DWTS4: Randall’s Costume Retrospective, Week 3

Randall has been incredibly busy traveling lately, but he is still gracious enough to offer his insight on our favorite costumes from seasons past 🙂 Let’s see what he has to say about the tango & jive costumes from week 3 of season 4!

Apolo & Julianne’s costumes: “Definitely a LOT of fun paying tribute to Uma/John with a retro style costume.  Apolo looked great with his slick and shiny hair pulled back ala John Travolta.”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson 

Billy Ray & Karina’s costumes: “Looking back at these photos, I don’t even recognize Billy Ray nor Karina!!!  I think that Billy Ray looks BEYOND dashing in his tango costume – sophisticated, masculine and definitely elegant.  And Karina! The upswept hairdo, and that magnificent gown…..killer looks for a good tango!  The sleeveless jacket for Billy Ray was great, as it minimized any raising of his shoulders, which is SO difficult to control when dancing a ballroom dance, especially the tango, which automatically creates tension in the shoulders.  Without suit sleeves, the softness of the shirt minimized any tenseness that may have occurred while dancing.”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson

Laila’s costume: “The palazzo pants were a nice twist on the typical tango costume, and with Laila’s long legs, they really soared!  The snake/serpentine rhinestone trim along that (long and sexy) back in navy and hematite stones – stunning!  Laila has such a phenomenal physique that we wanted to showcase her beautiful shoulders, and went with a sports cut halter neckline.  What great shoulders, huh?”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson

Leeza & Tony’s costumes: “Leeza had a classic style tango gown, complete with a hat (which she brought on show day, hoping we could incorporate into her look).  Tony loves to use the Albanian eagle (that’s on the Albanian flag) whenever possible.  We had this larger one embroidered in less than 48 hours (don’t even ask how much THAT cost to have such a rush job done!), and scattered red crystal stones all over it.  After that show, we ripped off the eagle (which was embroidered on a separate piece of black suiting) so that we could use it in the future.  It was so expensive, I just couldn’t see retiring it after just one use.”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson

Shandi & Brian’s costumes: “Could anyone look any hotter and sexier than Shandi in this aquamarine beaded/fringed costume?!  Shandi was (once again) so trusting of Brian and me.  I’d say that trust most certainly paid off, wouldn’t you?  LOVE the aquamarine silk satin lining in Brian’s navy jacket.”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson

Heather’s costume: “I don’t think anyone has enjoyed a design session as much as Heather and I did for this week’s costume!  In spite of the simple design, it was exactly what Heather was hoping for.  I remember her actually jumping up and down, clapping her hands together like a little girl, thrilled with the concept.  There were lots of hugs and kisses going around that day, what a delight Heather was to work with, each and EVERY week!”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson

John’s costume: “Don’t mess with John this week, he was the MAFIA MAN entirely!  What a great look on him.”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson

Joey & Kym’s costumes: Hands down(!) this “Star Wars” Tango costume rates as one of my favorite costumes on ANY season!  The brown/shimmery gold suiting of Joey had just enough “edge” to it, so that it complimented Kym’s INSANE-ly gorgeous gown!  Just shopping for the layers of iridescent silk chiffons, as well as all of the rope, cording, multi color/shaped jewels and stones…..a nightmare that just magically all came together when we were shopping the elements on Wednesday.  It was a good thing (and a gift from the Design Gods) that it all came together, as I don’t know what I would have done if we couldn’t have found simply everything that we needed.  And sculpting/scrolling all the gold rope cording on her bra……with jewel encrusted belt plates, matching bra plates…..just perfect.”

*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson

We’ll have Randall’s commentary on the season 4, week 4 costumes coming up later this week! Get ready to waltz & paso doble down memory lane…