Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--Ice Dance!!

Costume Change-a-Thon!!

Top Ice Dancers: (Left to Right) Silver Medalists Alex Shibutani and Maia Shibutani, Gold Medalists Charlie White and Meryl Davis, Bronze Medalists Zachary Donohue and Madison Hubbell, and Pewter Medalists Logan Giulietti and Lynn Kriengkrairut, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion San Jose, California

Rounding out my Blog Costume Review of last weekend's 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in San Jose California, we are now left with the colorful and always sassy (most of the time, especially those Eastern Europeans!!) Ice Dancers. For this 2011-2012 Season, the Short Dance is a Latin-inspired one, as required and specified by the ISU/International Skating Union. I think it should ALWAYS be Latin...much more exciting that way--musically and costume-wise! Oh, and did I mention there were some Costume Changes this time around. Love that! So, let's begin:

Bronze Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donahue Free Dance Costume: They skated to "I Put A Spell On You". And their costumes, though contemporary, were on the yawn side. I get it--they're supposed to be a couple in the midst of a love spell, and so on and so forth. Now, I understand that her mother makes all her costumes and Kudos to all Mom's and especially ones with Sewing Talents (I LOVE me the Sewing Moms!), but I just wasn't a fan of these in particular. Both his and her "costumes" (if one could call them that) were straight out of a store from a mall: Madison's, from "Contempo Casuals" back in the 80's and 90's and Zachary's, from "Ross Dress For Less".

Hubbell and Donahue Short Dance: For their Latin-influenced Short Dance, they BROUGHT IT!! (Thank Goodness). Now here, I really, really liked Madison's costume. So, Congrats to her Mommie on this one! They danced to samba and rhumba rhythms and her costume reflected this. I loved the black-and-white print, the multicolored strips of fabric mimicking feathers. And I also liked that she slicked her hair back in a FIERCE chignon. She looked like a Fantasy Cheetah from Brazil! Oh, and I almost forgot about Zachary: he looked HOT HOT HOT! The plunging neckline, the sheer and solid panels on the shirt, the "tuxedo" stripe on the pants...all fab!

Madison Chock and Evan Bates: For their Short Latin Dance to "Chick, Chick Boom", Madison wore a coral-red costume and Evan went black (of course). I liked her costume; it moved marvelously on the ice (love the "fringed" strips of fabric on the skirt section), and I liked the sexy styling and contrast velvet and sequined underpiece. Unfortunately, they did not skate they're best and didn't make the podium this year. But they get my Nick V. Medal for sexy costumes!

Costume Change The Ice Dancers Edition:

Silver Medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani: They did their Latin Short Dance to "Batucada", "Skip to the Bip" and "Jazz Machine". Maia wore a deep violet halter neckline costume with silver crystal embellishment and fringed skirt (fringe is BIG this 2011-2012 Season!). I liked this costume--the color is vibrant, the sequins are strong, framing her torso well and it was great to see a sassy semi-backless number on little Maia. Speaking of sassy, Alex's costume (the deep violet stretch shirt in particular) was tight and hunky! I didn't realize there were defined muscles on that boy (I know, he's just 20!).

NHK Trophy: Anyhow, from the minute they stepped on the ice (I was there at the HP Pavilion!), I noticed "Wait, those aren't the same costumes they wore last time in the Short Dance". And after a quick web search on my iPad at the stadium, lo and behold I was right: this above is what her costume looked like when they competed at the NHK Trophy in Japan--also for the Latin Short Dance: a one-shoulder black asymmetrical skirt costume with silver beaded fringe. Alex wore a black tuxedo shirt and pant look.

ISU Grand Prix Finals: this above is what they wore for their Latin Short Dance at the ISU Grand Prix Finals in Canada back in December. Maia's was the same black one shoulder costume but they added pink edge trim to it and Alex's remained untouched.

Shibutani and Shibutani Free Dance Costumes: Continuing with the costume change theme, Maia also changed her costume for the Free Dance to "Selections from the Sun Valley Serenade Soundtrack" by Glenn Miller. Above is the "new" one she wore last weekend at the US Nationals. The orange and fuchsia color was pretty and strong enough to stand out on the ice, and I liked the original "threading" detail through the side of the costume.

