0 Figure Skating Fashion Minute: ISU 2012 World Championships Nice France--The Ladies Finals Costume Review!

Costume Changes, Colorful Bedazzling...and THAT Kostner Cameltoe!!!

OOHH GURL, I Wish I Didn't Get First Runner Up: Russia's Alena Leonova on the left (Silver Medalist) looks on with a bit of "shade" as Italy's Carolina Kostner rejoices in her Gold Medal-winning title as the Ladies 2012 World Champion of Figure Skating in Nice France

Figure Skating Costume Fans: let's continue with my "Nick V. Costume Two Cents" on the ISU 2012 World Championships of Figure Skating which are happening (well--just ended) in the gorgeous resort French city of Nice. I finally got back from my little trip to Miami where I hosted a fun "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event in one of their stores and upon returning I rushed to the computer to watch the Ladies Final Competition so here goes my "Costume Recap-a-Looza":

Akiko Suzuki Japan: Bronze medalist Akiko Suzuki skated very well--obviously enough to get Third Place--and wore this GORGEOUS bright blue costume for her Free Skate performance to Johann Strauss II's iconic "Die Fledermaus". I have to say that this is one of the BEST Figure Skating Ladies Costumes of the season: so classy, elegant, well done and expensive-looking. The silver be-jeweled neckline is impeccable and the way that it extends to the back like a major statement-making necklace is just FABULOUS!!! Kudos to the designer/creator of this costume. This costume was a CHANGE from what she wore in a few of her previous competitions during the season:

Pretty In Pink: Here is Akiko Suzuki--same Free Skate Program with the same music--at the 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals in Quebec City Canada back in early December of last year. It was an ombre' /degrade' pink "strapless" number with silver sequins throughout.

Swirly Blue: And even earlier in the Season during the NHK Trophy in November of last year, Akiko wore the above baby blue and crystal accented costume above. I liked the asymmetrical sleeve design and the ribbon detail, but I have to say, the one she wore to the Nice World Championships (top of post) is the BEST of the three. For sure!!!

Kanako Murakami Japan: Murakami is another skater who changed her costume during the season and leading up to this World Championships. For her Free Skate to Mendelssohn's "Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64" in Nice France, she wore this deep blue (popular color!) costume featuring a wrap top detail with jet beading in silver and royal blue. She also had changed her Free Skate Costume...

Sequined Bow: Here is the costume she wore at the 2012 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Colorado Springs Colorado back in February of this year. I really loved this light blue-to-creme sequined costume. It was feminine, pretty, and I always respect quality beading and this is an example of that! Murakami's people don't do cheap beading kids! Between this one and the deep/royal blue costume, I'd have to pick the one above. What do you guys think?

Mao Asada Japan: Continuing with the Japanese Figure Skating Costume Change DIVAS...Mao Asada wore this lilac draped and sequined costume for the Nice 2012 World Championships and her Free Dance to Frank Liszt's "Liebesträume". At first glance, it had the essence of an Elie Saab Haute Couture Collection--the color, torso twisted-knot draping, but...

In closer inspection--it looks a bit "Happy Hands At Home" in terms of the twisted draping and sequins. The cluttered paillette fabric looked stretch-sequin cheap and the bust draping was amateur at best with how they catch-stitched (sorry, too many sewing terms!) the knotting. She also wore this costume to the 2012 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships but...

This, above, is what Asada wore to the Japanese Nationals and for most of the season in her Free Skate. I have to say: I love this one above more than her draped-sequined-and-knotted version. The color is the same but the "flower" beading is prettier and so is the silhouette.

Alena Leonova Russia: Russia's "Pirates of the Caribbean" Queen wore this black costume for her 2011-2012 Season Free Skate to "Adagio for Strings" and "Requiem for a Tower". Unlike the Japanese ladies, she has not changed her costume throughout the season but for the World Championships, she changed her hair style. In Nice France, she let her hair down a bit--which looked great and I LOVED her UBER smoky eye make-up...

Banged Alena: But previously, Alena had bangs and an up-do and toned down her eye make-up. Which one do YOU guys like best? Bangs or No Bangs? Smoky Eye or Not-so Smoky??

