Last week saw the launch of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and we were all thrilled when Jenny Jones of Great Britain brought home our first ever Olympic medal on snow by winning bronze in the snowboarding event. As a keen spectator, one of my favourite events is the figure skating which I have adored since watching Torvill and Dean take gold in 1984 with their incredible Bolero and as a dressmaker, the figure skating costumes always pique my creative interest. Ice skating costumes are designed to catch the eye of the judges and the imagination of the audience leaving a lasting impression on all who are captivated by the breathtaking routines. Made from the highest quality dressmaking fabrics, ice skating costumes should be gaudy and glitzy but comfortable and flexible enough to wear whilst performing amazing feats of athletic prowess.
[caption id="attachment_6383" align="alignleft" width="196"]
Peggy Fleming in a green skating dress,lovingly made by her mum.[/caption]
Having been an avid spectator of the Winter Olympics since childhood, I have noticed the costumes changing and evolving from a simple leotard design of sturdier dressmaking fabrics to a show stopping piece encompassing all manner of dressmaking fabrics and embellishments including diamantes and feathers. For her gold medal winning performance in the 1968 Olympics, Peggy Fleming wore a simple green dress famously crafted by her mother and was bang on trend for the time with her simple leotard with an attached skirt. Linda Fratianne was not only the first female figure skater to land two triple jumps in competition, but she was also responsible for introducing a more glamorous aspect to figure skating costumes and was one of the first ice dancers to begin experimenting with alternative dressmaking fabrics and is acknowledged to be responsible for introducing beads, chiffon and sequins onto the ice.
We don't often think of figure skaters as being fashion icons however, the stars of the ice have been credited with some of the most memorable fashions trends over the years. In 1976, Dorothy Hemmill twirled onto the ice debuting her trademark wedge haircut which had little girls all over the USA dashing to the hairdressers to have their locks chopped in homage to their figure skating hero.
[caption id="attachment_6384" align="alignright" width="277"]
Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov during their gold medal winning performance.[/caption]
During the 1990's, figure skaters began experimenting with stretchier, shinier dressmaking fabrics including crystal adorned lycra and costumes became much more revealing. Tara Lipinski wore a stunning blue, sleeveless number when she took home gold in the 1998 Winter Olympics and throughout the 2000's figure skating costumes have continued to become more elaborate. The understated elegance of Peggy Fleming's outfit is in stark contrast to the costumes worn by the 2014 gold medal winners, Russia. Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov glided onto the ice last week wearing beautiful black and silver costumes inspired by Swan Lake. Elena wore a tulle skirt resembling a swan's feathers with beaded embroidery and sheer black gloves. Setting aside the daring moves and elegant choreography, the costumes are the stand out aspect of any figure skating competition.
Our wide range of dressmaking fabrics are perfect for ice skating costumes, dance costumes, majorette costumes and much more. Our Showtime dressmaking fabrics are particularly popular for dance troupes and theatre companies due to their bright, bold colours and glitzy design. These lightweight dressmaking fabrics are popular for their beautiful drape and the elegant movement as the wearer glides across their stage.
Have you used any of our dressmaking fabrics for costumes? As always, we love to see pictures of your creations on our Facebook page.
Until next time!
Calico Laine
Peggy Fleming in a green skating dress,lovingly made by her mum.[/caption]
Having been an avid spectator of the Winter Olympics since childhood, I have noticed the costumes changing and evolving from a simple leotard design of sturdier dressmaking fabrics to a show stopping piece encompassing all manner of dressmaking fabrics and embellishments including diamantes and feathers. For her gold medal winning performance in the 1968 Olympics, Peggy Fleming wore a simple green dress famously crafted by her mother and was bang on trend for the time with her simple leotard with an attached skirt. Linda Fratianne was not only the first female figure skater to land two triple jumps in competition, but she was also responsible for introducing a more glamorous aspect to figure skating costumes and was one of the first ice dancers to begin experimenting with alternative dressmaking fabrics and is acknowledged to be responsible for introducing beads, chiffon and sequins onto the ice.
We don't often think of figure skaters as being fashion icons however, the stars of the ice have been credited with some of the most memorable fashions trends over the years. In 1976, Dorothy Hemmill twirled onto the ice debuting her trademark wedge haircut which had little girls all over the USA dashing to the hairdressers to have their locks chopped in homage to their figure skating hero.
[caption id="attachment_6384" align="alignright" width="277"] Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov during their gold medal winning performance.[/caption]
During the 1990's, figure skaters began experimenting with stretchier, shinier dressmaking fabrics including crystal adorned lycra and costumes became much more revealing. Tara Lipinski wore a stunning blue, sleeveless number when she took home gold in the 1998 Winter Olympics and throughout the 2000's figure skating costumes have continued to become more elaborate. The understated elegance of Peggy Fleming's outfit is in stark contrast to the costumes worn by the 2014 gold medal winners, Russia. Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov glided onto the ice last week wearing beautiful black and silver costumes inspired by Swan Lake. Elena wore a tulle skirt resembling a swan's feathers with beaded embroidery and sheer black gloves. Setting aside the daring moves and elegant choreography, the costumes are the stand out aspect of any figure skating competition.
Our wide range of dressmaking fabrics are perfect for ice skating costumes, dance costumes, majorette costumes and much more. Our Showtime dressmaking fabrics are particularly popular for dance troupes and theatre companies due to their bright, bold colours and glitzy design. These lightweight dressmaking fabrics are popular for their beautiful drape and the elegant movement as the wearer glides across their stage.
Have you used any of our dressmaking fabrics for costumes? As always, we love to see pictures of your creations on our Facebook page.
Until next time!
Calico Laine