Grand Prix Finals: This is what she last wore at the Grand Prix Finals--same color story but had a more "conservative" 1940's feel to it, in its neckline, flutter sleeves. Alex also changed his suspenders and tie to match the colors of Maia's dress which really helped unify the looks.

NHK Trophy: And above is the very first version of their Free Dance Costume which they debuted at the NHK Trophy. I really liked these costumes. They reflected the "Big Band" theme of the music, they looked young, fresh and oh-so-cute, like two college kids back in the 40's going out to a dance. But I suspect, they were deemed too cute and young-looking. Therefore the changes. But I have to say, I absolutely love that they keep changing their costumes--whether it is because they and their coaches can't make up their minds in terms of what look works, or if it's to keep the dance exciting and to keep the fans excited--like "what will Maia wear next!?" Whichever reason it is, as a fashion designer and a fan of the sport, it keeps me watching!

Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White: And yet, another Costume Change...this time with Davis and White--the "Golden Couple" of Ice Dancing. This time, the costume change was for their Short Latin Dance to "Batucadas", "Life is a Carnival" and "On The Floor". And it was just Meryl who did the change. Again, I noticed it immediately when she stepped on the ice. For the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, she wore a bronzed, copper and gold costume with intricate swirly patterns and fringe (of course!) at the bottom. It was a change from her last two "appearances" on the ice:

Skate America 2011-2012: This is what she wore for the Latin Short Dance at the first Grand Prix competition event of the season. It was a bright neon orange halter style costume with keyhole detail, skirt fringe and multicolored stones at the hip and neckline. Charlie wore black pants and striped bronze-and-black shirt...

Rostelecom Cup 2011-2012: This was what they wore at the Cup of Russia Grand Prix. I loved this look on Meryl!!! This is my favorite of all the three costume changes. It was the same color story as the one at Skate America but in terms of the styling, it was FASHION FASHION FASHION! Loved the asymmetry of the torso, how sexy it was and the very expensive-looking bead work at the bust. Also, notice that Charlie changed his shirt--to a more wavy pattern (as opposed to striped) print--same bronze-and-black color though. I wished she would have stayed in this costume for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I feel it's much more impacting and Latina! Very JLo On Ice!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--The Pairs!!

First, A Question: What Does This:

Caydee Denney (with her Pairs partner John Coughlin),Gold Medalists 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships...

Have To Do With This:

Toddlers & Tiaras?? (concentrate on the abundant eye makeup) Read on...

Pairs Bedazzled: The Top Pairs Medalists in the Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, HP Pavilion San Jose California

Continuing my "Nick Figure Skating Costume Two Cents" on last weekend's Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (which I had the pleasure of attending in San Jose California). You can click HERE for my Ladies Review and HERE for my Men's Review--but now, the Pairs. Shall we get started...

Pairs Bronze Medalists Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig: For their Short Program to George Gershwin's "The Man I Love", their costumes were on-point! His was a tailored look of a lilac dress shirt, plaid vest--very fitted--pink tie and black pants. Normally, I am NOT A FAN of the dress shirt-tie-and-pant look for male figure skaters but within the Pairs context this works. This combination suits him just right--and works with the music. Amanda's costume was beautiful. Loved the light rose pink color, the one-shoulder styling and delicate beading. The open back detail...

Was sublime. These costumes worked seamlessly together. There were elements of understated traditional elegance, romance, and a little bit of "high fashion" all at once.

Evora and Ladwig Long Program Costumes: For their Long Program to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe" and Debussy's "Reverie", they decided to go more "Period" costume. I liked hers but his seemed, well, too blouson-y. I get the theme, their costume pairing...yet something was "throwing me off". Oh wait, maybe it was those darn black pants! I guess I wished they would have been the color of her midriff corset--more of a burgundy color. I think it would have made the look even more unified.

Silver Medalists Mary Beth Marley and Rockne Brubaker: For their Long Program to Rachmaninov's "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor", Mary Beth wore a fuchsia costume with black and rhinestone detail. The strong color definitely popped on the ice. She looked so pretty in this. I also loved that she continued the elegance of this costume to her chignon hairstyle as well. Rockne donned a black cropped jacket suit with a shirt matching Mary Beth's costume. Both costumes worked very well together, especially to the classical music soundtrack they skated to.