Ksenia Makarova Russia: Skating to her "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend" and "I Want To Be Loved By You" Free Skate, Russia's Ksenia Makarova wore this white costume above. I was well, underwhelmed, to say the least...I just don't understand why she changed to this when she looked soooo Marylin Monroe-meets-Madonna "Material Girl" in what she had worn in previous competitions:

Material Girl: This bubblegum pink number reflected much more the iconic imagery created by "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" Costume Designer William Travilla. She wore this to the European Championships and I just have to wonder: why oh why she changed? I love me the pink...not the white! Just my Two Cents...

Carolina Kostner Italy: Now, let's get to the FABULOUS Carolina Kostner and her Gold Medal Winning performance at the 2012 World Championships of Figure Skating. Her skate: FABULOUS!

Her costume: Oh Dear! I've discussed this ombre sequined gray-silver number HERE and well, I had issues then, and yes, I have issues NOW! I give Kostner MAJAH points for winning the World Championships--Campione del Mondo!!! ---after such a long career, she stuck it out and now, she has the fruits of all her labor...

But that jumpsuit. It's TRAGIQUE. The idea is good (I love me a Sequined Disco Ball Jumpsuit!) however...it is sooo poorly executed. The fit is too loose and wonky. If you look at the video below, look closely at her top section, there are some unintended darts and folding in the neckline which I guess are alterations on a stretched-out neckline. Fix That! Make a new sample. I'm sure Miss Kostner has the money to do so! And yes, there is THAT Cameltoe. Seriously!!! Put a CENTER FRONT crotch seam and FIX that as well while they're at it!

On a good note: I do love that asymmetrical back and the straps; it's very interesting and that section fits well, unlike the rest of the costume. I just don't understand how you can make a costume for someone with one of the most PREFECT bodies in the world...and make her look unflattering. But oh well, Miss Carolina won the GOLD and Good for her!!! Congratulazioni!

Carolina Kostner's Free Skate at Nice 2012 World Championships--Hear the RAI Italia commentator's excited elation at her FAB performance:

0 Figure Skating Costume Minute: Carolina Kostner's Jumpsuits, Designer, Fashion Illustrations!

Jumpsuit Diva:

Original Sketch for Carolina Kostner's Grand Prix 2011-2012 Free Skate Costume, designed by Carolina Kostner for T-SHIRT T-SHOPS®

My Dear NICKVERREOS.COM readers--and Figure Skating Fans (yes, I am talking to you!)-- As you know, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final for this 2011-2012 season just took place in Canada and therefore, naturally, I began writing my "Nick Two Cents" reviews on the costumes worn--including some old and yes, some new ones!! (Yeayyy!) Now, speaking of my readers: I LOVE them. For many reasons including the fact that they always update me with the BEST information and, of course, I MUST pass it along to everybody.

One-Shoulder Disco: Italy's Carolina Kostner, Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Quebec City Quebec Canada

As you'll see in the comment section of my previous post on the Ladies' Costumes for the Grand Prix Finals, a very kind reader informed me that it was Miss Carolina Kostner who designed her very own costumes this year. No Roberto Cavalli (that's old news, kids!) or Frida Giannini of Gucci or Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana of Dolce & Gabbana (now THAT I wanna see!). In a design partnership with Italian brand T-SHIRT T-SHOPS®, Carolina Kostner designed her gray and silver degrade jumpsuit using SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Crystal Leg Lift: Italy's Carolina Kostner, during her Gold Medal-winning Free Skate, Grand Prix Final 20122-2012 Quebec City Quebec Canada

Known for fab shirts that use the Swarovski Crystals for embellishment and detail,
T-SHIRT T-SHOPS® began in the Italian town of Assisi but today over 500 high-end boutiques around the world sell the brand, including Rome, Saint Tropez, St. Moritz, Vienna, Berlin, Monaco, Dubai, Moscow, St. Petersburg.

Back View: Sketch of Carolina Kostner's Grand Prix Free Skate Costume, designed by Kostner

Here's a quote from the company's "press release": "T-SHIRT T-SHOPS, an Umbrian clothing brand committed to quality and attention to detail, makes available “Made In Italy” handcrafted passion and skill, and together with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, transforms Carolina’s ideas into sparkling competition costumes that make the young skater a shining ambassador of Italy all over the world". "...the basic costume for the long program skated to Concerto No. 27 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, outlines the luminous silhouette of a dancer and evokes a starry sky through more than one million of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.


