Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Trophée Eric Bompard Grand Prix of France--The Men!!

A Folies Bergère MC, a Xanadu RoboCop and a Nymph...It's Time for the Boys of Grand Prix France!

Folies Bergère Host: Want to know what I thought of this lovely costume for France's Florent Amodio? Well, keep reading kids...

This weekend is the fifth in a series of six ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series, Trophée Eric Bompard Grand Prix of France and it is happening at the Bercy Arena in Paris France. Organized by the Federation Française des Sports de Glace, which translates to the French Federation of "Sports on Ice" or Figure Skating (doesn't it sound so much fancier en Francais??). The Grand Prix of France is called Trophée Eric Bompard, since the cashmere clothing company has been its chief sponsor since 2004. So, let's get to the important stuff: the Costumes! And with this post, we'll start with The Men.

Canada Gold: Patrick Chan of Canada won his second gold medal Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2011-12012 series. I've discussed his fashion during the Grand Prix of Canada in this previous post HERE so I won't go into it again, just to say: Love his skating, love his costumes! Go Patrick!!

Adam Rippon of the USA: Curly-haired cutie Adam Rippon almost got to the podium in Paris France (he ended up 4th). First of all, I just realized he was born THREE years AFTER I graduated from High School! (yep, it's official: I am OLD!!!). Moving on...I really liked his Free Skate costume to "Air" and "Toccata & Fugue" by Johann Sebastian Bach. The salmon-pink-grey ombre dyed draped top was sensuous, Grecian and may I add, a fabulous alternative to all those cheesy "buttoned-down dress shirts" or blouson "Men's Figure Skating blouses" that many of the other men find a need to wear! I wish the color was a bit stronger but I "get it" that it's subdued and elegant. He looks like a Nymph in a Nureyev ballet!

Michal Brezina of Czech Republic: Michal got the third place Bronze Medal at the Grand Prix of France (blame him for not letting Rippon have a spot on the podium). Now, I've already given my "Nick Two Cents" on his Free Skate to "Untouchables" HERE. Basically, it was half Eliot Ness/half Gay Boy in Mykonos! But let's discuss his Short Program look which he skated to Japanese Kodo Drums. He wore a black crew-neck top and pants with white wrapped "belt" and wrist "ties". The top had sequined appliques of a dragon and a snake. I appreciated that he didn't go all out Samurai Shogun Warrior but rather sexy Euro Boy hinting at the Japanese Culture. Good job.

Florent Amodio of France: Oh Florent--Without even knowing it, he is becoming the "Johnny Weir of France"--with his over-the-top costumes. Brazilian-born Amodio can't help but add a little bit of his South American blood into all his ensembles. Although he was an infant when he was adopted and brought to France, you'd think he was ALL RIO! I've talked about his "Tony The Tiger" meets "Lion King On Ice" costume for his Free Skate HERE. But somehow, I haven't discussed this muted purple and bubblegum pink sequined (OH Lordy, all those words TOGETHER!) tuxedo vest, jumpsuit ensemble. He skates in this get-up to (wait for it!) George Gershwin's "Summertime" and "Jumpin Jack" by Big Voodoo Daddy. He looks like the host of a Folies Bergère show...in Lake Tahoe! Oh, and are those mini tied bows around his gloved wrists??? Je t'aime Amodio!

Song Nan of China: Finally, I want to talk about Chinese figure skater Song Nan and his Short program costume. "Requiem for a Dream" Soundtrack by Clint Mansell . The Darren Aronofsky cult film depicts addiction, leading to the characters’ imprisonment in a world of delusion and reckless desperation that is subsequently overtaken and devastated by reality. His costume, however, is giving me, "RoboCop" meets "Xanadu" meets "Blades of Glory". He's like an extra at the "Princess Cruises Blade Runner EXTRAVAGANZA"!

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: NHK Trophy 2011--The Men!

Oh The Boys...

Gold Medal Boy: Japan's Daisuke Takahashi skated an electrifying Free Skate which got him the top prize. His Free Skate costume was not a favorite of mine, unfortunately. I am just NOT A FAN of the tucked-in shirt, black pants and belt look. A BELT!!! Seriously???

This weekend was the Grand Prix of Japan--also called the 2011 NHK Trophy--held in Sapporo Japan. The event is organized by the Japan Skating Federation. As is custom, I have to give my "Nick V. Figure Skating Costumes" Two Cents to all the Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. And of course, this was no exception.

