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ICE STYLE.....Grand Prix de France 2023 COSTUMES: The MEN!

 

Power Men--(L to R) Lukas Britschgi (Switzerland), Adam Siao Him Fa (France), and Yuma Kagiyama (Japan), Grand Prix de France 2023

Continuing with my Costumes Recap of the 2023 Grand Prix de France, in my last post HERE, I talked about some of my faves from the WOMEN, and now it is time to discuss THE MEN:

Adam Siao Him Fa (France) Short Program--Skating to the blues-y The Prophet by Gary Moore, Adam wore this all-black ensemble consisting of skin-tight pants, a diagonal "striped" velvet and faux leather-trimmed shirt, and fingerless gloves. It was a take on the tuxedo, for a much cooler, hipper guy...especially one who doesn't mind a VERY plunging neckline! It was sleek and hot.
Free Skate to Departure (Home) by Max Richter, arranged by Cedric Tour, The Quality of Mercy by Max Richter, arranged by Cedric Tour, Mercy (Voiceless Mix) by Max Richter, Mari Samuelsen, and Refuge by Power-Haus and Ros Stephen--For his INCREDIBLE Free Skate, Adam wore this look above. The music haunting is from the supernatural drama TV series "The Leftovers", the costume...is more psychedelic hippy: The stretch velvet-y pants, and the almost-see-through flower print top...all gave me more 70s than the-world-is-over vibes. But...all that was just an after-thought after seeing his show-stopping--and Gold Medal-winning skate!
Yuma Kagiyama (Japan) Short Program--Yuma skated his Short Program to the thumping sounds of Believer by Imagine Dragons. His costume worked with the music (and his choreography/skate) in that it reiterated the club-like vibe with the black and silver "Disco Ball" embellishment. I also liked the asymmetrical neckline and fingerless glove-sleeves. I don't think I have ever seen Yuma look so cool!
Free Skate to Rain, in Your Black Eyes by Ezio Bosso--Yuma wore this look for his Free Skate. It consisted of black tuxedo pants, a purple crushed velvet shirt, and a choker necklace. The shirt had a draped fabric manipulated texture that I am not sure translated well; it looked a bit heavy and for a lack of finding a better word, weird. I think he should keep to more sleek looks as opposed to adding bulk.
Lukas Britschgi (Switzerland) Short Program--Skating to I'm In the Mood for Love by John Lee Hooker, Superstition by Chris Blue, Stevie Wonder, Lukas started out with a look that seemed like a pretty basic dark navy pair of skating pants and (almost) matching shirt. How boring, one thought...But wait for it, halfway through, as "Superstition" came on, he snapped the shirt open, and voila: A COLOR and PRINT explosion! Lukas isn't boring after all, but quite fun. Thank goodness for the reveal, is all I have to say!
Free Skate to The Rainmaker by Hans Zimmer, Enduring Hope by Daniel Deuschle, Corpus Rex by Safri Duo, Enduring Hope by Daniel Deuschle--Skating to Africa-themed music, Lukas wore this Kente cloth-like wrap tunic, with colorful prints and elbow-length sleeves. Finishing off the costume, he wore black pants and gloves. I liked the look and impact of the Kente prints as he skated.
Lastly... Camden Pulkanen (USA) Short Program--Camden skated to A Different Kind of Love by Son Lux for his Short program wearing this costume above. The look featured black pants and a black top with skin-colored panels. I liked how snug-fitting the entire look was on him, and the modern graphic design of the top.
Free Skate to E lucevan le stelle (from "Tosca") by Giacomo Puccini, Quando m'en vo' solleta (from "La Bohème") by Giacomo Puccini--Normally, skating to opera standards such as these, one would see, a ruffled blouse, a conductors-like outfit, maybe a "Tosca" or "La Boheme"-inspired costume...but Camden went shiny and almost-Disco-like. I venture a guess that his look and in particular, the shirt, were inspired by the Tosca aria "E lucevan le stelle", which translates to "and the stars were shining"...therefore the intergalactic shiny stars/sky-like top. If that is the inspiration, I appreciate the style thought that went into this look. The colors are beautiful and the fit is on point!
**For my take on Ilia Malinin's costumes (he also skated at the Grand Prix de France), go to my recap of the MEN'S COSTUMES: SKATE AMERICA by clicking HERE!

ICE STYLE.....Grand Prix de France 2023: WOMEN'S COSTUMES RECAP

Sequined Women--(L to R) Wakaba Higuchi (Japan), Anastasiia Gubanova (Georgia), Haein Lee (Korea), Nina Pinzarrone (Belgium), Grand Prix de France 2023
The third competition event of the 2023-2024 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating was the Grand Prix de France, which occurred last weekend in Anders, France. I discussed some of the costumes from the first event, Skate America, here on my BLOG (Click HERE , HERE , and HERE for those!) so now I want to talk about some of the WOMEN'S costumes from the Grand Prix de France:
Rion Sumiyoshi (Japan) Short Program--Skating her Short Program to Blood In The Water by KSHMR, Rion wore this very elaborate costume, inspired by music that blends Indian and Middle Eastern influences. Normally I'm not much of a fan of costumes featuring so much applique and embroidery but here, it gave me glimpses of an Elie Saab or Zuhair Murad Couture design. I do feel, however, that maybe she could have done without the sequined "armbands" perhaps, but overall, she played the part of a Scheherazade-like character skating to an exotic tune.
Free Skate to Enchantress by Two Steps From Hell by Thomas J. Bergersen--For her Free Skate, Rion wore this peacock/sea creature-like costume, featuring an aquamarine color palette, and sea-like sequined applique on the body and arms. I liked this look on her and was (at least) happy she didn't go overboard on the accessories (like in her Short Program costume).
Nina Pinzarrone (Belgium) Short Program--Nina wore this very pretty costume for her Short Program to Charms (from "W.E." soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski. The music is from the Madonna-directed movie about Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. The costume featured tie-dye-like colorings and a splash of gorgeous jeweled sequins. It was classic and subdued rich in its design.
Free Skate to Adagio from "Spartacus" by Aram Khachaturian performed by André Rieu, The Via Appia and Dance of the Shepherd and Shepherdess by Aram Khachaturian performed by André Rieu--Nina looked every bit the Roman-Greco Goddess in the golden costume featuring multi-colored jeweled sequins and braided trim. I loved the crisis cross detail and the golden armbands added a perfect accessory finishing touch: Molto bene!
Haein Lee (Korea) Short Program--Skating her Short Program to Seirenes ("Sirens") by Christopher Tin, and Haktan Gelen Serbeti ("The Drink from God") Christopher Tin, Lee looked STUNNING in this costume. The one-shoulder-like silhouette had very expensive-looking crystals, layers of fluttery ruffles, and a fantastic nude sequined sleeve. This costume could have easily been a Paris Haute Couture gown that was altered into a figure skating costume: It's one of the most gorgeous this season!
Free Skate to Les sans-papiers (from "Notre Dame de Paris") by Riccardo Cocciante
Vivre by Hélène Ségara, Riccardo Cocciante, and Danse mon Esmeralda (from "Notre Dame de Paris") by Riccardo Cocciante, performed by Garou--Lee nods to the French musical based on Victor Hugo's novel, Hunchback of Notre Dame, wearing an aubergine-colored costume with Period-like corset details, draping, and off-the-shoulder accents. I also liked this costume for its blend of Period costume with modern gown-style sensibilities...and the gold coin hip belt was fab as well!
Wakaba Higuchi (Japan) Short Program--Skating to Never Tear Us Apart by Bishop Briggs, Andrew Farriss, Michael Hutchence (INXS), Wakaba vibed a little bit of her inner rockstar in this showstopping black with silver sequins costume. I liked the way the crystals were done in the dress and the semi-sheerness of it. What I didn't like was that nude inset panel at the center front. I know that there needs to be something there (or does it?) but it looked heavy and too light for her skin tone.

