Satin Stitches, Ltd. | Designed For a Sensational Performance

© Deborah J. Nelson/Satin Stitches Ltd.

So many blog topics this week, and so little time!  I was all set to blog about one topic, when I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the many costumes that our Minnesota high school dance teams were wearing at our State Tournament this last week.  Such decisions!

Johnny Weir at the 2006 Torino Olympics, skating to THE SWAN, dressed as a swan!

But the Olympics are on-so many news and entertainment organizations are featuring stories related to these grand global games.

And then my husband exclaimed, a few nights ago, wondering if I had seen the list of 10 worst figure skating costumes.

If you are not aware, my husband is NOT from the world of fashion or costuming, or even from any artistic design media of any sort.  He is an electrical/manufacturing ENGINEER.  If any of you are familiar with engineers, you know that function far outweighs fashion, with anything they work with.  So it is always a treat to get his take on fashions and costumes!

The article, posted online at time.com is titled, “Culture Clash-The Top 10 Worst Figure-Skating Costumes.”  It was compiled by William Lee Adams and posted on February 15, 2010.  It showcases the most outrageous costumes of the last 20 years.  It is hysterical if you have an interest in costuming or even if you are an engineer!

My hubby-engineer was nearly hysterical about how outrageous these designs were.  Of course I had to take a look!

You HAVE to take a look!

Each of the ten designs is showcased with a YouTube video, for you to see the costumes in action, in all their glory.

There is a lesson in this article.  I have said it before, and I will say it again.  Everyone is NOT a designer!

Do you wonder which of these unfortunate costumes were designed by the skaters, the coaches, the choreographers, or sponsors?  Which were designed by a professional designer with or without the help of their client?  I certainly am pondering,

And I am shaking my head, saying to myself-WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!

I highly recommend that you ALWAYS consult with a trained, professional designer to see if your ideas are a good idea.  A little professional perspective can go a long way, so your team or solo dance costume does NOT end up in a 10 Worst Costumes list!