Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Wrap-Up-- Ice Dancing!!

At The Copa...Cup of Russia Copacabana...The Hottest Spot North of Havana...

Split Queen: Bobrova & Soloviev of Russia do their "thang" at last weekend's Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--wait 'till you see what the front of her costume looked like (keep reading!)--it's FABULOUS!

To tie up my Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011-2012 USU Grand Prix Season in a neat little Costume Bow, I'll finish with the Ice Dancers. And to narrow my "Nick Two Cents" Review even further, I'll discuss only the Short Dance "Latin" costumes. For this season, in case you want to know, the International Skating Union/ISU chose "Latin Dance" as the format to which all the Ice Dancing competitors were required to do for their Short Dance. It's led to a wide variety of Cha-Cha-licious "At The Copa...Copacabana" "Princess Cruises Does San Juan!" costumes. And so it may come as no surprise, it's been Costume HEAVEN for me, in terms of commentating here on my little ol' Style Blog. So, let's get to it:

Carron & Jones of France: Pernelle Carron and Lloyd Jones finished 6th overall in Moscow. They skated to "Mambo, Rhumba, and Mambo" for their Latin Short Dance. These definitely meet the "Latin Theme" requirement however, there's just not a lot of sophistication in the designs and overall presentation. They look like costumes that were left in a back Costume House closet from a forgotten 1940's Carmen Miranda Movie--Let's just say there's a lot more SASS than CLASS.

Tobias & Stagniunas of Lithuania: For their Short Dance, they skated to a "Shakira Medley" which included some "Samba and Meringue" sounds. I like the gold and black color combinations and it is a breath of Ice Dance "fresh air" to see something other than the ubiquitous BUBBLEGUM pink, CANARY yellow or ultra bright TURQUOISE in a Latin Short Dance costume. While I like the gold beaded "fringe", I'm not so sure about those bedazzled bust cups: they seem TOO BIG! They look like the bust cups of a woman who has size 40DD's and something tells me that Isabella Tobias is NOT 40DD. In terms of HIM: I'm glad he wasn't just in an all-black shirt-and-pant look (with nothing else to it) but their costumer wisely decided to tie it back to her by adding some gold beading on the shirt and pant outseam.

Pushkash and Guerreiro of Russia: For their Short Dance , these two young Russians (he's from Australia originally), skated to a "Samba, Rhumba, Samba" Medley including "La Vuelta" and "Mujer Latina" by Thalia. Alright, since there's not that much I can say about Jonathan Guerreiro and his black shirt-and-pant costume--other than well, the shirt had an interesting devore effect to it--it is all about her. Her Mantilla shawl-influenced halter dress was original and still retained a "Latina" flavor, but instead of going the "Princess Cruises San Juan" route, she went for Sevillana. The fringe is great, so is the sequined mesh bust half-section and the embroidery and aquamarine-green color is subdued and elegant.

Riazanova & Tkachenko of Russia: These two finished 7th (last) overall at the Rostelecom Cup last weekend. They skated to "Paxi Ni Ngongo" by Bonga and "Cuba" for their Short Dance. Her black costume was a SEX-a-licious Spanish Contessa! It featured an asymmetrical ruffled skirt and an (almost) completely exposed back and side: LOVED it! She really should have finished the costume with an over-the-top Peneita (hair comb) on top of her hair, but then again, that may not have worked during the spins and twizzles (can someone pick up the PEINETA on the ice???!!!). Last but not least: her partner Ilia Tkachenko is one good-looking human being! Seriously, he is like a Russian male supermodel. He could be in a GARBAGE Bag and look H.O.T.

Bobrova & Soloviev of Russia: These Russian Ice Dancers garnered the Bronze Medal overall. They skated to "Eres Todo En Mi" by Ana Gabriel and "Ooh La La" by Chicadee. I am DYING for her costume: It's like a Cirque du Soleil performer got into a collision with a Drag Queen from Rio de Janeiro! The neon peach/orange and black color combination is striking and makes for a "You Can't Miss Her from the Nose-Bleed Seats" effect. She should be on top of a very FABULOUS--and very CHA-CHA--Christmas tree is all I can say! I want MORE of her and that costume. More!

Davis and White of the USA: Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the Gold overall at the Cup of Russia. and boy, was it well-deserved: they were INCREDIBLE! At one point, during their winning Free Dance, I caught myself wide-eyed and in silent awe while watching them. It is mesmerizing to see them skate. OK, enough of the "Nick Ovations to Davis and White", let's discuss their Short Dance Costumes--and the COSTUME CHANGE--for BOTH of them! (I love when that happens):

For their Latin Short Dance-at the Cup of Russia last weekend--they skated to "Butucadas", "Life is a Carnival" and "On The Floor" by Jennifer Lopez. She wore a very modern electric orange ensemble featuring an original neckline with a "one-sleeve" detail, beading throughout and fringed skirt. Charlie had a bronzed and black metallic shirt with black pants. I quickly realized "Wait! That's not the same costumes they wore for the same Short Dance number when they competed at Skate America back in October". Well, I was right:

Davis and White at Skate America two months ago: You see!! They did change their costumes. Above, at Skate America, the neckline was completely different than the new "Cup of Russia" costume: it was a more simple halter. They did, however keep the same multicolored beading and fringed aspect of the skirt section. I ABSOLUTELY love the NEW one. It's much more directional, much more sophisticated, and oh-so-chic on Meryl! Even Charlie got a do-over as seen from his Skate America shirt. The original was Black Striped "burn out" Stretch Velvet as opposed to the newer "abstract" jacquard. I actually like the original shirt better. It is tighter and more fitted (Hello! Of course I like it!) and gives a more "Latin Dance Vibe". Watch both skates and you'll see he is MUCH sexier in the first. I wonder which Costume they will wear to next weekend's Grand Prix Final in Quebec City? I'm hoping for a combination of the two! Please!!! I'll be watching...

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!