Free Skate to Fix You and Paradise by Coldplay--Wakaba looked great in this blue costume while skating to Coldplay. I loved the bold color and especially, the sequin work. I especially liked that side detail that looked like a moon...or was it some sort of a star? And I know she also had a nude inset at her neckline in this costume as well but it was smaller and blended better with the costume.
Lastly... Anastasiia Gubanova (Georgia) Short Program--Skating to the French song Mojo by Claire Laffut, Anastasiia gets the SASS AWARD in terms of look and costume at the Grand Prix de France 2023. The minute she stepped on the ice, she got my attention with this skin-tight red bodysuit featuring one sleeve, a mock-neck, and matching red crystals. The costume went PERFECTLY with the sassy-catchy music. 
Free Skate to Caruso by Lucio Dalla, performed by Lara Fabian--For her Free Skate, she chose a costume that was quite different from her Short Program look. She went for a more "classic" figure skating attire, wearing a white sequined outfit with gold embellishments that perfectly embodied the essence of an "Ice Queen". It was a beautiful and delicate choice that perfectly matched the music she skated to.

ICE STYLE.....SKATE AMERICA 2023 COSTUMES: ICE DANCE and PAIRS!

Dance Queens & Kings--Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA), Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck (Spain), Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha (Canada)--Skate America 2023

Pairs Pretty--(L to R) Chelsea Liu and Blazs Nagy (USA), Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud (Canada)--Skate America 2023

To cap off my SKATE AMERICA 2023 Figure Skating Costumes Blog, let's end with the ICE DANCE and PAIRS costumes! In case you missed my previous posts, click HERE for the WOMEN and HERE for the Men...

Now...it's time for the ICE DANCE COSTUMES:

Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA) Rhythm Dance--For their Rhythm Dance to Another One Bites The Dust (from "Bohemian Rhapsody") by Queen, Who Wants To Live Forever (from "Bohemian Rhapsody") by Queen, and I Want It All (from "The Miracle") by Queen, they wore these great costumes above. The designs paid homage to Queen (naturally) and Madison's canary yellow look was all Freddy Mercury and his iconic yellow jacket...
As seen above, her costume featured the same epaulets and belted details as Mercury's, with just a little more sparkle to it (Hello! It's ICE DANCE!). Loved the chic one-shoulder silhouette and exposed sides, reminding me of an haute couture number from Balmain or Alexandre Vauthier. Oh, and yes, I also liked Evan's look as well.
Free Dance to Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of The Moon"--Madison, once again, was the STAR with her costume, wearing the above look that featured curved lines and clock details--a definite wink to Salvador Dali's "The Persistence of Memory" and those iconic melting clocks (above). I thought this was a great fashion and design interpretation of the famous artwork and worked well with the Pink Floyd music. Even though Evan was not the centerpiece of the costume, he still stood out in his sleek black outfit with a bold white stripe running down one side.
Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha (Canada) Rhythm Dance--Would it surprise you that Lajoie and Lagha skated to Michael Jackson? Probably not, from looking at the costumes above. The theme for this season's Rhythm Dance is the 80s and that decade was VERY MUCH on display here. Marjorie and Zachary certainly paid tribute to Jackson and his "Thriller" video with the looks above including her cheetah-printed blue and red ensemble, and his red-and-black jacket look, iconic Michael Jackson. If they are at a loss of what to wear this Halloween, I think they are taken care of!
Free Dance to Roses by Jean-Michel Blais, Roses arranged by Karl Hugo--These were a nice, classical departure from those "Thriller" costumes from their Rhythm Dance. Marjorie wore a strawberry-colored ombre-shaded dress with a long fluttery hem and gorgeous sequin work. Zachary's look featured black pants and an untucked aquamarine shirt with sequined applique. 
Evgenia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud (France) Rhythm Dance--Keeping with the 80's Music Theme, the French (naturally) chose an iconic 80's French song and artist: The GREAT Mylene Farmer and Sans Contrefacon. From the screengrab above of Farmer's music video for the song, we can see the inspiration for the costumes, in particular, Evgenia and the muted green-and-white striped top she wears with matching colored shorts and waist corset. I loved the sequin detail in Geoffrey's green sheer top, in that it featured the crystals done in horizontal "stripes". 
Free Dance to Elegie in E-Flat Minor, Op. 3, No. 1 by Sergei Rachmaninov and Prélude in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 3, No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninov--To a classical Free Dance, they, appropriately went classic with their costumes, which were done in blue tones, watercolor-like dyeing and clean-lines silhouettes.
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons (USA) Rhythm Dance--Skating to 80s Rock Anthems Still Loving You by The Scorpions, Rock You Like a Hurricane by The Scorpions, Green and Parsons certainly embraced the 80s AND Metal Rock theme. As someone who actually lived through this decade, I recognize all the fashion tropes: Cropped top, Lycra python print, her "Olivia Newton-John" pants...the MESH (!), the fingerless gloves, as well as his sleeveless Moto Vest/Jacket. Even though it might be argued that these could be the perfect 80s-themed Halloween Party costumes, they worked for The Scorpions music!
Free Skate to Denmark by Portland Cello Project, Gideon Freudmann, Wind and Snow by Annalisa Tornfelt, Gideon Freudmann, Portland Cello Project--Skating to the strings of the cello in this music, these costumes were lyrical, classic and modern at the same time, and quite pretty. While I liked both, her one-shoulder asymmetrical dress with side cut-outs and sparkling sequins looked especially good!
Nathalie Taschlereova and Filip Taschler (Czech Republic) Rhythm Dance--Skating to The Knowledge by Janet Jackson, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Juicy Fruit by James Mtume, and Serious Slammin' by The Pointer Sisters, Gregg Crockett, Lenan Zales, this Czech brother and sister team wore these black with silver sequined costumes. They certainly went bold with these designs and those big jeweled crystals, looking very "Rhythm Nation Tour", if it was sponsored by Swarovski! 
Free Dance to Bluecobalto by Negramaro, Terra Rosa by Havasi, Son Felice by Giuliano Sangiorgi--These costumes for the Free Dance continued what seems like a trend with the Ice Dance team in wearing something more on the "Classic" costume trend, which makes sense following such a kooky 80's Rhythm Dance theme. These were elegant and nice for the music. I loved both her red look with silver sequins and "open" back/sides, as well as his second-skin-fitting gray/silver top that was solid in front and sheer in the back: Nicely done!
Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck (Spain) Rhythm Dance--Skating to Call Me and Rapture by Blondie, Olivia, especially gave us strong Debbie Harry vibes with her platinum blond hair and skin-tight acid blue jumpsuit; it was 80s hot, sassy, and impacting. Tim's "Rocker" look of black pants and Moto-inspired top was the right costume partner for her.
PAIRS: Annika Hocke and Robert Kunkel (Germany)--Above were the costumes from the German Pairs team for their Short Program (top) and Free Skate (lower). For their Short, they skated to I Love Rock n Roll by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Voulez-Vous by Philip Michael, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters & Stellan Skarsgård in these black costumes featuring silver sequins; they were impacting and had a sparkly rock & roll-ish vibe. For their Free Skate to Without You (Extended) by Ursine Vulpine & Annaca, they wore these fire red and black looks which were great as well; I loved her draped cross body top, sheer inner panel, as well as how the red color was brought in to his top in the form of the sequins.
Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud (Canada) Short Program--Skating to River by Bishop Briggs, Pereira and Michaud looked great in these looks above. I thought hers was spectacular in its bold royal blue color and paneled detail; she looked like an exotic bird from the Amazon rainforest! (her slicked-back chignon was perfectly elegant with this costume by the way!). I also appreciated how the detail of her costume was brought into Trennt's look, in his top, at the shoulder; a wonderful way to really make them look like...A PAIR!
It probably wouldn't surprise you to find out that Pereira and Michaud skated their Free Skate to Gladiator (soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, from seeing the costumes above. I thought both designs were great in that they stuck to the theme/inspiration yet didn't look cheesy and "Halloween" costume-like. I loved her creme-white dress with heavy golden applique; very "Greco-Roman Goddess"...and his "Gladiator" muscle top with gold sequins and applique was hot! Once again, I appreciated bringing in the same applique she had in her costume. 
Chelsea Liu and Balazs Nagy (USA) Short Program--Skating to Dive by Ed Sheeran, American Pairs Liu and Nagy wore these simple yet pretty costumes above. Hers featured a deep magenta color with starry rhinestones. He wore skin-tight black.
Free Skate to A Thousand Times Good Night (from "Romeo and Juliet") by Abel Korzeniowski--I also thought these costumes worn for their Free Skate were quite pretty. Balazs wore an aqua-blue sequined top with black pants and Chelsea's white with light pink costume featured the same sequined detail as seen on his top. Not really sure what these had to do with "Romeo & Juliet" but they were pretty. I almost think these would have worked better for their "Dive" Short Program (the blue/water motif) and the Free Skate looks would have worked better with "Romeo & Juliet" (her look had some semblance of a "Juliet"), but that's just me.