First up: The Men...

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan: I wasn't a fan of his Free Skate costume (see above why) but I did like his Short Program ensemble. He's known for his (slightly) over-the-top costumes but for this season, they've been pretty tame. Daisuke is looking leaner and meaner--and also more sensual (yes, I said that!), and I really liked his "In The Garden of Souls" look. The slicked back hair, the fluttery chiffon with sequins top...the overall effect was actually quite disarming and beautiful at the same time.

Takahiko Kozuka of Japan: Silver Medalist Takahiko Kozuka wore the same outfit for his "Fantasia for Nausicaa" Free Skate that he wore at Skate America. I didn't like it then and I still don't like it...The tucked-in shirt, black pants and belt from "Men's Wearhouse" is TIRED and oh so 1992.

Ross Miner of the USA: Ross got the third place Bronze (Go Ross!) and I liked his "The Untouchables" Free Skate costume. It was sleek and modern. I would have liked a little color but the blue-black contrast seaming and detail was enough for me. He looked like a detective in the future--like in the year 2052!

Samuel Contesti of Italy: 4th place Contesti wore a very creative and "costume-y" ensemble for his Free Skate to "La Vie En Rose" ,"Ca Gaze" and "La Valse a Mile Temps". He looked like a cross between a French waiter in some Parisian Left Bank Cafe and Marcel Marceau:

The red-and-white striped shirt, the suspenders/braces and the neck scarf were fun and classic Contesti! I guess I was just happy to see a male competitor NOT wearing a belted ensemble and giving an interesting interpretation to the music he was skating to.

Tomas Verner of the Czech Republic: 5th Place Tomas skated his Short Program to the hip hop version of "Carmina Burana" wearing a very interesting all black with belted detail costume that looked like a futurist tux and straight jacket from a sanitarium--all at the same time! I actually liked it. Just for the fact that it was different.

Now, for his "Sing Sing Sing" and "La Vie En Rose" Free Skate, he went with a bright blue and bubblegum pink argyle/diamond print oversized necktie, suspenders, white pleated tuxedo shirt and black pants. Yes, I LOVE pops of color and therefore, me likey--I'd love to have an ascot in that print and Lord knows I would even wear it!!

Tatsuki Machida of Japan: His "Don Quixote" Free Skate costume was one of my favorites. The black with gold applique bolero jacket, pants and white shirt were a perfect backdrop to the music.

Brandon Mroz of the USA: Finally, there is Brandon Mroz. Brandon mesmerized the Sapporo Japan audience as he landed a quadruple lutz in an international competition at the 2011 NHK Trophy in his "Mack The Knife" Short Program. It was UNBELIEVABLE!! His black shirt, pin-striped trousers and undone bow tie costume worked seamlessly with the music. Ten "Nick Figure Skating Costume Points"!

For his Free Skate to Bizet's "Carmen", he wore a blood-red ruffled neckline shirt, a sleeveless Toreador sequined-and-flower appliqued vest and very skinny high-waited bull-fighter pants. His costume was Fabulous. I liked a vest interpretation to the iconic Toreador jacket. He did look a little like a Bulgarian folklore dancer but I was happy he "gave" costume! Unfortunately, his skating fell short and did not have the passion that a "Carmen" performance should exude. I think he needs to go to Madrid or Sevilla, take in a Flamenco show, get some lessons or go see a bullfight! Hopefully, next time his performance and skating will match the passion of his costume.

*Next Up: More Grand Prix of Japan/NHK Trophy 2011 Costumes! Stay tuned...

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Skate America 2011--The Men!

Oh Boy!!!

GRRRRR: Florent Amodio of France vibes "Tony The Tiger" at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate America 2011

Continuing with my "Nick Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" for this past weekend's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Skate America 2011/2012, now it's the Men's turn!! The Top Medalists at this year's Skate America were Michal Brezina from the Czech Republic who got the Gold, Belgium's Kevin Van Der Perren received the Silver, and Bronze went to Japan's Takahiko Kozuka. No American got one of the top three spots unfortunately.

Speaking of Americans, 2010 Olympic Champion and 2009/2010 Grand Prix Champion Evan Lysacek from the US was supposed to be at this past weekend's Skate America competition. But then, as a result of the US Figure Skating Association not paying him the fee he was asking for, he decided not to come. Too bad for us, let's hope he gets it all sorted out by the National Championships so we can see a new Vera Wang creation!

