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This past weekend was 2013 NHK Trophy. NHK Trophy is the fourth--out of six--event of the 2013-2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. It was held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. I've already covered some of the costumes seen at Skate America, Skate Canada and Cup of China under the "Ice Style" Category here on my NICKVERREOS.COM Blog (you can find the "Categories" on the right side of the blog). Therefore, now it's time to discuss the Figure Skating Costumes at the 2013 NHK Trophy.







I watched the competitions on Universal Sports and NBC and it was great seeing a PACKED house of very excited figure skating fans. During the Ladies and Men's competitions, one could see people up in the nose-bleed sections--Japan LOVES Figure Skating that is for sure! It was a big contrast to some of the already-occurred Grand Prix events which were half-empty in terms of attendance. So, Good Job Japan!!! Now, let's talk about the Costumes: some of the costumes I have already discussed in my Skate America, Skate Canada or Cup of China posts and some I haven't so, with that being said, Time for the Ladies and Pairs of 2013 NHK Trophy...

Ladies:


Mao Asada Japan, Short Program--I've talked about this SP costume she wears to "Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frederic Chopin HERE in my Skate America post. I loved it. Exquisite, loved the draping and Eiffel Tower-like back detail.











Costume Change: For her Free Skate to "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor" by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Mao wore this black and royal blue costume with long sleeves, hem ruffles, a "neck-piece", "knotted/twisted" torso detail section and nude illusion sections. This was a costume change from what she wore the last time she competed at Skate America, which I also loved. At first, I thought "why would she change her costume?" especially since I LOVED the original one so much and it was GREAT! The new "2013 NHK Trophy" costume was fine but I think I liked the "Skate America" look better. I felt it was more modern and I loved the three-dimensional pieces of the top and skirt. Which costume do you guys like best?

 



Akiko Suzuki Japan, Short Program--Click HERE to read my thoughts on this Short program costume to "Hymne à l'amour", when I discussed it back in my Skate Canada Costume Recap.













Same Old/Same Old: Alena Leonova Russia, Short Program--Alena skated to Music from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt. She is not only reprising the same music she skated to in the 2011-2012 season but the same costume. I thought it was two seconds from looking like a store-bought Halloween costume then, and I still kind of think the same now.











Elena Radionova Russia, Free Skate to Music from the Frida soundtrack--2013 NHK Trophy--I talked about these costumes in my Skate America post HERE. To sum it up, I thought both were a bit too CRAY-CRAY for her and a little "Toddlers & Tiaras" tacky-licious looking.





Mirai Nagasu USA, Short Program--Mirai skated her SP to "The Man I Love" by George Gershwin. This blue ombre-dyed costume seemed almost unfinished and cheap. I wish I could say more but I cannot. This could have been much better.




Free Skate: Mirai wore a black costume with silver crystal neckline detail for her FS to Music from James Bond by various artists. This costume was better than her Short Program but it still suffered from needing "something more" in terms of design and creativity.
















Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov Russia, Short Program and Free Skate: I have discussed these costumes HERE and I LOVED them! And I have to add, they almost made me shake and CRY as I watched their performance; it was flawless. A "Master Class" in how to skate a fabulous Pairs skate. I cannot wait to see this at the Sochi Olympics.




Sui Wenjing and Han Cong China, Short Program: They skated their SP to Music from La Strada by Nino Rota and I liked both of their costumes. I liked her blue and nude illusion design with a red HEART chest detail and I especially liked the fact that his was embellished and incorporated some of her blue sequins into his vest. Although to my eye, his entire ensemble in black did not relate to her look at all. I always prefer a stronger connection between the two costumes.




Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir USA, Free Skate: For their FS to Music from the Skyfall soundtrack by various artists, I liked these costumes. Marissa wore a black sequined dress that looked expensive and elegant--like a "Bond Girl". And Simon---LOVED his super fitted pants and shirt with gun holster look. It was as if he had taken off his Tom Ford tuxedo and revealed what was underneath...The costumes are designed by Yumi Nakamura and Paul Ginandes.





Peng Cheng and Zhang Hao China, Free Skate: They skated their FS to "Yellow River Concerto".  These costumes were great. I especially loved Zhang Hao and that AMAZING blue with green and silver applique sequin of his top. Her costume was beautifully made, elegant and looked expensive! A perfect combination and connection between the two looks!



**Stay Tuned for my Next "2013 Grand Prix Costumes Recap" here on NICKVERREOS.COM !

The 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America is an international figure skating competition and the first of six events in the 2013-2014 Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a series of senior level invitational competitions. This season is extremely important since it is THE Olympic season, so it's a chance to see who the possible contenders are for the Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze at February's Sochi Olympics 2014.







Skate America 2013 was held this past weekend at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit Michigan.