ICE STYLE.....SKATE AMERICAS 2023 COSTUMES: ICE DANCE and PAIRS!

Dance Queens & Kings--Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA), Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck (Spain), Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha (Canada)--Skate America 2023

Pairs Pretty--(L to R) Chelsea Liu and Blazs Nagy (USA), Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud (Canada)--Skate America 2023

To cap off my SKATE AMERICA 2023 Figure Skating Costumes Blog, let's end with the ICE DANCE and PAIRS costumes! In case you missed my previous posts, click HERE for the WOMEN and HERE for the Men...

Now...it's time for the ICE DANCE COSTUMES:

Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA) Rhythm Dance--For their Rhythm Dance to Another One Bites The Dust (from "Bohemian Rhapsody") by Queen, Who Wants To Live Forever (from "Bohemian Rhapsody") by Queen, and I Want It All (from "The Miracle") by Queen, they wore these great costumes above. The designs paid homage to Queen (naturally) and Madison's canary yellow look was all Freddy Mercury and his iconic yellow jacket...
As seen above, her costume featured the same epaulets and belted details as Mercury's, with just a little more sparkle to it (Hello! It's ICE DANCE!). Loved the chic one-shoulder silhouette and exposed sides, reminding me of an haute couture number from Balmain or Alexandre Vauthier. Oh, and yes, I also liked Evan's look as well.
Free Dance to Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of The Moon"--Madison, once again, was the STAR with her costume, wearing the above look that featured curved lines and clock details--a definite wink to Salvador Dali's "The Persistence of Memory" and those iconic melting clocks (above). I thought this was a great fashion and design interpretation of the famous artwork and worked well with the Pink Floyd music. Even though Evan was not the centerpiece of the costume, he still stood out in his sleek black outfit with a bold white stripe running down one side.
Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha (Canada) Rhythm Dance--Would it surprise you that Lajoie and Lagha skated to Michael Jackson? Probably not, from looking at the costumes above. The theme for this season's Rhythm Dance is the 80s and that decade was VERY MUCH on display here. Marjorie and Zachary certainly paid tribute to Jackson and his "Thriller" video with the looks above including her cheetah-printed blue and red ensemble, and his red-and-black jacket look, iconic Michael Jackson. If they are at a loss of what to wear this Halloween, I think they are taken care of!
Free Dance to Roses by Jean-Michel Blais, Roses arranged by Karl Hugo--These were a nice, classical departure from those "Thriller" costumes from their Rhythm Dance. Marjorie wore a strawberry-colored ombre-shaded dress with a long fluttery hem and gorgeous sequin work. Zachary's look featured black pants and an untucked aquamarine shirt with sequined applique. 
Evgenia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud (France) Rhythm Dance--Keeping with the 80's Music Theme, the French (naturally) chose an iconic 80's French song and artist: The GREAT Mylene Farmer and Sans Contrefacon. From the screengrab above of Farmer's music video for the song, we can see the inspiration for the costumes, in particular, Evgenia and the muted green-and-white striped top she wears with matching colored shorts and waist corset. I loved the sequin detail in Geoffrey's green sheer top, in that it featured the crystals done in horizontal "stripes". 
Free Dance to Elegie in E-Flat Minor, Op. 3, No. 1 by Sergei Rachmaninov and Prélude in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 3, No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninov--To a classical Free Dance, they, appropriately went classic with their costumes, which were done in blue tones, watercolor-like dyeing and clean-lines silhouettes.
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons (USA) Rhythm Dance--Skating to 80s Rock Anthems Still Loving You by The Scorpions, Rock You Like a Hurricane by The Scorpions, Green and Parsons certainly embraced the 80s AND Metal Rock theme. As someone who actually lived through this decade, I recognize all the fashion tropes: Cropped top, Lycra python print, her "Olivia Newton-John" pants...the MESH (!), the fingerless gloves, as well as his sleeveless Moto Vest/Jacket. Even though it might be argued that these could be the perfect 80s-themed Halloween Party costumes, they worked for The Scorpions music!
Free Skate to Denmark by Portland Cello Project, Gideon Freudmann, Wind and Snow by Annalisa Tornfelt, Gideon Freudmann, Portland Cello Project--Skating to the strings of the cello in this music, these costumes were lyrical, classic and modern at the same time, and quite pretty. While I liked both, her one-shoulder asymmetrical dress with side cut-outs and sparkling sequins looked especially good!
Nathalie Taschlereova and Filip Taschler (Czech Republic) Rhythm Dance--Skating to The Knowledge by Janet Jackson, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Juicy Fruit by James Mtume, and Serious Slammin' by The Pointer Sisters, Gregg Crockett, Lenan Zales, this Czech brother and sister team wore these black with silver sequined costumes. They certainly went bold with these designs and those big jeweled crystals, looking very "Rhythm Nation Tour", if it was sponsored by Swarovski! 
Free Dance to Bluecobalto by Negramaro, Terra Rosa by Havasi, Son Felice by Giuliano Sangiorgi--These costumes for the Free Dance continued what seems like a trend with the Ice Dance team in wearing something more on the "Classic" costume trend, which makes sense following such a kooky 80's Rhythm Dance theme. These were elegant and nice for the music. I loved both her red look with silver sequins and "open" back/sides, as well as his second-skin-fitting gray/silver top that was solid in front and sheer in the back: Nicely done!
Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck (Spain) Rhythm Dance--Skating to Call Me and Rapture by Blondie, Olivia, especially gave us strong Debbie Harry vibes with her platinum blond hair and skin-tight acid blue jumpsuit; it was 80s hot, sassy, and impacting. Tim's "Rocker" look of black pants and Moto-inspired top was the right costume partner for her.
PAIRS: Annika Hocke and Robert Kunkel (Germany)--Above were the costumes from the German Pairs team for their Short Program (top) and Free Skate (lower). For their Short, they skated to I Love Rock n Roll by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Voulez-Vous by Philip Michael, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters & Stellan Skarsgård in these black costumes featuring silver sequins; they were impacting and had a sparkly rock & roll-ish vibe. For their Free Skate to Without You (Extended) by Ursine Vulpine & Annaca, they wore these fire red and black looks which were great as well; I loved her draped cross body top, sheer inner panel, as well as how the red color was brought in to his top in the form of the sequins.
Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud (Canada) Short Program--Skating to River by Bishop Briggs, Pereira and Michaud looked great in these looks above. I thought hers was spectacular in its bold royal blue color and paneled detail; she looked like an exotic bird from the Amazon rainforest! (her slicked-back chignon was perfectly elegant with this costume by the way!). I also appreciated how the detail of her costume was brought into Trennt's look, in his top, at the shoulder; a wonderful way to really make them look like...A PAIR!
It probably wouldn't surprise you to find out that Pereira and Michaud skated their Free Skate to Gladiator (soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, from seeing the costumes above. I thought both designs were great in that they stuck to the theme/inspiration yet didn't look cheesy and "Halloween" costume-like. I loved her creme-white dress with heavy golden applique; very "Greco-Roman Goddess"...and his "Gladiator" muscle top with gold sequins and applique was hot! Once again, I appreciated bringing in the same applique she had in her costume. 
Chelsea Liu and Balazs Nagy (USA) Short Program--Skating to Dive by Ed Sheeran, American Pairs Liu and Nagy wore these simple yet pretty costumes above. Hers featured a deep magenta color with starry rhinestones. He wore skin-tight black.
Free Skate to A Thousand Times Good Night (from "Romeo and Juliet") by Abel Korzeniowski--I also thought these costumes worn for their Free Skate were quite pretty. Balazs wore an aqua-blue sequined top with black pants and Chelsea's white with light pink costume featured the same sequined detail as seen on his top. Not really sure what these had to do with "Romeo & Juliet" but they were pretty. I almost think these would have worked better for their "Dive" Short Program (the blue/water motif) and the Free Skate looks would have worked better with "Romeo & Juliet" (her look had some semblance of a "Juliet"), but that's just me.

