If you've been following my Tweets or "Ooo... I Like It!" you've probably figured out that I am a huge figure skating fan. My sisters and I first began following the sport in 2005, and since then it's become a very fun thing to enjoy together. Figure skating is a culmination of athleticism, artistry, fashion, dance and music - all things that we thoroughly enjoy. That said, it is my intention to continue to cover the major figure skating events for this blog (click here to see my posts from last season), focusing, of course, mainly on the fashion side of things.
Obviously, everyone has opinions on whether or not even the most conservative figure skating costumes are "modest", but I am not going to get into that whole thing right now. :) As with my coverage of the red carpet fashion, I show my favorite photos to hopefully inspire and give you pretty, fashiony ideas... and I leave the yucky ones out of it.
The pairs championship was full of drama, with two time national champions Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker fighting through a disastrous short program and placing 5th in the final standings. It was sad to see such an graceful and classy team do so badly when it counted, but in my opinion, they did manage to carry off the award for the best dressed team in the competition.
During the short program, Keauna wore a beautifully made burgundy gown, with a ribbed knit waist and rhinestone straps. The split skirt is made of layers of chiffon and dusted with glittery spangles. Rockne's outfit consisted of a simple grey tee shirt and pants - and I thought the costumes worked perfectly together.
For the free skate, they matched a bit too much for my taste, but Keauna once again choose a dress that suited her well and had a lot of lovely details. One-sleeved - in a brilliant burnt orange shade - it is full of nice touches, from the choker neckline all the way to the contrasting skirt drapery. I love the studded accents and the large gold pins. Keauna also wore a flower hair accent during both programs... so pretty!
The pairs competition is one of my lesser favorites and was rather lacking in the awesome fashion department. Gold medalists Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett turned in incredible performances but their costumes weren't so pretty. Caydee's short program "firebird" look was interesting, but nothing special. None of the other medalists provided real fashion interest (the pairs category can be so "matchy-matchy" and too bright and garish :P) - seventh place finishers Amanda Dobbs and Joseph Jacobsen probably wearing the best in the competition.
The ice dance competition is one of our favorites to watch and looks to be very exciting, with former training mates Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto (5 time US champions and Olympic silver medalists) and Meryl Davis and Charlie White (reigning US champions and 2009 Grand Prix Final champions) vying for the gold. The latter came out on top in the Compulsory Dance (by a mere .40) and were also my top pic in the fashion department.
Meryl took to the ice in a brilliant purple dress (what a way to showcase a big trend! ;) - ruched around the waist and accented all over with sequins - with a flared skirt in layers of chiffon. The collar and straps across the back are ornately beaded with rhinestones and Meryl's wearing a matching "bracelet" and exquisite hair piece. Of course, Charlie looks very nice in his tux. ;)
Runners up in the fashion category of the compulsory dance were the popular team of Kimberly Navarro and Brent Bommentre. Of course, Brent is just wearing the traditional nice tux, popular for performing the Golden Waltz, but Kim's dress is really pretty. I love the color transition from neck to hemline - yellow to orange - the sparkly rhinestones and the bejeweled neckline. Such a striking look!
Of course, the big news of the competition has been Sasha Cohen, the 2006 US national champion and Olympic silver medalist. Her comeback has been the talk of the figure skating world and, with this her first competition in nearly four years, there was quite a handful of skeptics. But Sasha proved in Thursday night's short program that she is indeed "back" - finishing less than half a point from first place. Unfortunately, her costume was a disappointment. I thought it was ugly (lace and gloves being "bleh") and not so modest. :P So, I won't share photos, but you can see a complete gallery of her program by clicking here.
As far as the best dressed of the ladies competition, I think I would give the award to Ashley Wagner (currently in 4th place). Her costume is not only lovely, but it suits Ashley, her music and her program perfectly. I love the misty greyish blues and the delicate white flowers "blooming" up the side of the dress. So elegant!
Mirai Nagasu - the leader after the short program - wore a black and gold dress with two beaded sunbursts, sequins and a split skirt. It was fun and quirky, just like her personality.
Last year's champion, Alissa Czisny - currently sitting in a disappointing 7th place - also chose a beautiful skating dress. Made in beautiful shades of grey, blue and purple, it laces up the front beneath a ruched bodice and tiny puffed sleeves - enhanced by bold sequined trim.
Caroline Zhang, another favorite skater of mine, looked as beautiful as always in an ethereal black and red chiffon dress, with delicate, shimmering leaves sweeping up over the bodice - and a beautiful hairpiece. Unfortunately, this talented young skater has been hampered by injury this season and sits in 11th place going into Saturday's free program...
As for the men's event, I only saw bits and pieces but it looked very exciting. The fashion side of things... not so much. Which is why I don't cover it on the blog. (There! I've said it! Now no one ask me when the Olympic games come around next month. ;)
I'll be posting Part 2 of this series next Tuesday, after the Ladies and Ice Dance competitions conclude. Meanwhile, who's fashion is you favorite? And who are you cheering for in the upcoming Olympics?
Images: Passport to Gold / Zimbio / Icenetwork.com
P.S. So sorry that the post is up late today. Sickness and family obligations delayed me. Now I'm off to take a nap so I can get better! :)
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