Satin Stitches, Ltd. | Designed For a Sensational Performance

© Deborah J. Nelson/Satin Stitches Ltd.

Last week was glitzier and more sophisticated than what I’m seeing this week. My biggest remembrance from Week 5 was that the costuming was generally really beautiful and sophisticated. Probably, because showcased dancers, are beautiful and sophisticated. This week, with the All-American Jive and the Sensual Rumba, I’m not seeing costuming that is as sophisticated.

Last week I also really enjoyed the Macy’s Stars of Dance costuming. Wow. The red FIRE skirts on the male dancers. I will say it again. Wow! Did you notice how the silk skirt sections looked just like flames of fire? And the girls red costumes were very attractive and oh yes, I will say it again. THE STRAPS were part of the costume, NOT that annoying orange-nude elastic. Yes, the elastic that we are supposed to pretend that we don’t see, but then the tops would be suspended in mid-air! THANK YOU!!!!!! It was like an early Easter present to me-almost better than chocolate bunnies!

Does any one know if Randall costumes the Macy’s Stars of Dance, or do they come on with their own costumes? I know he does the dance pros extra costuming, when they dance to the musical guests. Karina and Maksim dazzled. One question: How did Karina keep her beaded, gray costume ON? If there were elastic straps, I didn’t see them! The back was so, so open with a nice drape, and something on the shoulders that didn’t seem to stretch.

Last week, Julianne and Chuck performed the Viennese Waltz. Julianne wore a feminine and young, pastel pink chiffon gown that would have been termed ‘classic’, except for the cute little ruffle under the stoned bodice, which gave it the youngness that she should show. Her small arm drapes on her upper arms and the modestly low back were lovely. Rhinestoned straps would have been prettier. Chuck was tailored and safe, elegant but boring in his double-breasted vest with matching pant, white shirt and black tie.

Eydta’s costume was stunningly beautiful, but yes, very naked! It had a flowing charmeuse skirt and a flowing sleeve-drape-bra with the usual annoying elastic, but still, really pretty with lots of decorative rhinestoning. And Lawrence actually had a real costume on, for their Paso Doble. It was a very classy brown matador look with gold trim, just enough to make it a costume, but not too much to make it costume-y.

Shawn’s white chiffon Viennese Waltz gown wasn’t as flattering as it could have been. The raw-edged ruffles on the bodice were a little edgy, but created too much volume for her. The deep V neckline created nice diagonal lines, though. The small drape from the back of the halter neckline was sized right, and not distracting, but the seemingly required orange-nude elastic straight across the back, was distracting. It wasn’t as young-looking as Julianne’s gown, even with stoning in a flower design. It should have been. Mark’s light gray vest and pant ensemble was classy but boring. And yes, I am aware that boring is not always a bad thing.

Melissa looked hot, again, with a gypsy or Carmen looking, red Bohemian 2-piece costume with low-slung belt. Her off-the-shoulders look was nice, and the outfit was suitably glitzy. A great costume, but her partner scored a big TEN, from me, for his matador-inspired Paso Doble outfit. Tony wore a manly black beaded lace applique-trimmed red vest with black satin shirt and cummerbund with nice, tight dance pants. It was smokin’ hot-great job Randall! But I am not a fan of the jeweled lower back tattoo on Melissa.

Kym and David danced the Viennese Waltz in red. Her hip-band and bra had beautiful beaded, applique-looking detailing. The drape and orange-nude elastic were distracting to me, but the flowing chiffon-skirted costume was elegant. David’s costume had some spark-with the bright red ascot accenting the formal tail-suit. His outfit got high marks from me, even though he got low marks from the judges and audience, and was eliminated.

What can I say? Gilles had the HOTTEST look with no shirt, to start off his Paso Doble with Cheryl. She smoothly slipped it on him, and oh, what a jacket! The exquisite lace was emblazoned with rhinestones-the ultimate in feminine details for a masculine matador jacket, teamed with the high-waisted dance pant. Ooh, la la! A two-snaps up-TEN for his costume, that matched his performance. Unfortunately Cheryl disappointed me with her very Spanish-looking dress. The white top with black detailing didn’t match the richness of her partner’s jacket. The rest of the dress was good. It had a great silhouette, and the white accenting the edges of the ruffles was a nice touch. Not enough glitz for Cheryl and not enough richness to her bodice detailing. Maybe it was the color, as it might have been more striking in a rich red or passionate purple.

Steve-O was adorable in his purple and black French artist-mime costume, for his Viennese Waltz routine. Lacey was young, romantic and edgy in her matching sheer, tiered skirted dress. It may have been too simple for my taste, and oh, I did not appreciate the elastic straps. But it went well with Steve-Os look.

Cheslie went with a funky, animal printed bustier look for her Paso Doble routine with Ty. I enjoyed the red lining on her printed skirt, along with the glitziness of it. I didn’t enjoy the elastic straps. Ty was wearing a simple, classic Matador costume with high-waisted pants. It was elegant and tailored well. He didn’t look as out of place wearing it, as he did with his Paso Doble dance steps.

Finally, Lil’ Kim didn’t disappoint in her pastel pink (was it pink?) Viennese Waltz gown, encrusted with oh-so-many rhinestones. Her gown was classic, elegant and tailored. She is short, but Randall’s design elongated her nicely. It had a covered front midriff with real straps on the back, making it even more elegant!  And the surprise flashes of was-it-yellow and purple?-in the arm drape and the under layers of the skirt, really added extra dimension to the costume. Derek didn’t match with his ensemble. He looked like he had just picked up a black satin shirt and tie out of International Mail catalog. Luckily his dance steps and choreography always hits the mark.

All in all, a beautifully costumed episode, but with too many orange-nude elastic straps to distract. The guys were classical, but generally boring.