Marley and Brubaker Short Program: They skated to "Singing In the Rain" for their Short Program. Their costumes were bright, safe and oh so cute. But...soooo "Junior Champions" for my taste. Both costumes were so "Figure Skating 101" and something one could purchase off the rack from a Skating Store. Give me a little creativity here. Something...

Gold Medalists Caydee Denney and John Coughlin: Now, we finally get to the Pairs who won the entire thing--and who I began my blog posting here with. I love their skating. I have now "experienced them" twice--while attending Skate America and again in San Jose, at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. And in both occasions, they got me up on my feet (yes, I even put my bucket of popcorn down for these two!). They are athletically wonderful--and John is a corn-fed tall glass of water! (sorry, I was supposed to use my "quiet voice"!). And Miss Caydee..."bless her heart", as they say in The South...

For their Gold Medal-winning Free Skate to "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's Turandot, she wears an aqua blue-green applique lace and sequin costume with a band collar that is a bit too 1986 Figure Skating Costume for my taste. But that's really not my biggest critique. It is her garish eye makeup that did it for me.

Part of me loved it--the part that loves "Toddlers & Tiaras"-- but simultaneously, that's why I also thought it was so trailer-trashy. I think the combination of her blond hair, the pastel costume and her "I just had too many Bloody Mary's in Vegas" eye color, all made it wrong. I love her skating and think both of them are wonderful but...she needs a Costume--and Make-up-- Intervention.

Denney and Coughlin Short Program Costumes: For their Short Program to "East of Eden" (the TV Miniseries), I also thought their costumes were a bit of a letdown. His was just a variation on what we would see during their Long Program (wow, a convertible collar with beading--as opposed to no collar with beading!).

And hers: on a good note, I liked the deep lilac color. On a not-so-good note, there was absolutely no interesting design element. This was again, Figure Skating Costume 101, bought from a store. When you are at World Class Competition Level, it's time to "Bring It On". I'm hoping they will--and change their costumes, for Worlds or at least try to "Step it up" for the 2012/13 season!

Next Up: The Ice Dancers!!!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--The Ladies

Figure Skating Fun:

Arrival Pose: Nick Verreos at the San Jose, CA International Airport

After blogging about the Figure Skating Fashion for the last 2 seasons here on my blog, I decided it was time to see some of these costumes "Up Close" and since the Nationals were almost in my backyard--well, almost--an hour away by plane in San Jose, CA...

I, along with my partner, David Paul (who LOVES himself some figure skating!) decided to make a weekend of it! Yes, we hopped on a Horizon/Alaska Airlines propeller plane at LAX and an hour later, we were in San Jose....to go to the 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, HP Pavilion San Jose California

This years Nationals were being held at the HP Pavilion and yes, we bought tickets for all of the weekend high-profile events--including the Ladies Finals, Pairs, Ice Dance and Men's short and Long Programs. This is like the "Miss USA" of figure skating...and very very important!!!

Skating Goddess: 9-time US National Champion, 5-time World Champion, 2-time Olympic Medalist Michelle Kwan, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships "Hall of Fame" Induction Ceremony

I was so excited to attend the Ladies Final Competition--which was held this past Saturday--and as part of the afternoon's event at the HP Pavilion, there was a very special (and a big highlight for me) Induction Presentation of Michelle Kwan into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She wore a bright silk satin mustard yellow top and black skirt during this ceremony and actually got teary as all the congratulatory video montages played on the HUGE overhead pavilion screens.

Now, let's get to the Ladies Final and The Costumes!!!

The Top Four: Left to Right--Alissa Czisny (Silver) Ashley Wagner (Gold), Agnes Zawadzki (Bronze), Caroline Zhang (Pewter), 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion

Gold Medalist Ashley Wagner: I LOVED Ashley's Free Skate costume. She skated to "Music from Black Swan" and yes, this is one of my favorite costumes of the entire season. The one-shoulder embroidered lace applique with beaded detail design is both elegant and directional.

Ashley Wagner--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "Music from the Pollock Soundtrack" and wore a red halter neckline costume with rhinestones. It's pretty, it "pops" on the ice and appropriate for the music and theme.