ICE STYLE.....SKATE AMERICA 2023 COSTUMES: The MEN!!

Ice Style Peacocks--(L to R) Shun Sato (Japan) Free Skate, Ilia Malinin (USA) Short Program, Kevin Aymoz (France) Short Program, Ilia Malinin (USA) Free Skate--Skate America 2023

In my last post HERE, I discussed the WOMEN and their costumes, from the first ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event of the 2023-2024 Season, SKATE AMERICA 2023...now it is time to talk about THE MEN!!!

Let's start with the QUAD God...

Ilia Malinin (USA) Short Program--Skating to Malaguena by Roni Benise, a very popular skating music choice (Hello Michelle Kwan!), Ilia wore this striking costume, looking like a dashing Toreador...or someone from the Spanish aristocracy! I loved this for many reasons: The strong red color, the gorgeous sequin applique outlining his front torso like a bullfighters matador bolero, the black front band collar and v-neck, the slim fit, the gloves, the proper pants...IT WAS A COSTUME! And yet, not too flashy, not too flamenco dinner theatre...it was just right! To that, I say Ole!
Free Skate to Succession (soundtrack) by Nicholas Britell--Skating to the "Succession" opening music (OMG!!!), Ilia wore his broken heart as a bold fashion statement! Once again, he made me (costume) proud by donning a look that was A COSTUME but restrained, elegant and yet, still flashy! It took me a minute to realize the broken heart on his chest but once I did, I understood its presence; a nod to all those broken hearts in the TV Show "Succession". I liked the rhinestones trimming the design as well as the high band collar and nude illusion panels and yes, proper costume slim pants! Well done young man!PS: So refreshing to see actual costume/fashion looks from the top American male. Ilia's team understands that it's not just those gravity-defying quads but, in addition, it's the WHOLE PACKAGE--and that includes, the artistry AND some semblance of a costume look (sorry Nathan Chen but seriously!).
Kevin Aymoz (France) Short Program--Skating to Bird Gerhl by Anthony and the Johnsons, Anohni, a song that reaches a dramatic ending when its protagonist finds its wings and takes flight...Kevin wears a white-and-lavender ombre-dyed blouson top with a very wide boat neck, exposing a rhinestone studded tank underneath. The top had openings in the back as well, also exposing only in those openings the sequined tank top. He paired the top with slim black pants. I liked the look and the design element of the studded tank peeking out. The costume was created by French skating and dancewear brand ASTRAEE Couture.

Free Skate to Ravel's Bolero--OMG and Mon Dieu!!! This skate LITERALLY had me take extra high-blood pressure pills! Kevin skated this Free Skate like THE RENT WAS DUE HUNEY! It was EVERYTHING, especially the climax which by the way, you have to see if you haven't yet! But now, the costume: I loved it: It was chic, sleek, sexy, and HOT, like his skate. Loved the extra plunging neckline, the semi-sheer blouson top (he loves a blouson!), and the blood-red-like ombre sleeves that are finished with the red gloves...The look was EXACTLY what I would imagine someone wearing to perform the ever-so-smoldering and powerful Bolero. Merci Kevin!
Shun Sato (Japan) Short Program--Skating his Short Program to Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, Hector-Ulises Passarella, Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, Takashima Chisako, Shun wore this all-black look featuring sequined applique on his sheer stretch chiffon top. The ensemble certainly complimented the tango music and was elegant. Not sure how necessary that small nude illusion panel was in the front, other than it was needed to keep the neckline from collapsing.
Free Skate to Four Seasons (Summer 2) by Antonio Vivaldi, Daniel Hope, Max Richter, Four Seasons (Spring 1)  by Antonio Vivaldi, Daniel Hope, Max Richter, Four Seasons (Winter 1) by Antonio Vivaldi, Daniel Hope, Max Richter--I really liked this look on Shun, in particular, the top which as you can see, is the costume "star". The nude-hued top featured a tie-dye effect with gold sequined trimmed designs across the body and sleeves. It gave the effect of an abstract skeleton of sorts, which was cool and also created a strong silhouette for his oh-so-slender figure. He paired the top with lean black pants. A nice costume effort from Shun Sato of Japan.
Nika Egadze (Georgia) Free Skate--Skating to Nature Boy (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack) performed by David Bowie, and El Tango de Roxanne (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack) performed by Ewan McGregor, Jose Feliciano, Jacek Koman, Nika looked very much the part and appeared to be a blend of Chrisitan and Harold Ziegler. I liked the slim fit, red ombre effect, and nod to the period costume in the top's details, sequined trim, and high band collar. 
Deniss Vasiljevs (Latvia) Short Program--Skating to Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, performed by Thomas Feiner, Deniss wore this all-black ensemble consisting of a top and pants. Featuring what is probably one of the most plunging necklines (look out Kevin Aymoz!) of the season (as far as I have seen), the blousy top also had a mini-strap, holding the neckline in place (as much as it could!). I thought it was airy, and freeing and went with the "Hallelujah" music.
Free Skate to Blues Deluxe by Joe Bonamassa--The PLUNGING continues! Yes kids, for his Free Skate, Deniss doesn't disappoint once again showcasing that chest of his with another plunging neckline top. This time, it was a magenta-colored draped top with interesting gather detail at the waist, and that small chest strap, holding the neckline together. I admit that I kind of like this strap detail, as opposed to those nude illusion panels that look a bit cheesy for my taste, so kudos to his costume team for considering another option. I also appreciated the draping, of course. Another thing I appreciate is that he cut that darn top knot/ponytail off. He looks 100 TIMES better without that "I'm-a-DJ-in-Ibiza-hairdo" he had before.

