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'Dancing with the Stars' Designer Picks His Favorite Finale Costumes

by Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick (Subscribe to Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick's posts)
Posted Nov 22nd 2010 at 3:00PM  
20 Comments
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DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes
"Dancing with the Stars" fashion designer, Randall Christensen, shares his all-time favorite finale costumes.
Adam Larkey, ABC / Getty Images
Phil Walter, Getty Images

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

For the season 10 finale Christensen designed Trebunskaya's dramatic black and white chiffon keyboard gown to complement their musical selection, Billy Joel's "Piano Man." "Evan was thrilled to be in a white tie and tails," says Christensen.

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

One of the sexiest couples to compete in the "DWTS" ballroom turned up the heat even more with their Argentine tango season eight finale look. Christensen put Burke in flattering purple instead of traditional black, but stuck with lace "because nothing screams Argentine tango like it." Marini looked, "like I would envision an Argentine man to be at 2 a.m. in a smoky Tango club."

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

"DWTS" co-host Burke was "divine like a Grecian goddess" when she competed during the season seven finale in a peach chiffon skirt that soared for the win. "Brooke was thrilled with the gown and I feel it empowered her during their routine," says Christensen, who dressed Hough in dapper grey for added sophistication.

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

James Bond was the inspiration for Osmond's classic tuxedo and the scorching-hot black lace dress Johnson wore to Argentine tango during the season nine finale. "Donny's tuxedo was the perfect balance to Kym's costume, really focusing the eyes on the woman," says Christensen who recalls the season's champ as being "hands on" about each of his dance looks.

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

The race car driver's bright yellow zoot suit was inspired by the movie "Mask" and Hough's gold lame beaded gown was the "perfect foil for their quickstep antics." Christensen recalls working hard on the suit's cut so it wouldn't "swallow up such a petite guy." The couple's season 5 finale quickstep was voted by "DWTS" viewers as one of their all-time favorite performances.

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

The shiny disco looks of the 70's and the designs of Nolan Miller inspired Osbourne's silver mirror ball dress, which she wore to freestyle to dance anthem "I Will Survive." "The confidence and fun that Kelly displayed in that costume reflected the beautiful swan we saw transform weekly, while she competed," recalls Christensen. "What a crowning achievement this costume was for her, for me and my team."

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

Mel B's flame red jewel-fringed barely-there costume was a celebration of her Spice-Girl bod. "She was in the best shape of any dancer that season," recalls Christensen of the season 5 finalist. Swarovski jewels and semi-precious stones were used to complement the accents on the micro-mini and bedazzled bra top. "Just a hint of skirt with draped fringe and she was on her way to burning up the dance floor," says Christensen.

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

Ballas loves his celebrity partners to be "rolled in bling" so Christensen complied with his and hers Swarvoski crystal-encrusted pinstripe suits for their freestyle set. Adding sparkle to Ballas' jacket was the dance pro's idea and of course Olympic figure skater Yamaguchi "was no stranger bling." The result? The season six champs "were the mirror ball."

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

The reality star's sexy cut two-piece samba look had to be restructured after dress rehearsal because "Melissa pulls out all the stops when she dances and we had to keep it from shifting." The result was a look Christensen says was one of his sexiest designs ever. "Melissa screamed party in that costume," says Christensen.

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

DWTS Costume Designer's Favorite Finale Costumes

Ballroom fashion designer Randall Christensen has bedazzled scores of winning costumes since joining ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" in season two.

In preparation for tonight, when Jennifer Grey, Kyle Massey and Bristol Palin will compete in the season 11 finale for the tacky, but coveted mirror ball trophy, we asked Christensen to share his 10 all-time favorite ballroom finale looks.

The judging wasn't easy but take a peek at the sensational pieces that earned his sentimental perfect tens!
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Filed under: Celebrity, News, Designers & Brands, Celebrity Style
Tags: brook burke, BrookBurke, cheryl burke, CherylBurke, dancing with the stars, DancingWithTheStars, Derek Hough, DerekHough, donny osmond, DonnyOsmond, dwts, evan lysacek, EvanLysacek, kelly osbourne, KellyOsbourne, Kristi Yamaguchi, KristiYamaguchi, mark ballas, MarkBallas, mel b, MelB, Melissa Rycroft, MelissaRycroft, nicole scherzinger, nicole sherzinger, NicoleScherzinger
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READER COMMENTS

(19)Add A Comment

SUSAN, 11-23-2010, 7:12AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
SUSAN

I'M VERY DISSAPOINTED IN DWS JUDGING OF THEIR CONTESTANTS. EITHER ITS A SENTIMENTAL CONTEST OR A DANCE CONTEST. I ALSO FEEL THE JUDGES WERE VERY PARTIAL AND LESS CRITICAL OF BRISTOL

Reply »

Ann, 11-23-2010, 8:26AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Ann

I tried to vote last evening via my cell phone as when I wasn't getting a busy signal I got a message that I had already reached my limited of votes, which is BS since I never got through on my cell phone once. Also, I tried to vote on line and had a difficult time doing that too. I will try to do that this morning. Can't just vote on ABC.com you need to set up ID and password which I was never able to do. So much for fair voting. I did however manage to vote using my land line.