ONE MILLION Swarovski crystals!!?? ¡Mamma mia! As my reader also informed me, this is not the first time Carolina has worn a jumpsuit and I have to agree that the one worn in 2008 is more to my liking. But...I still think this 2011-2012 Grand Prix one is Over-the-Top Disco Favoloso!!!

Check out the video below of Carolina Kostner in 2008 with her "first" jumpsuit:

0 Figure Skating Fashion Minute: ISU Grand Prix Final--The Ladies!!

Outfit Changes aren't just for Miss Universe Contestants, Drag Queens or for Fabulous Brides at their Weddings...Add: Ladies Figure Skaters to the mix!

First: It's 1988 All Over Again...

2011: Eat Your Disco Heart Out Donna Summer--Italy's Carolina Kostner in her brand new (and surprising) Free Skate costume, Grand Prix Final 2011 Quebec City Quebec Canada vs. ...

1988: Debi Thomas at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics---Jumpsuits are BACK!! I think...Read on kids...

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2011-2012 was held over the weekend at the Pavillon de la Jeunesse in gorgeous (I've never been but it looks that way in photos!) and historic Quebec City, Quebec Canada.

For months now, the top figure skaters, pairs and ice dancers in the world competed in the Grand Prix 2011-2012 events including Skate America, Skate Canada, Cup of China, NHK Trophy (Japan), Trophee Eric Bompard (France) and Cup of Russia. The six highest ranking skaters/teams qualified for spots at this Grand Prix Final (it's like "Miss Universe", in beauty pageant terms).

Top Three: (Left to right) Silver Medalist Akiko Suzuki of Japan, Gold Medal Winner Carolina Kostner and Russia's Alena Leonova with her Bronze Medal, Grand Prix Final 2011-2012 Quebec City Quebec Canada

Speaking of Miss Universe and beauty pageants, here's another similarity: sometimes for the Live Telecast Final, a "Miss Venezuela" or "Miss USA" changes her Evening gown (as opposed to the same one she wore for the "Preliminaries" ) therefore "busting out" a new gown, surprising everyone (including fellow competing contestants and of course, pageant fanatics). Well, it seems that some of the top Ladies Figure Skaters did (kind of ) the same thing...and changed their costumes for this Grand Prix Final. To be more precise THREE Ladies--Japan's Akiko Suzuki, Russia's Elizaveta Tuktamysheva and Italy's Carolina Kostner, changed their Free Skate costumes. Let's just get right to it and analyze the changes and if they were for better...or Disco Krazee worse...

First up:

Akiko Suzuki of Japan: Akiko skated to Johann Strauss II's "Die Fledermaus" for her Free Skate. The costume above was her new costume. It was a "strapless" silhouette (I put it in quotes since there was a nude illusion mesh neck piece) in a degrade pink with crystals and sequins strewn throughout the costume in an irregular pattern. The photo below is the costume she had worn before (to the same music) during her NHK Trophy 2011 Free Skate:

A lilac-colored costume featuring a "one-sleeve" look, swirly torso detail and ribbon-like "ties" in her other arm--as well as crystals throughout. I like this costume change. The lilac one wasn't so bad but I admit, I wasn't necessarily a fan of it. The color was a bit "blah" and something about it definitely needed a "Costume Punch".

Akiko Costume Change: Her new Free Skate costume did add that color "punch" yet still retained elegance and a simplicity to the silhouette. What do you guys think? Do you like the old LILAC one or the new degrade pink one above? Make sure to let me know at the end of this post in the "Comments" section--

From Red Hot Latina to Apple Green J. Lo at the Grammys Homage?

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia: Almost 15-year-old Elizaveta (her birthday is December 17th--Happy Early Birthday Elizaveta!) also changed her Free Skate costume for this weekend's Grand Prix Final 2011-2012. For her Latin-inspired Grand Prix Final Free Program to "Besame Mucho" and "Caravan" , little jumping whippersnapper Elizaveta, wore an apple-green, (I feel uncomfortable even typing this, considering she's FOURTEEN!) sexy costume that had a...

