Dancing with the Stars 11 – How Much Does Costuming Effect Votes?
Well, for those that don’t know me well, I am fashion freak. So, watch out for many blogs in the future on Dancing with the Stars and their amazing or sometimes “too gawdy” costuming. lol As some of you may know, the show’s Emmy-winning costumer is Randall Christensen. Last week, The Stylist asks him how he got inspired to come up with Florence Henderson’a ball gown. He writes;
”What a sophisticated, glamorous — and yet sexy — look for our Queen Mom. Our inspiration came from various silhouettes of some of Hollywood’s most famous and glamorous stars: Cyd Charisse and Audrey Hepburn. And when Florence struck that opening pose, slit skirt peeled open… Need I say more? She took my breath away!”
You can read more on how he was inspired with Audrina’s, The Situation, and Jennifer’s costumes for week two HERE.
Then this week, Sir Christensen is asked on how he came up with…you might have guessed it…. ”Margaret Cho’s flamboyant gay pride rainbow dress”. He says;
“Sparkle was everywhere. We were still putting it on moments before we went live on the East Coast.”
and
The look’s intended message was tolerance and acceptance. “I hope everyone understood that being happy and being who you are are the two most important elements of a beautiful life,” says Christensen. “How fun to have Margaret embrace the joy of dancing and express it through her costumes.”
In my opinion, Margaret and Louis’s costuming was a little too much. Especially the yellow head dress. I think it set off the voters some since many fans of the show didn’t understand the storyline (remember a lot of people out there don’t have Twitter or Facebook. They are only voting for what they see on TV). In fact, many times, I’ve wondered how much votes are effected by bad costuming? Any thoughts on that?
You can read more on how Randall Christiansen was inspired HERE for week three. There is also some good reading on how he was inspired for the other dances and dancers.
With that all said, feel free to tell which costumes you liked the most this week and which you liked the least.
Thanks Vogue!
Yes, Margaret Cho’s and Louie’s costume was so “gay” despite the fact that the story of the song is a tragedy, the sad life of one who chose a “flamboyant” and hedonistic lifestyle.
Costuming can hide flaws. Well, to a point at least. I notice the male pros with the sloppiest female celebs often dress them in the poufiest, longest skirts.
The black fringe pants were fabulous….
Rainy, I love whenever the dancers where those fringe pants like that.
Carlie, so true. For instance, Lacy really used her bird costume (lol, sorry) to their advantage last week.
My fave costume this week was Audrina’s. So beautiful an dperfect for the storyline.
I really loved Cheryl’s costume this week, with the super glittery/jeweled torso area.
Hey that’s a good idea for a feature you could do on here… weekly polls for best male/female costumes.
CK, OH YES! I LOVE THAT IDEA!!!
I think Audrina looked the best. She is BEAUTIFUL!!!! And I actually thought Brandy looked great as well. Great article, Vogue.
Thanks so much Nathan. I thought Brandy looked pretty too. I loved her matching eye shadow too!!
Like, say, Brandy’s, Carlie??
Maks always uses those crazy assed skirts. Sad too, because the top half of that outfit was beautiful.
I thought that Cheryl was best dressed! Audrina’s looked like a night gown.. :-/
lol My Dad is a big fan to the show. I was just talking with him and asked who he thought looked the best this week and he said CHERYL too. That’s his favorite dancer along with Derek.
Am I the only one that thought Anna & Kurt both looked perfect? I loved the simplicity of Kurt’s suit, and I found myself loving the sorbet-colored gown that Anna had on…went very nicely with her hair and skin
Definitely Courtney. Their costuming was perfect and she looked beautiful as always…and last night for the results show too. THAT HAIR!! Please please may she never cut her hair.
May Anna and Jonathan never break up either. They are the perfect Ken and Barbie of Ballroom…..I LOVE LOVE LOVE them dancing together….just breathtaking!
Still love those black finge pants of Jeniffer’s…gotta have some. Although, my all time favorite DRESS on this show was the one Chelsie wore in her Paso with Derek last season (with Mark on guitar)….what a dance, what a partership, what a costume, what a guitar player…..WOW! I could watch it 1,000 times. Should have won the emmy…certainly over anything Mia Michaels did that season.
Guess I’ve just worn so much bling in the ballroom world I like something completely different (like wearing pants more often) and without so many sequins etc. (ala most of the latin costumes). Although I did like the rainbow dress as well….so many great costumes…..but I still like the ones I mentioned the best.
Frankly how could any of these people look bad?
Rainey, I always like the fringy pants too. I remember when Joanna Krupa wore them as well. It’s refreshing to see them in pants instead of the dresses sometimes.