Reply »

SUSAN, 11-23-2010, 5:33PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
SUSAN

HOW DO THE DANCERS KEEP THEIR BRA TOP TO STAY PUT? WHAT DO THEY USE? CAN YOU HELP ME

Reply »

Judy, 11-23-2010, 9:17AM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Judy

I think this is how Bristol is staying on. I tried last week to vote for Brandi and Maks, and could never get thru. I tried to vote last night for Kyle and Lacey, and the same thing. "Your call did not go through"

Reply »

jock lecompte, 11-23-2010, 9:26AM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
jock  lecompte

len always goes eazy on bristol, she should have been voted off seven weeks ago and len knows this. annnnn he was always hard on kyle.

Reply »

Say What, 11-23-2010, 9:38AM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Say What

It's called Dancing withe the Stars. Best dancer winner .. If it looks like a duck well it's a duck . She can't dance .. This is not in the sprit of the show . If Bristol win's po po on her to even take the thropy ... Just say thanks and go home...

Reply »

a.lacy, 11-23-2010, 9:51AM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
a.lacy

This season of DWTS sucks, because we all know that Bristol cannot dance. And so we know that money changes things&judges.

Reply »

COME ON PEOPLE, 11-23-2010, 9:50AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
COME ON PEOPLE

IF BRISTOL WINS DWS THEN I'LL JUST HAVE TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO WATCH.BECAUSE THIS IS DOWN RIGHT CHEATING.

Reply »

Sheial Larson, 11-23-2010, 10:17AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Sheial Larson

My friends and I have DWT Stars night at my house every week...I feel like it's becomming a joke. It's supposed to be the best dancer wins...not the one who tries the hardest but doesn't quit make it...It's show business...And I'd also like to say OMG What in the world are they trying to do to their network! Iceskating with ugly stars?!!! Ahh how terrible and that host! I turned the channel after 3 minutes!!!

»

Ruth, 11-23-2010, 10:50AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Ruth

You judges are a laught, Bristol Palin was awful in her dancing, and I feel that the large people are not a good site to see, and you should judge the dance as it really is. Palin is just too negitaive and nmeed to lose weight as well as the second run-ups he is too large to be dancing, The first runner up I just love the girl can dance and her partner allso. Could not get my votes in....why is that.

Reply »

manie, 11-23-2010, 10:48AM

Half a star vote downvote upReport
manie

thats why we have a lot of rapist right now just because of that costumes almost see your nipples and your butt..this very bad costumes to our children or teens..

Reply »

JackBQuik, 11-23-2010, 2:38PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
JackBQuik

No, rapists do not rape because of a costume showing a lil skin or nipples. Rapists rape due to a control issue -- if you think about it, there are babies and children being raped -- how do they entice a rapist with a sexy costume? I have never heard of a woman (or man) being raped who had on a sexy costume. But, everyday Joe Blows or Jane Blows in their jogging suits and Saturday go to the grocery store clothes are being raped.

»

catherine bradley, 11-23-2010, 11:44AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
catherine bradley

When you mix politics with entertainment, this is what you get. I feel sorry for Bristol. She is an embarassment to herself, and it is obvious who is behind the scenes. Sarah, if you can't win honestly, get the Tea Party to do it for you. Is this how you would run the country? Kay

Reply »

sharonr, 11-23-2010, 11:30AM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
sharonr

I don't know why all the negative comments about Bristol Palin. Clearly she has been the underdog. Everyone else on the show has had a huge advantage. She's had absolutely no training and isn't an entertainer. She has come much further along than anyone else on the show. She's not a performer as the other 'stars' that are on the show and really, if you were a star in "Dirty Dancing" you are not an amateur. Give this kid a break. She has done a great job and has fortitude.

Reply »

kimberly, 11-23-2010, 11:37AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
kimberly

You all need to back off sarah she is trying her best just like all the other people on that show. at least she has guts to go in front off everyone and try her best. i bet more than half of you people wouldn't !

Reply »

tim, 11-23-2010, 5:21PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
tim

This show is a joke, if not for the right wing red necks there would be no show. America is becoming the dummest country in the world and this is a prefect example.

Reply »

LITTLE48, 11-23-2010, 12:42PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
LITTLE48

dancing with the STARS.....if a receptionist is a star, than come sign me up for next season. Execs know they used Palin mom for ratings. I do not want the line of politics or religion to enter my night time entertainment. Dancing has crossed that line with viewers. Done watching. Maybe grizzly mama should sign up her youngest for the bacholorette.

Reply »

Jane, 11-23-2010, 2:05PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Jane

I am surprised with all the people who are complaining NOW about Bristol Palin. I complained loudly when the show was cast, and let ABC know I would not be watching even though I had been a loyal viewer since the start. After the invitation to the criminal Tom DeLay, I almost quit. Following the announcement of Palin, I refused to go near the show. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE,WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN? Of course Palin was going to make it to the finals. Clearly the show will do whatever it takes for ratings. The Palins are hot now. It will be interesting to watch when they all crash and burn as most phonies do eventually.

Reply »

Jane, 11-23-2010, 2:09PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Jane

Her name is Bristol.

Reply »

 
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