Agnes Zawadzki--Long Program: Agnes was First Place after her Short Program but received the Bronze Medal after the Free Skate. For her Free Program, she skated to "Rhapsody In Blue" By George Gershwin and wouldn't you know it...she wore a royal/electric blue costume with a one-shoulder/band mock-neck silhouette design with yes, lots of crystals. On the ice, this costume really stood out and look fabulous!

Agnes Zawadzki--Short Program Costume: For her Short Program, Agnes skated to "Harlem Nocturne" and "Whatever Lola Wants" wearing a similar one-shoulder/band neckline costume--but in deep violet. I like that she knows how important these strong colors are, especially on "stage". Up close, these costumes do look about five minutes away from looking too "Figure Skating Betty" however, it somehow works on Agnes. The colors work really well against her skin tone and hair color. On that note, I love that she keeps her hairstyle in an elegant side-parted chignon each time.

Alissa Czisny--Long Program: OK, I will have to get this one off my chest right now: I wasn't a fan of this costume. There, I said it! Alissa--whom I love--and I was "pulling for her"--got the Silver Medal after her Free Skate to "La Valse Triste" by Jean Sibelius. The costume was a little too lingerie/corsetry-looking for my taste. It was "Trashy Lingerie"-ish. On a good note: it had "hints" of Rodarte--the much-praised High Fashion brand everyone and Anna Wintour just LUVS--however, it fell a bit short for me, in terms of impact. I am not a fan of the long skirts for Ladies Figure Skating and well, the entire look was not impacting enough.

Alissa Cizisny--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "La Vie en Rose" from the Sabrina soundtrack and wore this elegant rose-pink boatneck sleeveless costume with all-over crystals. I liked this--it was classic and serene. And the thin belt at the waist is soooo "Red Carpet"-ready! The back is covered in Silver Crystals and is absolutely breathtaking. The photos do not do this costume justice.

Mirai Nagasu---Short Program: Mirai skated to "Danzarin" Tango Lorca to her Short Program. This costume looked like something one could buy off the rack--from one of the skating shops in the Arena. And kids, that's not a good thing--especially for the Nationals. She need to "Bring It On" and for me, she didn't. I can design--and sew this costume--in my sleep!

Caroline Zhang: Pewter Medalist Caroline Zhang wore on of my TOP costumes of the Ladies Final Championships. It was a black number featuring original beading detail under her bust and framing her torso. She skated her Free Skate to "Allegro Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104-1" in this and it worked seamlessly into the performance. Tres Chic Caroline!

Rachael Flatt: One of my favorite figure skaters, Rachael Flatt--skated to the "Firebird Suite" from The Firebird by Stravinsky for her Long Program/Free Skate. She changed her costume and showcase this new design at the US Nationals. Here is the one she wore before. I liked the multicolored beading that (I am assuming) was supposed to mimic feathers of a bird. The colors, design and crystals--they all looked well-made and expensive. But, the best part of her costume came at the end of her performance--during the "Kiss-And-Cry", when she put on a "Stanford University" (the college she attends) cap. Soooo CUTE! Go Miss Rachael!

Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Previewing the Ladies Final:

Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Recap'ing Ladies Final Competition:

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships

The Russian Nationals bring Costume Changes...and a Plushenko Mullet-Be-Gone! (almost!)...

A Blooming Flower Long Program Win: Adelina Sotnikova won her third national title at the 2012 Russian Figure Skating Championships. Photo © Anna Kondakova

The 2012 Russian Figure Skating National Championships (in Russian: Чемпионат России по фигурному катанию на коньках 2012) occurred starting on Christmas Day (Dec 25th) and ended today. I know, it seems odd to have a MAJAH Figure Skating Competition at this time, but in case you may not know, Christmas for Russia--and other Eastern Orthodox Religion-based nations--is celebrated on January 7th. So basically, this is not a "Holiday" time--well, not just yet!