Now let's Discuss the Costumes. I've just picked out some--not all--from the Short and Free Programs costumes that I wanted to talk about so if I missed some, sorry :) This is a long season so I'm sure eventually I will discuss ALL!



First Up, the Ladies:




Ashley Wagner USA, Short Program: For her 2013-2014 Season Short Program, Ashley skated to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd. She wore a black halter neck costume that featured silver crystal accents at the neckline, upper torso and waist. It was dark and "moody" yet still had enough "figure skating" sparkle to have an impact. 




Free Skate: For her Free Skate, she skated to Music from Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev. This time she wore an Empire-cut costume with a heavily jeweled bodice and softly-flaring skirt. I got the "Juliet" references and I did like the bright red color but I felt that the skirt section could have been more flared or possibly hi-lo or asymmetrical in style, to have more drama as she did her jumps and turns. It had a very Retro-vibe, but I wanted a bit of modernity added in. Both of her costumes were designed by Jan Longmire.




Elena Radionova Russia, Short Program: The FOURTEEN year-old Elena skated her SP to Music from the Anna Karenina soundtrack by Two Steps From Hell. Her costume was A LOT. She's such a teeny tiny girl that it was overwhelming if not a bit two seconds from CRAY-CRAY on her. I liked the impact of the neon bright colors, but all that draping, gathering, diamantes and one-arm "ribbon-ing" could be better put to use on a skater whose body could carry it off. Not sure Elena did. But just as I thought her Short Program costume was A LOT...she wore this for her Free Skate:




Free Skate: Oh Elena!!! She skated to Music from the Frida soundtrack, from the Salma Hayek-starring film based on Frida Kahlo. The only think that even remotely says "Frida" is the red color, but everything else says Baton Twirler at a July 4th Parade. It's a lot of mess. Plain and simple.




Viktoria Helgesson Sweden, Short Program: Sweden's Viktoria Helgesson skated her Short Program Mystery Waltz by D. Shostakovich. Her pink costume featured black sequined applique around the neckline and arms. The detail and color reminded me of a turn-of-the-century dress one would have seen at a Ball in France...or Saint Petersburg. I just wished her hair was a little more "done". Also, what do you guys think of the gloves? Yeay or Nay? I'm "on the fence".





Mao Asada Japan, Short Program: Mao skated her Short Program to "Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frederic Chopin. Her costume was EXQUISITE. I loved the lilac color and ombre effect as well as all the delicate gathering at the upper torso. The four-layer skirt was perfect to highlight her turns and movements (this is what Ashley should have in her "Romeo and Juliet" costume) and her Triple Axle! And my favorite part was that back, I'm not sure if this was an overt homage to Paris (where the composer lived the last 19 years of his life, and died) but it sure did look like the Eiffel Tower. C'est Fantastique.





Free Skate: I also LOVED the costume Mao wore for her Free Skate to "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor" by Sergei Rachmaninoff ...

(Side Note: LOTS of the skaters are skating to Russian-composed music, is that a coincidence since the Olympics are going to be in Russia? Hmmm, I'm thinking it is NOT a coincidence.)

...Asada wore a multicolored costume in royal, midnight blues, violets and fuchsia. The design itself was masterful and looked very expensive (nothing but the best for Mao!). It reminded me of an exotic bird taking flight. I also appreciated the 3D effect of the costume and how the "feathers" seem to be separated and jutting out from the illusion base of the costume. I know it's only the first Grand Prix but for now, it's one of my favorite costumes of Season 2013-2014.



The Pairs:


Margaret Purdy Michael Marinaro Canada Short Program: Purdy and Marinaro, who ended up in last place at Skate America 2013, skated their Short Program to "Unchained Melody" by Alex North. I added their SP costumes here as an example of something I don't like: when the man's costume has NO RELATION to the woman's. It's like the costume designer didn't have time to make him anything so they just looked in the "Figure Skating Closet" for something, anything. Their costumes don't make sense together.




Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov Russia, Short Program: Gold Medal winners Volosozhar and Trankov wore these costumes for their Short Program to "Masquerade Waltz" by Aram Khatchaturian. Now, these costumes are examples of a pair working together and being harmonious, costume-wise. Maxim is obviosuly the General with his army uniform featuring epaulets, gold buttons, red piping. And Tatiana is his love interest in this waltz, in a beautiful light lilac heavily embroidered and sequined costume hinting at the bodices of those late 1890s-early 1900s ball gowns. Very well done. 





Free Skate: For their Free Skate, they skated to Music from Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber, as if you couldn't tell from their costumes. I love how the bright golden yellow color of his (very tight) pants are brought into the gold banding and straps of Tatiana's costume. His loose blouse also matches her costume. It's all a perfect pairing in costumes and right for the music. And it begs repeating: Maxim has got to be one of the SEXIEST men in Figure Skating. JEEEE---SUS is right!