Vogue,
So I did a show tonight and ran into some old ballroom friends that were in the audience….the consensus seems to be that the costumes are getting too skimpy. Even the guys think so. I don’t necessarily agree….but I do think the more dress there is to look at the more pleased I am…ha.
I believe I remember seeing Karina in fringe pants as well.
Speaking of fringe pants You Tube….Yulia and Mak (No, not “our” Max) in a routine called Hip Hip Chin Chin…. Wow she can shake those fringe pants. This is probably one of my favorite all time numbers.
I ordered fringe pants today….coming all the way from Tailand. Geesh.
LOL Rainey, ‘a girl must do what a girl must do’.
lol I’m so glad you ordered some fringe pants. They are a must have if you are a dancer. There is something so awesome about they way that fringe sways to the beats of the music and the dancer that makes the dance that much more productive, isn’t there? Good job!!! Keep us posted on your dancing too. I love this!! Also, I personally like more costume and less skin as well. And is the video you are speaking of? OMG I LOVE LOVE THEM (and her fringe pants)!!!
Maks has designed all of Brandy’s outfits this season, think he has done an amazing job.
Mak can do no wrong in my book. Ha. I love the way he handles a woman on the dance floor as well as the way he costumes them…(if it’s true he designes the outfits). IMHO this guy is everything a guy should be.
I’ve told everyone that if Florence can keep a journal and have her wishes come true, then I’m going to start one and my first entry will be to do an Argentine Tango with him before I die.
BTW, looks like he’s doing one with Brandy next week? True?
Anyway, Derek is doing one with Jennifer….that will probably be fabulous…genius choreographer that he is.
Vogue, yes, that’s the clip. I don’t know how involved with Ballroom you actually are, but she’s our current US Latin Champion with Riccardo Cocchi….just saw them win again in Orlando a few weeks ago. The fella in the clip (Mak) is still her boyfriend I guess. As soon as they took the title (in 2007 I believe) he retired from comp and she partnered with Ricarrdo. (Riccardo…also boyfriend of Shirley Ballas…Corky’s ex and Mark’s mom.) But Mak is responsible for this choreography and I gotta say……he’s right up there with Derek. Brilliant.
Can’t wait to see Argentine costumes.
Karla, I agree.
Rainey, I feel the same on Maks. He’s got that “it” factor thing going on no matter how much he is loved or hated. I hope your dream will come true.
I’m just starting to get into Ballroom. So, I appreciate any and all info you can provide on everyone.
As for Maks and Brandy, they are doing the “Rumba” next week.
I can’t wait to see all the new costumes too.
I think that Bristol Palin is showing he world that she can be a classy person without all the glitter and sex associaed with this program. Bravo Bristol.
LOL Verne – we should be so lucky to have sex associated with this program. Maybe I’d get to see Derek sans shirt again.
Yep, Bristol is showing class.
Will miss The Sitch though….he was hysterically funny….much to my surprise.
OMG, that Argentine Tango that Derek and Jennifer did….I liked them better than the Forever Tango folks.
Derek is getting kind of hunky isn’t he? I’ll take him shirt or no shirt….he’s adorable …and simply the best male dancer on the show. (Maks is still the one for me though…also shirt or no shirt.)
Rainey, I so agree about Derek and Maks. I love them BOTH!
Rainey, there has been much discussion on Twitter about Derek’s recent…growth…into hunky-dom.
He’s getting to be all grown up – plus he’s going against what he normally does and hitting the gym at 6:30 every morning while DWTS is on the air, according to his twitter account. He recently complained about his latin shoes being too tight and he told a fan that he had to have his ring cut off. I know that a person’s hands and feet keep growing their whole life, but he does seem to be getting bigger all over. Ahem. 
Is it possible he’s a bit taller too? Or is it just the way he’s carrying himself?
Heidi,
You “bad” girl…ha. Actually I’m one of those “size doesn’t matter” girls. As long as they can dance….and I have one of my own already that can do just that. Ha.
Actually, we were coached by Corky and Shirley…so we have something in common with your boy (to man) Derek. Of course, he wasn’t even living with them yet. (And I like to say I knew Mark before he was even born…ha…)
Anyway….yes he is filling out…BUT they really don’t turn into men until they hit 40…Mak has a head start….tee hee.
Although he certainly looks good with Jennifer doesn’t he?….I’m so jealous.
Why Rainey, I don’t know what you mean! Me? Bad?
LOLLLL!!!!!!!
All the pros design their celebrity outfits, but the designers n celebrities might suggest mayb here n there changes.
Yeah, I think you’re right Kanani.
Btw, if you haven’t seen the new post yet on this weeks costumes, be sure to do so here if interested;
http://www.puredwts.com/2010/10/13/dwts-11-which-couple-had-the-best-costume-for-week-4/
Okay….so on to the week 4…new post