Irregardless, this very important competition took place and naturally since it involves Figure Skating and Figure Skating Costumes, I must report back to my blog readers. In terms of Costumes--which is, of course, what I discuss here--there was some news. Shall we begin with the Ladies:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Adelina Sotnikova: Above is Adelina Sotnikova, the Ladies' Gold Medal Winner, as she performs to Ravel's "Bolero" at the 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships. I've talked about her Free Skate Costume before during Cup of China. But the big news was that she changed her Short Program Costume AGAIN...to this lipstick red dress with matching leggings/tights over the skating boots ensemble featuring silver encrusted crystals. I thought this was a rather interesting design and about five minutes away from an Elie Saab-inspired look. Yet, I was dumbfounded by the noticeable "accentuation" of the *cough cough" breast area. I liked the crystal detail, not sure if they should be done in that manner...especially for a FIFTEEN year old girl! But it was definitely a dramatic look. While it was definitely an unusual approach to a costume it actually worked for me, especially with this piece of music. I was also happy that she is such a fashionista that she continually changed her costume throughout the season until she got it right. If you want proof, check this out:

Cirque Du Soleil Futuristic Blue: Here she is at the Cup of China 2011-2012, same "Bolero" Short Program. This was very Judy Jetson Meets a Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil show. And well, really had nothing to do with what Nijinska--the original "'Bolero" choreographer--designed the music to be about: a female dancer inside a Spanish tavern, becomes more and more animated in terms of her dancing, as the applause of the tavern's crowd cheer her dancing on.

Vampire Diary Goes Bolero: The above photo--and costume--is from the 2011-2012 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia. Again, same "Bolero" Short Program. Just different costume... a rather "Vampire-tastic" (color-wise) costume. At least, she's embracing a little bit of the Spanish Red in her costume. I give her maybe 5 out of 10 points--costume-wise. Thank goodness in her latest "Bloero" costume incarnation, she has become a little more "España" and less Vampira.

Let's discuss the Men:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Evgeni Is BACK: The last time Plushenko professionally skated in a competition was at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. So, you KNOW he was the "Star Attraction" at this 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships. I have a feeling that someone must have payed him a PRETTY PENNY (or many MILLIONS of DOLLARS!) to come out and compete, but that's neither here nor there. Let's get to his costume: Above we see Evgeni Plushenko performing to "El Tango de Roxanne" from the "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack. He wears a very bedazzled "Razzle-Dazzle" costume featuring a skin-tight silver-gray sequined top, with an attached "vest" in black, red and silver-gray and black tuxedo pants with a crystal-encrusted outseam band. He's very Bob Fosse "Chorus Line" meets a Buenos Aires Tango Bar. I must say. I rather like it!! Most of all, he is OWNING it!

Another thing he is owning is is his "new-and-improved" hairstyle. Plushenko is known for his Mullet (seen above in a past photo). So much so, there's a Facebook page strictly devoted to it. But at this recent 2012 Russian Nationals, he was sporting a more modern version, a more "2010 Shag". Hey, at least he's leaving that 1988 mullet and coming closer--hairstyle-wise--to the 21st Century.

Pairs:

Two of the top teams were absent due to injury. Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov did not compete due to his groin injury and Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov did not skate due to his leg injury. Note to self: never do Competitive Figure Skating and stick to designing gowns and commenting on the Red Carpet. Anyhow, with that in mind, here is the lovely Russian Pairs couple who captured their first national title:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov: For their Free Skate (above) they skated to "Doctor Zhivago". I liked her blue and white costume even though I admit, it looked slightly amateur-design wise; it just did not have the stylistic refinement of other Top Pairs skating costumes. I've always said that once you attend an actual World Class Skating Competition, you can instantly tell the Top Tier skaters by the expensive look of their costumes. Bazarova and Larionov definitely don't have that here. And don't get me started on Yuri and his "I'm a Host at a Disneyland Restaurant" white shirt and pants ensemble. Seriously Yuri, next time, try a little bit harder.

Ice Dance:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Fire Dancers: Gold Medalists Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev perform to "Walpurgis Night" for their Free Dance at the 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships and guess what? They changed their costumes! I like these costumes better than what they wore before (check out that silly little bedazzled "heart" applique below). These costumes are a little more impacting. Yes, everything about the Russian Costumes--in terms of Figure Skating--seem to be about two steps beyond what they should be--but part of that is why I like them so much--as long as it works. And here, it worked.

Above is what they wore--for the same Free Skate Program--at the 2011-2012 Cup of China earlier . This is what I said about there previous costumes.

What do you all think of these Russian Nationals Costumes and well, the changes? Good, Bad or...?? I can't wait for next month's US Nationals in San Jose California???!!! Let me know.