Stefania Berton and Ondrej Hotarek Italy, Short Program: Berton and Hotarek skated their Short Program to Music from the soundtrack of The Mask. I wanted to show how great they played with Jim Carrey's original costume from the film (notice his suspenders and obviously, the bright yellow color). I also thought her dress was quite intricate and pretty. I really liked the gold overlay and mini-fringed hem.




Caydee Denney and John Coughlin USA, Short Program: This American Pairs skated to "Tosca" by Giacomo Puccini. I liked these costumes better than their Free Skate and therefore that's why I wanted to add these. Her red gathered and crystal costume had interesting design details that under another costume designer's hand, could have ended up "Toddlers and Tiaras" but here it worked. I also loved John in his all black look with that PLUNGING neckline. His top, if you notice, featured a slight sprinkling of crystals to tie it in to Caydee's costume; he didn't need that much since hers already had soooo many. And notice the very delicate touch of red in his neckline. Good job kids!



*NEXT UP: The Men's and Ice Dance Costume Highlights of 2013 Skate America!! Stay tuned!!

Figure Skating Costume aficionados, we're on to Part Four of my 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships Costume Recap (Read Part One (Men's) HERE, Part Two (Ladies) HERE, and Part Three (Ice Dance) HERE). So, now, it's time for the Pairs...Here are my "Nick Costume Highlights":




Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres of France--James and Cipres compete in the Short Program to "Rhumba d'Amour" and "Safri Duo" wearing these costumes above. I like the richness of Vanessa's fuchsia color and the contrast of Morgan's black look. The crystals strewn throughout both costumes are well-done even if they are two minutes from looking like they're on "Dancing With The Stars", the French version. The highlight here is, of course, Morgans PLUNGING neckline. He is GIVING cleavage!! How do you say "Sexy Hot" en français?




For their Free Skate to "Pearl Harbor" by Hans Zimmer, Morgan is at it again with his deep V neckline. I love Vanessa's blue with silver "necklace" encrusted costume but I am once again, distracted by Monsieur Cipres' cleavage...and in a good way!




Qing Pang and Jian Tong of China--Pang and Tong of China performed their Short Program to "Scott and Fran's Paso Doble" in some of the most intricately divine costumes of the season.
The costumes were as intense and fiery as the music. His Toreador
costume is sexy, strong, expensive-looking and perfectly theatrical. It was also very
traditional in its styling which contrasted her costume. While he went traditional, her Señorita was more abstract, directional with its asymmetrical detailing and mix of fabrications and sequin applique. 





Stacey Kemp and David King of Great Britain--For their Free Skate to "Pomp and Circumstance" by Edward Elgar, Stacey went one-shoulder Grecian Goddess and David went British soldier. I think they actually look a little more like "The Prince" and "Clara" from "The Nutcracker" or like characters from a Disney movie. Nevertheless, I still liked these costumes. I'm a sucker for anything that looks like it is from a Disney film or The Nutcracker.




Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim of USA--Alexa and Chris skated their Free Skate to the "Life Is Beautiful" Soundtrack. I'm usually not a fan of the guy-wearing-the-vest look; it gets a little contrived and tired. And here...this holds true. While I like the black and red colors (especially her red and sequined costume), Chris looks like a Blackjack Dealer at The Bellagio Las Vegas in this.






Cheng Peng and Hao Zhang of China-- For their Free Skate to "Poeta" by Vincente Amigo, Peng and Zhang wore these Spain and Flamenco-themed costumes.They were both a bit "cookie-cutter" in terms of anything exciting or earth-shaking, especially with the over-used Spanish theme. However, what did get my attention, was Hao Zhang's braided ponytail. What was that??? Someone please get scissors. Pronto!






Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany--Savchenko and Szolkowy are Costume Divas. For good and bad. However, as much as I try to forget their "Pink Panther" looks of several seasons ago, I cannot (because I think I liked them!). For their Free Skate to "Flamenco Bolero" by Gustavo Montesano, they wore these black with Miro-inspired print costumes.




They debuted these new costumes at the 2013 European Championships in January of this year but Aliona chose to wear black tights as shown above. I like it better without. Now this was a costume change for the two Pairs skaters from earlier in the 2012-2013 Season at Skate Canada 2012...




They wore this above. Needless to say, this was all about a mess. Too distracting and well, too "kooky" abstract and Cirque du Soleil-ish. Thank goodness they were wise enough to make a change, especially for the all-important Worlds.




Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia--Volosozhar and Trankov skated their Free Skate to "Violin Muse" by Ikuko Kawai I felt these costumes were much more ethereal,
exploratory. They were "Modern Fluttery" almost evoking a Nikinsky-like factor.  I loved that his look was especially ultra feminine, considering how UBER masculine he is built.