The Top Men: Silver Medalist Belgium's Kevin Van der Perren, Gold Medalist Czech Republic's Michal Brezina, Bronze Medalist Japan's Takahiko Kozuka

Now, let's talk costumes: I don't know what's happened in the last few years--maybe it's a "Johnny Weir Phenomena" but...the Men's Costumes are getting GLITZIER and more "Blades of Glory" Fab-u-licious. Well, for most of the boys. There are a still a few men who like to keep it on the "DL" when it comes to their costumes. But, naturally, I am happy when they "QUEEN OUT", as I like to say. Let's see who did and who should've:

Michal Brezina: For his Free Skate, he skated to "The Untouchables". When he first stepped on the ice, I noticed the half-something and half-something else costume. For some reason, his costume was half "Eliot Ness" and the other half "Boy at a Mykonos Dance Club". First, it had a dress shirt with rolled-up sleeve with a sleeve garter and a bias-cut plaid-ish vest (that was the Eliot Ness "detective" side). The other side featured a very short sleeved t-shirt and half of a sexy tank top. Umm, OK... Detective from 9-5, and then sexy dance club Go-Go boy afterward, I guess. I think he should have gone ALL OUT and half of his pants should have been shorty-shorts too! What do you think? KIDDING!

Florent Amodio: France's (by way of Brazil) Florent Amodio skated to a "Latin Medley" for his Free Skate. What a tiger-print leotard with matching tiger-print fingerless gloves, apple-green under shirt collar and black velvet bedazzled pants, have to do with "Latino" is beyond me. But on a "Nick Scale" of "HUUUUNEEEY!!!", he gets a TEN! He looked like a cross between a Gay "Tony The Tiger" and "The Lion King On Ice" skating performer. He takes my Top Costume Honors for "Skate America: Most QUEENED out!".

Richard Dornbush: For his Free Skate, cutie American Richard Dornbush skated to "A Fistful of Dollars" and "Ecstasy of Gold" Medley. I LOVED his Western get-up. It was simple, to-the-point and performance appropriate, all at the same time. I don't know why but all I wanted to do was hit the ice and do some Line Dancin' with him!!! Clearly, his friends did too as they all were in the audience dressed in Western Attire! Too cute!

Kevin Van der Perren: Belgium's Kevin Van der Perren, the resident "HOTTIE" of the group, did not disappoint his fans, in terms of his costume and showing well, how much he works out! He skated his Free Skate to music from "The Man in the Iron Mask". The movie centers around the aging "Three Musketeers" and his costume had those overt suggestions of the movie's period including the "Slashed" sleeve, neckline lacing, the oversized belt buckle, and torso silhouette of a period Jerkin.

But it was TIGHTER than TIGHT--and bedazzled!! So, I guess, this was the "Van der Perren Muscle Musketeer"! Somehow in this, Kevin still looked masculine, strong, and sexy, all at the same time. Another skater might have added TEN feathers and a big Hat but I'm glad "Kevin the Hottie" didn't go there.

Daisuke Murakami: For his Free Skate, Daisuke skated to "Gladiator" by Hans Zimmer. His costume featured lots of faux leather strapping, "Gladiator Gold" accessories and crystals strewn throughout. It looked a little bit like a Halloween costume one buys on Hollywood Blvd--you know, the ones that come in a bag. It seemed a little half-done for me. And the random crystals seemed ill-placed. I would have loved a Total and Complete Gladiator costume and maybe instead of the faux leather straps, make them all be thousands of Swarovski crystals!!

Takahiko Kozuka: One word--BORING! He skated to something called "Fantasia for Nausicca". This costume--if you could called it that--had me nauseous for how underwhelming, un-theatrical and dated it was. It was very Todd Eldredge circa 1992! And what is with that belt? It's like he suddenly realized that he didn't have a costume for his Free Skate so he went to the closest "Ross Dress For Less" near the Arena and picked this up. Takahiko, please try a little bit harder next time---or fire your Costume Designer. Pretty Please?

*Up Next: The Ice Dancers Costumes!!!

Nick Verreos Rates the Figure Skating Costumes: U.S. Nationals 2011--The Men & my UniversalSports.com Figure Skating Blog!

Oh Boy!

