Her RD dress this year is not a "dusted down morbid grey neutral". It has a sheer black base with tons of silver and multi-coloured sparkles. It's not "BAM COLOUR", which it could be, but I cannot imagine how anyone could describe that as a neutral.
Last year for the RD, she had both a black and a red version of her tango dress. Not morbid or grey, and suitable to a tango (though they could have gone for a less traditional colour if they wanted). So I guess you really mean her FD costume from last season, which was black into an ombre grey skirt (he was in a grey shirt). Bright and colourful would not have suited that program, imo.
By 'Emeralds', do you mean their Amelie FD from 2013-14? I can't find a JW video, but her dress at JGPF was a nice raspberry red. Is that the colour you mean looks so good on her? Not really relevant, but going to watch it I noticed how much darker her hair is now than back then.
Anyways, other than the FD dress this year looking a little heavy (especially before they changed the tights), I don't have any problems with their recent costumes, though my favourites of theirs are older ones.
Thanks for replying... perhaps my words were a tad too harsh.. I should clarify .. I am 73 years with developing cataracts; tho my vision is still excellent, I do prefer brighter colors for obvious reasons.. tho her RD costume may be lovely close up, it appeared as a neutral to me on TV screen at least and both costumes do appear heavy imho.
Regarding "Emeralds": they performed the dance as part of a tribute to George Balanchine at Sun Valley in 2016 through Ice Dance International. It was televised last year about this time and I managed to catch it on PBS , then looked for it on the Internet later but was unable to find it. The picture I posted above was from that dance and it was not a competition piece though it was beautifully choreographed and performed. I would love them to do something like this next.. and I DO love the green for her..