"J.Lo in Versace at the 2000 Grammy Awards" look to it, in terms of the dropped bust torso section. It was also very "Dancing With The Stars" in its daring and colorful style. This new costume was something you would see the female Ice Dancer wear for their Latin "Mambo Rhumba" Short Dance program...

Besides that front dropped bust section, the rest of the costume featured crystals, a flirty little "skirt", LOTS of illusion nude mesh and back "straps". It was a far cry from what she had been wearing throughout this Grand Prix season for the same Free Program:

This red-and-silver sequin number above that was feminine and age-appropriate. But DEFINITELY not J Lo sexy. While I liked the new apple-green costume, I just thought that maybe...just maybe, it might be too "mature and sexy" for little Elizaveta. I didn't have a problem with her original red flutter-sleeved outfit other than yes, it looked a little "young" and well UN-Couture in terms of its styling. I just never realized her "costume advisers" would take it to the extreme and give her Apple Green J LO Sexi-licious! Again, PLEASE let me know what you guys think!!!

Finally, it's Disco Ball Time:

Carolina Kostner of Italy: Always the Figure Skating Costume Fashionista, Miss Carolina Kostner decided to change her Free Skate Grand Prix 2011-2012 costume. But kids, she didn't just change the sleeve, the color or neckline...no! She done GAVE YOU:

1978 Donna Summer Disco Unitard Jumpsuit! And (wait for it), do you know what she skated to? Mozart's "Concerto No. 23". I know! For a minute there, I thought she had changed her music to Sister Sledge's "He's The Greatest Dancer"! Below was her "old" costume for her Grand Prix Free Skate:

I thought the costume above was very pretty, elegant and appropriate for a Mozart soundtrack. But...Kostner--and her team--decided to REALLY change it up and she switched to a one-shoulder, degrade, grey-silver sequined jumpsuit. Now, at first I thought "Oh My!". And then of course, I thought, "Is this really right for Mozart?". And then (as I looked closer), I also realized :

I think she's got Camel-toe: I know, it is so unprofessional of me to even bring this up, but seriously guys, whether her jumpsuit is too tight or too loose, but...she's got CAMEL-TOE! As a Fashion Designer, as a Fan of Figure Skating and Figure Skating Costumes, I like the "I'm going to take it to A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL"--Costume-wise. I am just not sure if this was the right level. It was sort of distracting as she did her Free Program (which won the Gold by the way, so obviously, it did not matter!). All I kept focusing on was THAT Disco Ball degrade Swarovski-crystal jumpsuit. I LOVE the costume changes, but was this the right one? I do give her "Nick Points" for going there though! I always love a Figure Skating Costume Diva!

Finally, let's discuss the originator of the Unitard/Jumpsuit during a World-class Competition:

Presenting Miss Debi Thomas at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics-- Thomas was the first African-American to hold U.S. National titles in ladies' singles figure skating (in 1986 and 1988). And she got the Bronze at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics where she famously brought out THAT black and silver sequined JUMPSUIT!!! It was ESCANDALOSO! (and yes, every Gay in the audience and watching on TV was jumpin' for Costume Joy!). This might have been the last time one saw a jumpsuit in world class competition...until now, with Carolina Kostner.
Here's the Question: Are jumpsuits back for Ladies Figure Skating? And which one do we like better? Carolina's or Debi's? Let me know for sure!!!

*Up Next: MORE Grand Prix 2011 Costume Reviews!!!

0 Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Skate America 2011--The Ladies !!

Best BEDAZZLED--in the Ladies Short and Free Skate...

Girls Best Friend: Russia's Ksenia Makarova in bubblegum pink "Marilyn Monroe" costume, Skate America 2011 Ladies Free Skate

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2011 Hilton HHonors Skate America begun on Oct 21st at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario California. Skate America is the first of six events of the 2011/2012 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series.

Top Three: Silver Medalist Italy's Carolina Kostner, Gold Medalist USA's Alyssa Czisny, and Bronze Medalist Sweden's Viktoria Helgesson, Skate America 2011

The skaters compete for a global prize money of $180,000 per individual event of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating and the top six of each discipline go on to the Finals. First up: the Ladies. They skated their Short Programs as well as the Free Skate.