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: ISU Grand Prix Final 2011-2012--Ice Dancing Costume Changes!

Costume Changin' Ice Dancers...

Backless Cha Cha Queen, or...

Violet Sequined Princess? Canada's Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir and her change of costumes--which one is better? Read on...

The Top Three Ice Dancing Teams: (Left to right) Canada's Virtue and Moir (Silver), Davis and White from the USA (Gold) and Pechalat and Bourzat of France (with their Bronze medals)--ISU Grand Prix Final Pavillon de la Jeunesse Quebec City, Quebec Canada

Alright Figure Skating Fans, we've come (finally) to my last "Figure Skating Fashion Two Cents" posting for last weekend's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. I'm sure those non-figure skating fans reading my blog were thinking "What Is With All the Figure Skating Fashion posts??" Well, kids I LOVE the sport and LOVE the costumes even more...so there! But you can breathe a sigh of relief: this is the last one--well until the next Figure Skating event (most of the National Championships are next month--in 2012--so get ready for more!!).

Let's get to the Costume Changes for these Two Ice Dancing Teams. I begin with...

Virtue and Moir of Canada: They were the favorites to win--especially on "home turf" at this 2011-2012 Grand Prix Final held in Quebec City. They garnered a very close 2nd place (Scott fell on the Short Program and well, that was "it"). Now, in terms of their costumes, I was very surprised to see a costume change for Tessa.

For their "Hip Hip Chin Chin", "Temptation" and "Mujer Latina" Latin-inspired number, she wore this backless sequined fringed mini "flapper dress" in a gorgeous degrade' pink that went from light to dark. It was GORGEOUS! Love the backless silhouette and that one silver crystal strap. The style was sassy, saucy and very "Miss Republica Dominicana" in its design. Take that style to the floor and huney, you've got a Miss Universe Runner Up...if not the Winner!

This Royal Blue-and-Silver sequined dress above is what she last wore at Trophee Eric Bompard in Paris last month. I liked this then. It was elegant, very "Dancing With The Stars" cookie-cutter Dance Number Fab (and nothing wrong with that). But it did miss the "Hot Latina" edge. And I think the new pink number, brought that. I, for one, was happy for the change. It definitely was a change for the better..or shall I say, for the Sassier! What do you guys think? Pink or Royal Blue: Which do you prefer?

Shibutani Costume Change:

Shibutani and Shibutani of the USA: Brother and sister Ice Dancing team, Alex and Maia Shibutani skated well in Canada at the Grand Prix Final, getting a respectable fifth place overall. I absolute love these two; their skating, their fun enthusiasm, their passionate grasp of the Latin Dance...Speaking of the Latin Dance, for the Short Dance number, there was a Costume Change--well, more like a Costume Improvement. For the Grand Prix Final, Maia's one-shoulder black with "fringed" sequined got a "freshening up": fuchsia hem binding. Compare the "new" costume at the Grand Prix Final above with...

This one here which she wore at the 2011-2012 NHK Trophy in Sapporo Japan in early November. Same costume but without the pink addition. I think this was a good change. I liked the one-shoulder all black number but it did need a "pop" of color. Especially since Alex was also in all-black. Sometimes, the little changes make all the difference--costume-wise.

For their Free Dance, however, they did a full-on Costume Change--both Maia and Alex. This above is what they wore to the last Grand Prix competition in Japan. I LOVED it! They skate to a Big Band Medley including "In The Mood", "Moonlight Serenade" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo". Their outfits were SPOT ON as I said HERE. But they decided to "stir it up":

And completely changed their costumes. Alex ditched his argyle sweater vest ensemble for peach and white collared shirt with suspender look. And Maia went for a multicolored neon orange with purple trim dress with cascading crystal details. Although I love the addition of color, I just don't think it was necessary in this program. They were fine with their original "Free Dance" costumes.

He looks like a Black Jack Dealer and she belongs in the Latin Short Dance. Something seems a bit disjointed--costume-wise. I still LOVE them, though :) Please let me know what you Figure Skating Fans think: Argyle-and-Red Sequin Cute? Or Black Jack Dealer-and-Latina Orange Sassy?

Until Next Time--Lots of Figure Skating Costume Kisses xoxo