As the world gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, a talented costume designer from Quebec is poised to make a significant impact, dressing some of the most elite figure skaters for their performances. Mathieu Caron, a former ballroom dancer with over a decade of experience in costume design, is bringing his artistic vision to the Olympic stage, showcasing his creations for athletes hailing from ten different nations.
A Journey from Dance to Design
Caron’s passion for costume design ignited at a young age, inspired by the sparkling fabrics and bold styles of competitive dance. “I was very fascinated by the costumes, all the bling-bling and the fabrics. So I decided to go to fashion school,” Caron shared in a recent interview. His formal training at LaSalle College in Montreal set the foundation for a career that would soon intertwine with the world of figure skating.
Initially focusing on ballroom dance attire, Caron quickly transitioned into the realm of figure skating and ice dancing. By 2018, his work had already reached Olympic heights when he designed the costumes for Canadian ice dance legends Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their triumphant gold medal performance set to *Moulin Rouge*.
Crafting Costumes for Champions
Now, as the Olympics approach, Caron is busy outfitting 28 athletes, including notable pairs like American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, as well as Japanese skater Ami Nakai. The meticulous process of creating a single costume can span up to 150 hours, from the initial sketches to the final touches, where every rhinestone is placed with care.
Collaboration is key to Caron’s approach. He works closely with athletes, coaches, and choreographers to ensure that each design not only complements the accompanying music but also enhances the athletes’ movements on the ice. “We have meetings with athletes, but also with the coaches, choreographers. We talk about the music and the vision of the program,” he explained.
Caron’s studio is a bustling hub of creativity, featuring a team of designers, cutters, seamstresses, pattern makers, and painters, all dedicated to bringing his vision to life. The intricate nature of these costumes reflects in their pricing, which typically ranges from £2,800 to £6,500, depending on the complexity of the design and the time invested.
Future Aspirations Beyond the Ice
While figure skating remains Caron’s primary focus, he has aspirations to broaden his horizons into other creative areas, such as Broadway productions and designing costumes for touring artists. His current success at the Olympics has set a strong precedent for his future ventures, but for the moment, he expresses profound gratitude for witnessing his designs gliding across the Olympic ice—and in some cases, being worn by medal winners.
Caron’s journey underscores the critical role that design plays in the world of sports, particularly in aesthetics-driven disciplines like figure skating. His ability to fuse artistry with athleticism exemplifies the spirit of creativity that thrives within the Olympic framework.
Why it Matters
Mathieu Caron’s work at the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the intersection of art and sport, illuminating how costume design can elevate athletic performance. As athletes prepare to compete on one of the world’s grandest stages, Caron’s contributions serve as a reminder of the dedication and creativity that underpin the sporting world. His success not only exemplifies Canadian talent but also inspires future generations of designers, showing that with passion and hard work, it is possible to achieve greatness—both on and off the ice.