Andrew Torgashev (USA) Short program (L) and Fee Skate (R)--Andrew wore these two looks for his Short Program and Free Skate, respectively. The Short was to L'enfer by Stromae and the Free was The Void and Madness by Muse. I think both outfits were suitable for Andrew, but if I had to choose, I would pick the red Free Skate one.--I like the snug fit and subtle use of crystals on the Lycra top; he looks polished, and elegant. In a #throwback moment...
If you think you've seen this look on Andrew before, it is because you have, he wore it at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2020 (top photos) as well as other competitions, including the US Figure Skating Championships earlier this year (above photo) in March (for his Short Program). Talk about recycling (or upcycling) costumes!

ICE STYLE.....SKATE AMERICA 2023 COSTUMES: THE WOMEN!

Fashion Ladies--(L to R) Amber Glenn (USA) Short Program, Loena Hendrickx (Belgium) Short program, Amber Glenn (USA) Free Skate, Isabeau Levito (USA) Short program, 2023 Skate America

This past weekend was the 2023 SKATE AMERICA, the first event of the 2023-2024 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition series, held in Allen Texas. Naturally, that means it is time to recap some of the COSTUMES!!! Let's start with the WOMEN:

Amber Glenn (USA) Short Program: Skating to Heads Will Roll by Elephant Music, Yeah Yeah Yeahs Amber wore this fabulous black with silver sequined jumpsuit. The jumpsuit skimmed across her body elongating her already long and lean figure. It featured side and back cut-outs and a plunging neckline assisted by a nude illusion panel. I loved the rhinestone placements throughout the jumpsuit. To me, it was giving a combination of Elvis-meets-Mariachi vibes. Love.
Free Skate to Exogenisis: Symphony Part 3 Redemption by Muse--For her Free Skate, of which she became the 6th American woman to land a triple Axel (!), She wore a lilac and nude-colored costume that was encrusted with sequins at the bodice. I thought it was a beautiful costume that perfectly complemented the music she skated to, creating an emotional and romantic vibe. I appreciated the gathered torso draping and ombre effect, as well as the slashed skirt. All in all, it was a stunning costume that added to her performance.
Isabeau Levito (USA) Short Program--For her Short Program to Yearning by Raul Ferrando. As described by the Argentinian composer, the music itself has a strong Middle Eastern, Sufi, Belly Dancing vibe, which went well with her "snake charmer" bejeweled sequined costume. In fact, her hand was the actual head of the snake, albeit a fabulous sequined couture snake:
Isabeau with Jason Brown at the Japan Open 2023 in October, wearing the same costume.
I loved the golden color and ombre shading and how the snake wraps around her body...but what really costume-impressed me was the jeweled sequined work: OUTSTANDING! This was an HAUTE figure skating costume for sure.
Free Skate to The White Crow (soundtrack) Ilan Eshkeri, Lisa Batiashvili--For her Free Skate, Isabeau donned this black, gray & white costume that was very "Couture Black Swan". I loved the heavy "feather"-like detail in the upper torso and shoulders, along with the rhinestones throughout. At first, I thought that maybe the multi-flounce paneled skirt portion might be too heavy for Isabeau's body frame, but I liked it; it added flourish and movement, and finished off this chic ballerina look.
Loena Hendrickx (Belgium) Short Program--Skating to I'm nin'alu (Mor Avrahami Remix) by Ofra Haza and Living For Love by Madonna (a similar vibe to Isabeau's Short Program Belly Dancing/Middle Eastern-esque music...but with a Madonna twist!), Loena really pumped up the uber-sexy belly dancer motif with this bright red costume. The costume featured dangling sequined fringe and large mirrored paillettes, as well as criss-cross straps and an exposed back. Not only did she look AMAZING but the costume was very impacting and right for the music. What do the kids say? "Fire!" Yeah, she was.
Free Skate to Break My Soul (The Queens Remix) by Beyoncé and Madonna--Skating to Madonna, once again (with Beyoncé, of course!), Loena wore this black and silver sequined costume, continuing this season's costume fabulousness that started with that high-voltage red number. The entire look was sheer except for her sequined covered bust and solid black skirt section. I really liked the plethora of jeweled sequins in the arms as well as on her upper torso. She looked like a principal back-up dancer for Madonna...or Beyoncé...in this look! Congrats Loena for rocking BOTH of your costumes for this new 2023-2024 Grand Prix Season; a FAB start!
Mone Chiba (Japan) Short Program--Skating to Les Yeux Noirs (Dark Eyes) performed by Pomplamoose Music, a tango-inspired tune, Mone wore this costume above. the design had Spanish/Gypsy elements with the sequined lace-like top, the shawl-wrapped skirt, and red rose applique details so I guess this could also be deemed tango-like. It's sassy and hey, if she wants to skate to "Carmen" in the future, she can also re-wear this!
Niina Petrokina (Poland) Short Program--Skating to the smooth and very thumping music of Run by Marvin Brooks, Bri Bryant, 2WEI, Niina wore this black costume featuring silver rhinestones. The look was rocker/punk lite with its chest straps, double-slit skirt, and gloves. In addition, it was very Pat Benatar-meets-Joan Jett 80's.
Hana Yoshida (Japan) Free Skate--Skating to the haunting and sweeping music of Shakuhachi and
La Terre Vue Du Ciel by Armand Amar, Hana wore this costume above. The look had a white/silver gray ombre effect and featured oval appliques and rhinestones throughout. She finished it all off with contrasting black and red gloves. Not particularly sure of the reason behind the black and red gloves or the somewhat "Swan Lake"-adjacent costume design but, at the very least, it caught my attention.
WHICH COSTUME WAS YOUR FAVORITE?