Le Men: (Left to Right) Richard Dornbush, Gold Medalist Ryan Bradley, Ross Miner and Jeremy Abbott, 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Last week, the 2011 U.S Figure Skating Championships occurred in Greensboro, North Carolina and I talked about the Ladies, Pairs and Ice Dance Costumes HERE--but I didn't want to leave the Men behind...So now, here goes MY MEN...well, my "Nick V. Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents" on what the top competing men wore.

Let's begin with two-time U.S. National Champion Jeremy Abbott:

Jeremy Abbott: Short Program

For his Short Program, Jeremy Abbott skated to "Viejos Aires"--a Tango. I like seeing the non-vest-and-pin-striped-trouser Jeremy so it's "refreshing" when he does this "costumey" short program. There's a little "Victor/Victoria"--or is it "Victor/Victor" element to it with the half vest/half jacket look but, it works. I also love that he really embraces the entire ensemble--from head to toe--and even slicks his hair in an intense manner, to match the intensity of the sequined black and white costume as well as the powerful Tango program.

Jeremy Abbott: Long Program

For his Long Program, he skates to "Life Is Beautiful" and yes, it's a little yawn-inducing but I like the subtle sequins in the plaid vest and I have to concur that for that music, the costume works. I guess the Fashion Designer in me would love to see...well, a little more but I understand what he was going for.

Richard Dornbush: 2011 US National Silver Medalist

Richard skated to "Sherlock Holmes" and his costume reflected this: The ubiquitous vest (this is really THE staple go-to piece for Male Figure Skaters!). I liked the tie, and the contrasting patterns. He's young and anything more flashy would not be right. Thank Goodness, the sleeves were fitted and modern as opposed to some big ol' Leg-o'Mutton Blouson Sleeves he could have gone with. He had a PHENOMENAL night, so really everything else is just secondary!

Ross Miner: 2011 US National Bronze Medalist

Ross skated (beautifully I might add--one of my favorites!) to "Casablanca" and honestly this was a definite yawn of a costume. I don't want him to look like a Moroccan Souk Rug Salesman, but I also don't like him looking like part of the Catering team at someone's Bar Mitzvah! Although he did accent the crisp white shirt with some fabulous cuff links, I really want him to spice it up next time (costume wise)...just a little bit!

Keegan Messing: Long Program

OK, now here's someone who tried to "spice it up", but it didn't work. Poor Keegan. He skated to "The Hulk" but his costume was more Cirque Du Soleil...on a budget! It failed on all levels. It looks as if he went to "Hollywood Toys and Costume" on Hollywood Blvd. and bought a costume in a bag. And then decided to wear it...to the U.S. Nationals! The top did not go with the pants and that brown (?) belt with the silver diamante buckle further dumbfounded me.

But now...

Ryan Bradley: 2011 US Nationals Gold Medalist

Ryan won the Gold and became the "Comeback Kid" of the 2011 U.S. Nationals! I absolutely ADORE him! He is my new secret crush! (well, not so secret now). He could wear a Garbage Bag as a costume and I would be like "You Go Ryan!". For his Long Program, he skated to an "Amadeus/Mozart Medley" wearing a ruffled neckline blouse, fitted jacket/brocade vest and very fitted pants. It was "Amadeus: The Hot Calendar Guy" version! I, personally, would have taken this look even further and been even more playful giving him a real foppish quality to his costume, but like I said, he can do no wrong in my book!

Ryan Bradley: Short Program

Now, speaking of HOT: Ryan Bradley in his "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" ensemble, which he wore when he brought the house down skating to his Short Program. This was my FAVORITE costume for ALL the men skaters! Now THIS is how you do ARMY. If this is what the Recruits/ROTC would have dressed like in high school...huney, then I might have skipped UCLA and my Fashion Design studies and signed up!

Boogie Woogie Ryan

Ryan gets my "At-a-Boy Nick Verreos Figure Skating Costume Fashion Gold Medal" of the 2011 U.S. Nationals for this fabulous sexy yet still somewhat traditional, but still "campy" (in it's own very TIGHT stretch woven fabric sort of way). I'm sure lots of girls in the audience wanted to put on a 40's snood, a fitted jacket and A-line skirt and do the Boogie Woogie with him after they saw this! Thank you Ryan for "bringing it"--in your wonderful skating, as well as in your costumes!


For My Complete "Fashion Review" of the US Figure Skating Nationals: Go to Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com "Go Figure" Blog and Photo Slide Show of my "Figure Skating Fashion Two Cents", Click HERE and HERE!