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Lifestyle

Figure skating outfits that landed it -- or not

Sasha Cohen Skating fans thrill to Cohen’s ballet sensibilities, her flexibility of a yoga instructor, her striking porcelain features. If only she could stay on her feet. But it doesn’t hurt to have Badgley Mischka in your corner. In 2004, Cohen skated one of her finest performances to date in a “Swan Lake”-inspired costume created by the American design duo.
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Sasha Cohen

Skating fans thrill to Cohen’s ballet sensibilities, her flexibility of a yoga instructor, her striking porcelain features. If only she could stay on her feet. But it doesn’t hurt to have Badgley Mischka in your corner. In 2004, Cohen skated one of her finest performances to date in a “Swan Lake”-inspired costume created by the American design duo.  (Jacques Demarthon / AFP / Getty Images)
Michelle Kwan With nine national titles, the most decorated skater in U.S. history had a not-so-secret weapon: Vera Wang. A former competitive skater, Wang also designed for Nancy Kerrigan’s almost-golden moment at the 1994 Olympics. Kwan wore several designs by Wang over the years, including this dress at the 2004 national championships. Several competitors flocked to the runway in response, including Italy’s Carolina Kostner, who has worn costumes designed by Roberto Cavalli.
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Michelle Kwan

With nine national titles, the most decorated skater in U.S. history had a not-so-secret weapon: Vera Wang. A former competitive skater, Wang also designed for Nancy Kerrigan’s almost-golden moment at the 1994 Olympics. Kwan wore several designs by Wang over the years, including this dress at the 2004 national championships. Several competitors flocked to the runway in response, including Italy’s Carolina Kostner, who has worn costumes designed by Roberto Cavalli.  (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
Scott Hamilton Is he a figure skater or a luge champion? With Scott Hamilton it was hard to tell. The 1984 Olympic gold medalist rebelled against his sport’s rhinestone zeitgeist, opting instead for athletic racing suits in patriotic colors. Exhibition skating is a different story, however. A founder of the Stars on Ice tour, Hamilton is no stranger to leather pants or a tuxedo with tassels traversing the sleeves.
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Scott Hamilton

Is he a figure skater or a luge champion? With Scott Hamilton it was hard to tell. The 1984 Olympic gold medalist rebelled against his sport’s rhinestone zeitgeist, opting instead for athletic racing suits in patriotic colors. Exhibition skating is a different story, however. A founder of the Stars on Ice tour, Hamilton is no stranger to leather pants or a tuxedo with tassels traversing the sleeves.  (AFP / Getty Images)
Johnny Weir Subtlety is not in Johnny Weir’s vocabulary. After a performance meltdown at the 2003 nationals, Weir ditched traditional garb and began sketching designs for phantasmagoric costumes that have pushed the flamboyance factor in men’s skating. Critics cry foul, but Weir delights in the attention. “To be accepted worldwide, American skaters need to understand that excess is necessary. And I take credit for that.”
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Johnny Weir

Subtlety is not in Johnny Weir’s vocabulary. After a performance meltdown at the 2003 nationals, Weir ditched traditional garb and began sketching designs for phantasmagoric costumes that have pushed the flamboyance factor in men’s skating. Critics cry foul, but Weir delights in the attention. “To be accepted worldwide, American skaters need to understand that excess is necessary. And I take credit for that.”  (Amy Sancetta / Associated Press)
Jeremy Abbott The reigning U.S. men’s champion and a rising star on the international scene also has given in to glamour this season. Denver-based costume designer Joey Santos created this long-program look that Abbott wore in Vancouver, Canada in February — a violet Lycra top with black stretch lace that snaked across his torso and down his right arm.
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Jeremy Abbott

The reigning U.S. men’s champion and a rising star on the international scene also has given in to glamour this season. Denver-based costume designer Joey Santos created this long-program look that Abbott wore in Vancouver, Canada in February — a violet Lycra top with black stretch lace that snaked across his torso and down his right arm.  (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
Evan Lysacek “In my own clothing, I like simple, but something that has texture. Something that’s architectural and design-oriented,” the 23-year-old skater says. “That’s what I’ve looked for in my costumes as well.” An example: this intricately pleated shirt worn with black pants at the 2008 U.S. nationals.
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Evan Lysacek

“In my own clothing, I like simple, but something that has texture. Something that’s architectural and design-oriented,” the 23-year-old skater says. “That’s what I’ve looked for in my costumes as well.” An example: this intricately pleated shirt worn with black pants at the 2008 U.S. nationals.  (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)

Figure skating fans may thrill to the jumps and spins, but it’s the pageantry that keeps us watching. Sometimes a skater wears the costume; sometimes it’s the other way around. Here’s a snapshot of memorable (and a few forgettable) style moments in skating history.

-- Andrew Harmon

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