ROYAL COUTURE.....The Royal Fashion of King Charles III Coronation

Queen Style--(L to R) Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Rania of Jordan, Queen Letizia, and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

Let's begin with Queen Camilla: Queen Camilla wore a stunning and very intricate coat and dress from British fashion designer Bruce Oldfield. The white gown and coat featured gold embroidered details with flower motifs such as forget-me-nots. The dress is made of peau de soie silk. The fabric was created by Suffolk fabrics manufacturer Stephen Walters, especially for the occasion.
The design seems to be paying homage to the Norman Hartnell coronation gown worn by...  Queen Elizabeth...in its color and gold and silver embroidery, as well as flower motifs.
Bruce Oldfield has been a go-to designer for Camilla and was also one of Princess Diana's favorites, He has said that "I gave Diana her glamour, and Camilla her confidence".
Now...Kate Princess of Wales: Kate wore an ivory silk crepe with silver bullion gown from Alexander McQueen. The dress also featured embroidery of the floral emblems of Great Britain including rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock. One barely got glimpses of the entire gown since for most of the time, she wore the satin cape over it. Her beautiful floral headpiece was a collaboration between milliner Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen featuring silver bullion, crystal, and silver threadwork leaf embroidery.
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte--Princess Charlotte wore an ivory caped dress from Alexander McQueen, with embroidery detail matching her mother Kate's dress.  
Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh with Lady Louise Windsor--Sophie wore an ivory dress from Suzannah London that featured meadow floral work inspired by ceramic artist Rachel Dein, and a pleated "cape" back. Her daughter, Louise's silk floral dress was also from Suzannah London.
Princess Beatrice--Beatrice wore a raspberry-colored dress from Beulah London. The dress featured puffy sleeves, a belted waist, and flared skirt.

Zara Tindall, Daughter of Princess Anne--wore a simple and elegant blue coat dress from Laura Green.
Pippa Middleton, sister to Kate, Princess of Wales--Pippa wore a lemon yellow coat dress from British fashion designer Claire Mischevani. 

The Royal Guests: King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain--Queen Letizia wore a bubblegum pink Carolina Herrera suit featuring a fitted jacket with pleated peplum, a fitted midi skirt, and matching purse, gloves, and slingback heels.
King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands--Queen Maxima is wearing an ivory dress from Jan Taminiau, a favorite Dutch designer of hers. The dress had web-like applique at the neckline and shoulders, long sleeves, and flared skirt, finished with a rope-like belt.
King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan--Queen Rania is wearing Tamara Ralph Couture lemon yellow dress featuring an off-the-shoulder "bow"-like detail, body-con shape, and midi length.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium--Queen Mathilde wore a Princess seamed pink dress with an attached cape. She accessorized it with a Philip Treacy hat, pink gloves, clutch, and pumps.
Crown Princess Victoria and King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden--Crown Princess Victoria wore this royal blue sheath dress, featuring a belted waist, 3/4 sleeves, and that very popular midi length.
Crown Prince Frederick and Princess Mary of Denmark--Princess Mary is wearing a deep royal purple wool crepe georgette coat dress from Danish designer Soeren Le Schmidt. Originally this dress was designed for another event that did not happen due to COVID-19, but now, she got to wear it.
Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit of Sweden--Princess Mette-Marit is wearing a light pink dress from Norway-born LA-based designer Peter Dundas. The elegant dress featured a fitted silhouette, bow detail at the shoulder, belted waist, and yes, that midi length. 
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco--Princess Charlene wore a nude-colored suit featuring a double-breasted jacket and matching skirt, and a dramatic draped side shawl.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg--The Grand Duchess wore a navy pantsuit ensemble featuring a sleeveless jacket with draped detail and tuxedo pants. 
Queen Anne-Marie, Crown Prince Pavlos, and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece--Marie-Chantal is wearing a classic pale blue dress from Greek Designer Mary Katrantzou. The classic style dress had a draped bow shoulder detail, belted waist, and midi length, of course.
Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamal Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhain Al-Thani--The Sheikha is looking elegant and regal in this traditional robe over a silver embroidered gown.
King Jigme and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan--Wearing traditional Bhutan ensembles, the King and Queen of Bhutan always look fabulous, representing their country and the traditional textiles of their nation.
Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan--While the Crown Prince is in a formal tuxedo, Princess Kiko is wearing a beautiful Japanese kimono with Geta-style shoes.
U.S. First Lady Jill Biden and Granddaughter Finnegan--Finnegan Biden is wearing a pale yellow caped dress from NY-based brand Markarian by Alexandra O'Neill, and First Lady Jill Biden wearing a chic fitted blue Ralph Lauren suit. Commentators pointed out that their colors matched that of the Ukranian flag.
Diva Fashion Mention: ...goes to South African soprano Pretty Yende. Yende wore a custom canary yellow gown from Paris Haute Couture designer Stephane Rolland. The gown featured 8 meters of silk crepe, 5 meters of gazar, and organza and it took 180 hours to create by 3 seamstresses, in only ten days.
The "Stole The Show" Mention: ...goes to Penny Mordaunt. While her "day Job" is Leader of the House of Commons, she was the first woman to ever present the Jeweled Sword of Offering to a British Monarch. Her teal caped dress was designed by Safiyaa and featured a fern motif embroidery of the Privy Council done by Atelier Hand & Lock. Her headdress was by Jane Taylor London. While watching the coronation, she was so much part of it, as she stood there...for HOURS...holding that sword...while looking STYLISHLY PERFECT! Brava!
Happy Coronation Day!

ICE STYLE.....2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES: ICE DANCE

  ICE DANCE STYLE--Madison Chock and Evan Bates--2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships SAP Center San Jose
For my final ICE STYLE Installment of the 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships Costumes, It is time to discuss the always fun ICE DANCE costumes! And in case you missed the WOMEN'S RECAP, click HERE --For the MEN, click HERE , and for the PAIRS, click HERE ! Now...time for ICE DANCE!

Madison Chock and Evan Bates Rhythm Dance to Let's Dance by David Bowie--Time to Samba! That's the fabulous inspiration for the Rhythm Dance and especially for Madison's fringe-a-licious costume! Designed and created by "Feeling" by Mathieu Caron , her colorful, sexy costume is a sequined delight featuring a rainbow of colors, fishtail hem, crystal fringe, and a see-thru barely-there fit that would make Cher blush (maybe!). It was everything a costume for a Samba rendition of "Let's Dance" should be! Oh, I almost forgot to say: Evan was fine in his super-fitted blue outfit with a plunging neckline shirt. But seriously: Madison WOW!

Free Dance to Souffrance by Orange Blossom, Les Tectoniques by Jorane--For their Free Dance, Chock and Bates wore these looks above, also from Feeling by Mathieu Caron. Once again, Madison is the Costumed Star, here in this psychedelic printed fishtail hemmed dress (she loves a fishtail!) done in yellow, brown, red, purple, and black. The stretch chiffon number fit Madison's body perfectly and made her look like a high-fashion phoenix rising from the Ice Dance ashes! Poor Evan remains in the costume background but at least, I appreciated how hints of her "swirly" print were put on his top in blue.
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons Free Dance to Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin--For such a sweeping very iconic American song, Green and Parsons wore these "old time-y"-looking costumes. They were nice though--I loved Caroline's vibrant bubblegum pink sequined number, which was pretty, and with her hair, she looked like a 1920s Silent Movie Star. Michael was her leading man wearing a white dress shirt, suspenders, and supertight plaid pants. PS: I LOVED how super tight those pants were. Just saying. Thank you, Michael ;)
Rhythm Dance to Vocalizado by Alessandro Oliviato, Historia De Un Amor by Cesaria, and Boutique by Watazu--For their Samba Rhythm Dance, Michael was sharp and sexy in an all-black design which featured a top with "striped" detail and plunging neckline with a nude panel (He could do without the panel but I am sure it is needed so the look stays "plunging"). I really liked Caroline's purple dress which had a one-shoulder-like silhouette, draped front, front fluttery panel, nude insets, and gold sequined accents. It was Bollywood-esque in its design and details--but without the sari!

Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko Rhythm Dance to Kind Of Latin Rhythm by The Juju Orchestra, (Where do I begin) Love Story by Shirley Bassey - Something Else (remastered), Samba by Gloria Estefan - BRAZIL305--While Anthony wore a black shirt and black pants (yawn), Christina was the Costume Star here in a shimmery golden dress with an asymmetrical fishtail hem, silver sequins and lots of skin showing. From afar, it had hints of one of those sexy Versace chainmail dresses: I likey!
Free Dance to Rainy Streets (Backbone soundtrack) by Danshin & Arooj, Public Disquiet (Backbone soundtrack) by Danshin & Arooj, Summertime (from Porgy and Bess) by George Gershwin, perf. by Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald, Summertime by 101 Strings Orchestra--I loved these all-black costumes worn by Carreira and Ponomarenko. It's very difficult to do all black with fashion and costumes because all the details get lost. The way to do it well is to use various shades and especially use different textures. I really liked her costume with the one-shoulder draping and see-through-like corset with sequined "boning/seaming" detail. She looked like a movie star from the "Old Hollywood" golden years in this design by "Feeling" by Mathieu Caron. Once again, Anthony's look seemed like an afterthought but at least this time, he was given some delicate studded details in his collar and cuffs.
Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik Rhythm Dance to Conga by Meek Mil, Tan Sola by Sole Gimenez, Conga by Gloria Estefan--Zingas and Kolesnik looked like professional ballroom dancers at a top international dance competition wearing these fabulous costumes. Both looks were in black and super sexy,  with both Emilea and Vadym revealing lots of skin (that PLUNGING neckline Vadym!). I especially loved the GORGEOUS jeweled sequins placed beautifully throughout their costumes. The costumes looked luxe and expensive. Also, of note, Vadym hails from Ukraine and they wanted to incorporate the colors of the country he was born, so you will notice that the stones on her neckline have a beautiful gold and blue hue to them. Well done!
Free Dance to Selections of Music by Philip Glass--For their Free Dance, they donned the red and black designs seen above. Vadym wore a black look with a red colored panel that matched Emilea's dress. Her dress featured a one-shoulder design with a nude illusion front "peek-a-boo" panel and sparkling crystals framing it. Overall, these were lovely.
Lorraine McNamara and Anton Spiridonov Rhythm Dance to Careless Whisper by George Michael, arranged by Hugo Chouinard--First of all, they had me at Careless Whisper and George Michael, let's just start there! But since this is a Costumes Blog, I'll also add that I loved these costumes as well! Lorraine was all razzle-dazzle in this silver design that Liza Minelli would have worn in a hot minute back in the day. It was sizzling and sexy. The metallic fringe at the bust and hips was EVERYTHING. Anton looked like an '80s pop heartthrob with a sleeveless supertight shirt and tighter pants. I was sweating and heavy breathing just watching them!
Free Dance to Rain, In Your Black Eyes by Ezio Bosso--For their Free Dance, they both wore the matching red looks seen above. The designs--from "Feeling" by Mathieu Caron--were contemporary and fresh, making them look modern and of the moment. 
Lastly...Time for Riverdance!
Eva Pate and Logan Bye Free Dance to Reel Around the Sun by Bill Whelan--I could not write an Ice Dance Costumes Recap blog on the 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships without talking about these two cuties here--Eva Pate and Logan Bye--and their "Riverdance" costumes. There are varying shades of green (of course!), stretch velvet (of course!), and some scrolly-looking sequins (of course!)...it's a bit Halloween Costume Shop but...I am here for it! Sometimes, that's actually OK! LOVE THEM!

ICE STYLE.....2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES: PAIRS

Pairs Couture--Pairs Skaters (L to R) Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier, and Maria Mokhova and Ivan Mokhov--2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships SAP Canter San Jose
In my last posts, I RECAPED the WOMEN'S Costumes HERE and the MEN'S Costumes HERE...so up next are the PAIRS--Let's Go!

Golden--The Gold Medal Pairs Winners Alexa Knierimm and Brandon Frazier--2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships SAP Center San Jose
Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier Free Skate to Sign of The Times by Harry Styles, Healed Broken Wings by Karl Hugo--Knierim and Frazier wore these costumes for their Free Skate. Alexa's involved a bronze-colored design with sequined applique details, a nude illusion upper torso, and a side-draped mini "wrap skirt". But to me, Brandon was the star here. Although his look was simple--a skin-tight top and black pants--it was impressive (he made Alexa look OVER DRESSED!). I loved the ombre coloring and shading, the beautiful and expensive-looking crystal details, especially around the neckline, but mainly, it FIT HIM LIKE A GOD! 

Short Program to Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey & Steve Perry--This is how you do PAIRS COSTUMES!!! Bravo!!! I am always taken aback when I see costumes that A) Match B) Look like they belong together...and C)Work seamlessly but...hey nowadays I have a low bar I guess! I absolutely loved these costumes from Knierim and Frazier for their Short Program for all the reasons I stated above...plus I really liked the silver, black and red colors, their matching sequin applique, and overall designs. It made them look like the World Champions that they are. Bravo...again!
Ellie Kam and Daniel O'Shea Short Program to The Prayer by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church--For their Short program, Kam and O'Shea wore these costumes which featured matching colors in beige and purple, along with similar crystal details and scooped-out necklines. I especially liked the purple bands around her waist and her matching purple nail colors (can't see it in the photo but trust me!). The costumes were "romantic" and went great with the music.
Free Skate to Selections from Nocturnal Animals Soundtrack--These costumes worn by Kam and O'Shea for their Free Skate were OUTSTANDING! They were delicate, pretty, and expensive looking--worthy of a top Senior Pairs team. I especially loved the jeweled sequins splashed across her costume that then were "blended" onto his top. I also appreciated that her silver-gray colored costume has "highlights" of darker gray/black which then made the background for his costume; a nice job of matching but in a more high-end manner.
Maria Mokhova and Ivan Mokhov Short Program to Malaguena by Roni Benise--Brother and sister Pairs team Mokhova and Mokhov wore these costumes to their 'Malaguena' Short Program. It was obvious even before the music started that these were Spanish-themed looks; his sharp and elegant bolero, bullfighter red cummerbund, as well as her small red Sevillana details. They were costumed in an "old school" Russian Ballet sort of way, and I appreciated it.
Free Skate to Overture - Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II--For their Free Skate, Mokhova and Mokhov did it again, in terms of keeping it "old school" with these very costumed looks. From the moment they stepped on the ice, I was having (good) flashbacks of Olympics competitions of the past, when figure skaters would be costumed as if they were doing a performance at the Bolshoi. I liked how formal, fancy, and well-dressed they were--especially Ivan with his tuxedo. For her costume, it was sweet but I would have done without the faux necklace (and have a better nude-colored illusion).
Sonia Baram and Daniel Tioumentsev Free Skate to Pilgrims on a Long Journey, Primavera--These costumes were successful in being pretty, stage-effective, and in their matching details. I liked the light blue/white ombre-shaded colors but more importantly, I loved the scroll-like red crystal applique that looked like roots (or veins) crawling through their bodies.
Nica Digerness and Mark Sadusky Short Program--Making their Seniors Debut at the 2023 U.S. Nationals, Digerness and Sadusky wore these costumes for their Short Program. I liked the matching blue colors as well as the coordinating crystal details. I especially liked her sleek bodysuit and contrasting baby blue/indigo color blocking. The open-back detail was fabulous as well.
Free Skate to Selections from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky--From the costumes, it is obvious Nica is the White Swan with her ivory costume with delicate crystal details mimicking feathers on her torso. Mark is VERY Prince Siegfried in his black costume featuring gold piping and embroidery around the neckline and wrists. I think this was a nice and sweet attempt at these iconic costumes, especially for their debut. I would have liked them a bit more Haute Couture Swan Lake but that's just me.
Katie McBeath and Nathan Bartholomay Short Program to Your Heart Is As Black As Night by Beth Hart, Joe Banamassa--For their Short Program McBeath and Bartholomay wore these all-black looks, to go along with the name of their music. They were sleek and modern and not really "costumes" in the traditional sense. I was bored by Nathan (it's just a black top and pants!) but I liked Katie's sexy strappy back bodysuit. At the very least, THANK GOD there was some detail in the back!
Emily Chan and Spencer Howe Free Skate to Selections from Ghost Soundtrack--While I really like this Pairs team, I was rather unimpressed by their choice of costumes for their Free Skate. They looked a bit "Junior" for my taste. Not sure if it was the muted colors or almost too old-school '70s figure skater styles...but I wished for something different...more elevated! Emily's costume made her look childlike and Spencer--who has an incredible body and frame--was swallowed up by that too-large shirt; it should have been nice-and-tight!

