5. Gracie Gold: "Grieg Piano Concerto"
At nationals Gracie showed up looking like an entirely different skater. I wasn't the biggest Gracie fan but even I had to admit the transformation was stunning. The dress was very Christmas gala at City Hall-ish but it worked for her. Red is a great color for Gracie and this shade of red was beautiful on her. I liked the v-shaped neckline and the open back of this dress as well. The detailing on the hip of the dress looked kinda messy up close, but it was fine from a distance. The high bun and simple makeup gave her a classic and very mature look. It's obvious Frank's repackaged version of Gracie Gold was just what the doctor ordered and exactly what the USFSA wanted to see.
4. Carolina Kostner: "Ave Maria"
Carolina's mid-season switch from "Humoresque" to "Ave Maria" required a costume change and I really liked what she came up with. I loved the simplicity of this dress: the deep v-neckline, sheer long sleeves, open back and a single layered sheer skirt were all very basic. It was the Swarovski elements that really made this one sparkle...literally. The darker crystals created an ombre effect, resulting in a very subtle but beautiful dress. I loved its understated elegance and the way it shimmered. It floated just as effortlessly as Carolina did and was the perfect compliment to this gorgeous program.
3. Julia Lipnitskaya: "You Don't Give Up On Love"
Julia started off the season wearing this but, thankfully, by Cup of Russia someone wised up and got her to change dresses. Losing the little girl look helped to showcase the improvements Julia made to her skating over the summer. I think this dress was lovely on her. I loved the sheer navy blue sleeves and the way they shimmered; the lighter blue design around the bodice and the matching layer of the skirt created a lovely effect; the back of the dress was pretty as well; and even though she wore gloves, they matched very well to her skin tone. The hair and very subtle makeup tied the whole look together. She was definitely the best dressed of the Russian ladies this year.
2. Ashley Wagner: "Shine on You Crazy Diamond"
I think Ashley did a great job of capturing the feel of her SP music with this dress. It's a little edgy and a little sexy just like Ashley's program. I loved all of the black sheer and crystals especially the ones around the waist and collar of the dress. I loved the V-design in the front and the open back gave it a sexy kick. Ashley's makeup was great, especially the red lipstick (perfect pop of color) and no one rocks the ponytail like Ashley...except for Jason Brown of course. Ashley's swingy ponytail gave the look that extra bit of sass and tied the whole thing together. I thought she looked fierce.
1. Mao Asada: "Nocturne"
Mao's signature color is definitely lavender or some other light shade of purple. Every time she wears this color she looks absolutely amazing. She had two SP dresses this season and while both were lovely, this one is my favorite. I loved the sweetheart neckline of the dress; Mao doesn't usually wear sweetheart necklines...she should because she looks great in them. I loved the jeweled detailing around the neck of this dress and the way it flowed to the design in the back. I wasn't sure about the fluffy part of the bodice but it works with the rest of the dress. I loved the ombre effect of the four-layered skirt and it flowed so beautifully with her movements. Mao's classic bun and soft makeup were the perfect touches to complete the look. Paired together with her "Nocturne" program, Mao was nothing short of gorgeous. This is the best SP look she's had in years...
Honorable Mention
Yu-Na Kim: "Send in the Clowns"
I wasn't a fan of this dress...at all really. I did think the detailing on the bodice was very intricate and lovely, but I didn't like the color and the overall style of it was very blah/boring, especially for someone as gorgeous as Yu-Na. The reason I give her honorable mention is because she stuck with this one, despite the initial rumblings about fans not liking it. It was to the point even reporters were asking her if she had plans to change it. Yu-Na stuck to her guns and kept the dress, and eventually (some) people came to love it. I admire her for that.
Which one was your favorite? Don't forget to vote on the poll!
More Off Season Fun to come! I'll talk a look at the Free Skate next...
Thank you for your honorable mention, that yellow dress is indeed my most favorite of the season. I hate it at first, really, but because of Yuna and her performance I fall in love the dress lately.
ReplyDeleteMe too. In fact I grew to love it.
DeleteI love Yuna's dress! The color is what makes it for me.
ReplyDeleteSomeone called Gracie Gold's dress "Jingle Bell Rock" and it's a bit too much of that for me.
I actually really like the original 'Humoresque' dress Carolina had as well.
I ended up voting for Mao in the poll.
I agree with most of those, but I actually didn't like Julia's... It just feels out of place with her
ReplyDelete