspired Short Dance (bright yellow ones that would make one of my FAB Drag Queen Diva friends BLUSH!), but for their Free Dance to "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla, they wisely decided to well, tone it down (photos above and below).

I think she looks exquisite and very Fiery Hot Latina, but still elegant and chic, in a black full circle skirt, nude mesh, black and red sequined applique ensemble. She's like a Buenos Aires-born Diva, who happens to be of Chinese descent. His striped shirt, suspenders and black pants looks is appropriate for this Tango-influenced number.

Now, let's discuss the Sexy, Hot and "My Eyes Hurt" Costumes:

Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com

Gorshkova and Butikov of Russia: For their "Rhumba and Cha Cha" Short Dance, they seriously look like background dancers from a Barry Manilow "At the Copa, Copacabana" dance number in a Princess Carnival Cruise Ship Show. These green, orange and yellow stretch velvet, mesh, sequins and feathered costumes are OUT of CONTROL: they're like an entire "Miss Universe National Costume Parade of Nations" all rolled up into two costumes! Her costume, by the way, is borderline covering the "50% Rule". And so is his, for that matter.

For their Free Dance, they covered up a little bit, but in terms of the KRAZEE colors, nope, not so much. They actually skated to a "Tango Selection", but by the looks of their costumes, it should have been an ABBA or Elton John Tribute Soundtrack! Purple, bubblegum pink, multi-colored printed bustier top and fringed skirt and asymmetrical "half-jacket"(her).

Meanwhile, Vitali looked like a Casino Blackjack Dealer at Circus Circus Las Vegas . Here's the deal, as a fashion designer, I LOVE seeing color, inspired costumes, SOMETHING! But that something shouldn't be tacky, and yes, be able to enhance the program not necessarily distract from it. And while these costumes fit the "lots of color" and "Inspired" categories, they didn't fulfill the other ones: just too much stuff for a Tango performance. Even for me.

Photo Courtesy of Liz Chastney Ice-Dance.com

Ilinykh and Katsalapov of Russia: I think these two are one of the sexiest couples/ice dancers on the ice. Especially in their Latin-inspired Short Dance. If there were points for "Sexy", they'd get LOTS! They skated to "Samba, Rhumba, Samba" and let's just say, her costume in particular really PUSHED the 50% coverage rule. I think it was more 39% but that's just me (you can't see it in the photo above but her back is completely in nude mesh, in other words: backless). Irregardless, Elena looked HOT HOT HOT! Loved her turquoise one-shoulder jeweled crystal and fringe costume. It was part "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" and part "Dancing With The Stars". She's my new "Figure Skating Fashion Sexy Muse"!

Costume "Change: The French...

Pechalat and Bourzat of France: I have already talked about these two and their "Curse of the Mummy Couture" costumes which they wear for their Free Dance to their "Mummy and Pharaoh" program. While I watched this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard Free Dance Competition, I noticed something in terms of costumes, was a bit "off". Then, I looked back at what they wore less than a month ago at Skate America:

Skate America French Pharaoh and Mummy

YES, I was right!! He changed his top and pants! The "King Tut" mesh and gold hieroglyphics top he wore at Skate America had two styles of sleeves--a short one and a beyond-the-elbow one. But, at this weekend's Trophee Eric Bompard, they were both the same: short. And also there was a minor change in the golden sleeve hem width accent detail (see photos). More importantly, the pants were completely changed. For some unknown reason, the "powers that be" decided that his pants should be washed indigo denim-like blue as opposed to how they were at Skate America. Maybe they felt that they needed some color. Who knows. The team gets feedback from the judges and "other folks" that maybe led to this change. I have to admit that I liked the Skate America grey ones more. Oh well, what do I know!