ICE STYLE.....2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES: The MEN!

  The Men of the U.S. Nationals--(L to R) Jason Brown, Ilia Malinin, Yaroslav Paniot, and Jason Brown, 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, SAP Center San Jose

In my previous "Ice Style" BLOG HERE, I talked about some of the women's costumes from the 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, so naturally, now it is time to discuss the MEN...

Ilia Malinin Free Skate to Euphoria (soundtrack) by Labrinth--"Quad God" Ilia wore this costume for his Free Skate. The look included a royal blue-purple-and-red airbrush-dyed top featuring geometric panels accented with black trim, and the requisite black skating pants. Listen, I am just happy he's actually wearing something that resembles a costume (unlike Nathan Chen!) so I am OK with this, even though it is a bit "Tron"-like. It is eye-catching, fun, and bold.
Short Program to I Put A Spell On You by Garou--For his Short Program, Ilia wore this black and white look which involved a black-and-white shirt and probably the same black pants he wore for his Free Skate (economical I guess!). The shirt had French Cuffs and tiny crystal sequins on it which sparkled ever so lightly. The whole look--along with the gloves--did give it a "Lounge Singer at a Jazz Bar" vibe.
Jason Brown Short Program to Melancholy by Alexey Kosenko--I absolutely LOVED this costume worn by Jason Brown for his beautiful Short Program. Let's just discuss this top, since it's really ALL about THE TOP: it's GORGEOUS! I love the gray-to-black ombre shading, the skin-tight fit, and especially those dazzling sequins. Beauty, style...and bedazzling perfection.
Free Skate to Music from Schindler's List by John Williams--Jason wins a Double-Double Prize for two fabulous costumes (or at the very least FAB SHIRTS!) with this look worn for his Free Skate to Schindler's List. The deep royal blue color is outstanding and so is the sequined applique across his torso; the black watercolor-like wash along with the perfectly placed crystals made for a nice detail that paired beautifully with his sleek black pants.
Dinh Tran Free Skate to The Matrix--This was one of my favorite MEN'S costumes of the Championships. The black costume was designed by The Well Dressed Skater , and featured gorgeous crystal details highlighting the top. The emerald and silver sequins were done in a way to mimic the matrix codes from the iconic film. The effect was subtle yet stunning even from afar. Well done!
Matthew Nielsen Free Skate to Rich Beyond Belief and One Condition by Guy Farley--I really loved Matthew's costume here, mainly of course for the top. The design featured a beautifully gathered neckline, filled in with a gorgeous "spray" of crystal sequins, which then blended into a tie-dye blue wash around his midsection. It was this gorgeous and impressive top that made him stand out in the costume arena.
Joonsoo Kim Free Skate to Fire on Fire by Sam Smith, Ghost Town by Benson Boone--UCLA grad Joonsoo Kim wore this red and black look for his Free Skate. What I really appreciated about this particular costume was the beautiful cowl draping which highlighted the neckline adding a soft yet chic detail to his costume. Sometimes adding such draping can add bulk to the style but here it was done perfectly so as to not take away from his small frame. I also liked the subtle airbrushing effect and delicate crystals.
Maxim Naumov Free Skate to Iron by Woodkid, Shadows by Woodkid, Loyal by ODESZA--Maxim wore this look for his Free Skate, consisting of black pants (of course!) and a stretch velvet sequined top. The top featured a geometric design with subtle colored inset pieces that were topped off with crystals...I just wished it wasn't so subtle and instead, stronger to create more costume impact.
Mitchell Friess Short Program--Mitchell wore this gray and white (with black pants) costume for his Short Program. I liked the look, especially the top, for its side-wrap draping, airbrush coloring, and fluttering wrist detail. The white under-top had some crystals at the neckline which I felt was unnecessary.
Jimmy Ma Free Skate to Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy, Volcano by Woodkid--For Jimmy Ma's Free Skate, he wore this deep lilac-colored top and black pants. The top had subtle ombre shading with diagonally placed crystals and an asymmetrical hemline that elongated his torso. 
Short Program to Warriors by 2WEI, Edda Hayes--Of the two looks Jimmy wore, this one above for the Short Program was my favorite. I really liked how the black and white top coordinated with his black pants and therefore looked like a complete outfit (as opposed to what most of the male skaters do--pairing the black pants with "any color" shirt...as if that's supposed to work!). The top had this airbrush effect and sequins were placed to look like beautiful feathers across his body. If he ever skated to Black Swan, this look could TOTALLY work as well!

*FAB COSTUME ALERT!!!* Yaroslav Paniot Free Skate to Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley, Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, and Hound Dog by Elvis Presley--I cannot get enough of Yaroslav and his Elvis costume!! It is campy, over-the-top, and FABULOUS...and I am LIVING for it! It has all the elements of a great figure skating costume: Bold color, bold style, and exaggerated details...SEQUINS!...and more importantly, all of this can be seen from the "nosebleed seats". The costume gets a 10 out of 10 from me!
Finally...Did he forget to pack his costume??
Samuel Mindra Free Skate to Where Do I Begin by Andy Williams--When Samuel went out on the ice along with the other Senior Men for their pre-skate Warm Up (I was there!), I wondered out loud "I hope he's going back to actually change into A COSTUME!" Alas, he did not: THIS WAS HIS COSTUME! He wore a blue shirt and black pants. That's it. The shirt had nothing...no ombre, no airbrush... no sequins...just a little collar, of the same color. It was like something he bought at Target. Nothing against Target but...I guess this is just a long way of saying "GIVE ME MORE SAMUEL!!!" Well, at least he wore gloves. That's a start.
*NEXT UP: The PAIRS Costume RECAP!