ICE STYLE.....2017 US Figure Skating Championships Costumes: Pairs and Ice Dance

Costumed Lift: Pairs Figure Skaters at the 2017 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Kansas City Missouri

In my last "Ice Style" Blog Post, I discussed the costumes of the LADIES and MEN of the 2017 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and now it's time to recap the PAIRS and ICE DANCE costumes!

Pairs-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc Short Program to I Put a Spell on You by Jay Hawkins, performed by Annie Lennox: This is the first time that I have discussed this Pair and I have to say, this was a FABULOUS "Ice Style" introduction! I really liked their all black costumes. They were directional, modern and sleek...and right for the Annie Lennox soundtrack. I was especially drawn to her outfit and the unusual sequin criss-cross band detail. And in terms of Timothy...well, he had me at perfectly coiffed beard!  

Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc Free Skate to The Prayer performed by Andrea Boccelli, Celine Dion: For their Free Skate, they went with a black-and-white costume color story. She looked angelic pretty yet veered into slightly "Pageant & Prom" territory. And Timothy's white top intrigued me just for the rather "unusual" detail in the front--I just wasn't sure about the nude illusion panel that was too dark for him and the odd placement of the sequined bands on the v-neck. 

Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Nathan Bartholomay Short Program to Canadian Tenors Medley: These costumes were GORGEOUS! Sublime colors--the royal blue-to-black ombre...and the sequin work was quite nice as well. I especially liked how her asymmetrical neckline was somewhat reproduced (in a more "manly" way) on the Nathan's top. Whoever designed--and created these: A++

Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Nathan Bartholomay Free Skate to Selections from Firebird by Igor Stravinsky: Once you take a look at her costumed jumpsuit, you are not surprised that they were skating to "Firebird". Her look is very on-point with "Firebird", especially with the multicolored sequin work on the top, which I liked. Nathan's look is a bit too Cirque du Soleil-meets-Star Trek: The Musical (I'm wishing/praying there is such a thing!). Anyhow...it's a bit 80's and those flange details on the shoulders...yikes! 

Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran Short Program to Fallin' by Alicia Keys: For their Short Program to Alicia keys, Castelli and Tran wore these violet blue and black costumes which I really liked! I would put these on par with the costumes that Stellato and Bartholomay wore for their SP. I loved the color, the jeweled sequin detail and asymmetrical necklines...on both! I thought it was great how her sequins were bolder while his, more subtle. 

Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran Free Skate to Journey Medley: I have positive things to say about these looks on Castelli and Tran. I think her bright red sequined look was very early 80's Pageant Fab and his reflected the "Journey" era with the red-and-black color blocking detail. With that said, part of me wished they both went "Journey" concert T-shirt 80's Rocker Cool look, since somehow, I don't really think of red sequined stretch chiffon when I think of...Journey.  

Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea Short Program to Take Me to Church by Hozier: Pretty and well-done is all I can say with these all black costumes worn by Kayne and O'Shea. I liked her black sheer with sequins look with a studded waistband; it was very "Elie Saab"-like. I also liked her gathered iridescent tulle skirt (PS: I cannot believe I just typed those words!). 

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Short Program to Don Juan est mort (from "Don Juan" musical) by Felix Gray: I liked these costumes worn by Denney and Frazier. They were on-point with the "Don Juan" music; very Spain-inspired with the red and black colors as well as the gold applique detail. But...they were a teeny-tiny too-mucchey in terms of how much of that gold applique was there--especially on him. They were two minutes from looking a little "Cruise Ship Stars on Ice Dinner Theater".

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Free Skate to Somewhere in Time (soundtrack) by John Barry: These costumes were quite beautiful, especially Haven's. I loved her asymmetrical neckline and the royal blue color. The silver crystal sequin work was also quite spectacular on her costume. I also loved her sequined jeweled cuffs! When it comes to Brandon, however, I'm not sure why he just looks odd with anything too embroidered or too sequin-y; He just looks costume-awkward. 

Ice Dance-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani Short Dance to Blues: That's Life performed by Frank Sinatra, Hip Hop: I never thought I'd live to see the day Maia Shibutani would do a halter sequined bodysuit and black skin-tight pants. But I did and...I love it! These costumes were great looks for both Maia and Alex (he looks kind of sexy-licious in his "I've Had Too Many Martinis" unbuttoned tuxedo look). So, yes, I liked these costumes. In case you're keeping score with Shibutani Costume Changes...They wore a version of this look at...

Skate America 

Cup of China 

 Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani USA Free Dance to Evolution: Mirror In Mirror by Anne Akiko Meyers, Akira Eguchi, Evolution: Anyone Like You (Club Mix) by Digitize: Her deep royal blue shirred and sequined dress was very pretty. I loved the top's detail. His was modern and sleek. Overall, I think these looks worked... nothing earth shattering, but beautiful. 

Madison Hubbell and Zac Donohue Short Dance to Blues: Feeling Good performed by Nina Simone, Hip Hop Medley: I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of these costumes worn by Hubbell and Donohue for their Short Dance. I LOVED their Free Dance ones but these, were a a bit disappointing. I just felt that hers stretch black lace with cropped tank top--and--blue athletic stripes look was a bit tacky; like a look a background dancer or cheerleader would be forced to wear at the Soul Train Awards or basketball game. 

Madison Chock and Evan Bates Free Dance to Under Pressure by David Bowie, Freddie Mercury: I LOVED these costumes worn by Chock and Bates for their Free Dance to David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. The costumes were new (see photos below of what they wore before) and I really liked the change. They were chic, modern yet retro and still reflective of the music. Her purple costume with asymmetrical fishtail hemline and blue-and-orange sequin detail was vibrant, fun and HOT! I also liked his delicately sequined knit top that (if you were paying attention) also featured a slight asymmetrical hemline (like hers).   

Here's what they had worn before during the same Free Dance:

Which costumes do you like best? the new ones or the black ones above?

Until next time...