I love Figure Skating and Figure Skating Costumes so much that I actually drove all the way to Ontario (only an hour drive from LA "proper") to see the Pairs Final Competition as well as the Ladies Free Skate at Skate America 2011 in the Citizens Business Bank Arena--along with the man who got me into all this figure skatin' stuff--my trusty NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul. Yes, kids, it was a day filled with Figure Skating and bedazzled madness!! That's how I like to spend my Sunday...

So, now let's get to my "Nick Skating Costumes Two Cents" for the Ladies:

Carolina Kostner: I always look forward to what Italy's Carolina Kostner wears. She became a "Skating Fashionista" ever since she enlisted the design expertise of Italian Designer Roberto Cavalli, several Winter Olympics ago. Not sure if the "House of Cavalli" is still designing her costumes but they are still great! For her Short Program, Carolina wore a brightly colored sherbert-y costume featuring a side-gathered "wrap" silhouette and a beaded side panel and sleeve.

Carolina Kostner Ladies Free Skate ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate America 2011

For her Free Skate, she skated to Mozart's Concerto No. 77 and I loved this costume much more than her first. It was actually one of my favorites of the competition. It was dramatic, very "Dancing With The Stars" cheeky yet still very beautifully made (especially seeing it up close from my seats at the Arena!).

The bodice and torso with its navy-to-light-blue sequin work was incredible, as you can see from the above photos. In terms of her skating, she actually WON the Free Skate but she ended up in second place overall, and got the Silver. She gets the Gold for Costumes from me.

Ksenia Makarova: My next favorite (secretly my MOST!), was the costume worn by Russia's Ksenia Makarova (I just love saying her name OVER and OVER again!) in her Free Skate. When she first stepped on the ice, I said "She is so 'Madonna Material Girl'!" And yes, I was partially correct: she actually skated to a "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" medley.

It was a "Mini Me" version of the iconic William Travilla-designed bubblegum pink gown that Marilyn Monroe wore in the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". It was "strapless" (well, of course, with an attached skin-colored illusion netting), had a HUGE statement-making "diamond" necklace as well as bracelets.

Toddlers, Tiaras, and Bows: No detail was left on the sewing and cutting room: not only did the costume feature the side draping of the original gown, but the accompanying pink gloves Ksenia wore also had little bows at the elbows. Was it a little TLC's "Toddlers & Tiaras"? Yes! But did I LOVE it? TOTALLY!

Viktoria Helgesson: Sweden's Figure Skating "Barbie Doll", the gorgeous Viktoria, also skated to the music from "Sunset Blvd: the Musical" which, of course, is based on the legendary Hollywood Movie. I assume she was trying to vibe the "Norma Desmond" character in this black crystal beaded costume with white fur cuffs. Her hair was done up very "50's Hollywood Glamour" but I'm not sure if it worked entirely. Look, I think Viktoria looks gorgeous in anything she puts on, but I actually thought she looked more like a "Sexy Christmas Santa Helper" than Gloria Swanson. Here's a thought for her next Skating Competition Theme: Pan Am. She needs to do 60's Pan Am Airline Stewardess. Like TOMORROW!

Alyssa Czisny: Finally, we have the Gold Medalist USA's Alyssa Czisny. She was certainly the Star of the Weekend, leading the Ladies Short and then taking the BIG prize at the end. I liked her Short Program costume better than her Free Skate. For her short, she wore a beautifully elegant light pink bateau-necked costume that was modern, sleek and oh-so-not Figure Skating tacky-licious.

Loved the bodice/torso completely covered in Swarovski crystals and the simple thin belt, and it also featured a gorgeous beaded see-through back. A WINNER for sure!

On the other hand, I was a bit underwhelmed by what she wore for the Free Skate. She skated to Valse Triste ("Sad Waltz") from Jean Sibelius. And the costume seemed a little sad (maybe that was the point!). The aubergine color didn't really "pop" on the ice and, dare I say it, it might have benefited from some extra "sparkle".

Yes, MORE BEDAZZLING! Well, maybe just a couple more. It didn't look "International Competition Costume" ready enough for me. But it was impeccably made and when you see it up close the delicately draped bodice and beading is stunning. But oh well, what do I know--the beautiful Alyssa won the entire thing; she brought the entire Ontario California audience (me included!) to our feet, bland costume and all. Congrats Alyssa and keep the costumes FAB!! Remember, I'm watching :)

* Up Next: The Men...at Skate America!!!