As the world’s gaze turns to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a talented costume designer from Quebec is making waves by dressing some of the globe’s finest figure skaters. Mathieu Caron, a former ballroom dancer turned fashion visionary, has established himself over the past decade as a prominent figure in the realm of performance costumes.
A Journey from Dance to Design
Caron’s early fascination with the shimmering allure of costumes led him to pursue a formal education in fashion at LaSalle College in Montreal. “I was very fascinated by the costumes, all the bling-bling and the fabrics. So I decided to go to fashion school,” Caron shared, reflecting on his journey. After completing his studies, he initially focused on creating garments for ballroom dancers, but his artistic flair soon found a new canvas in the figure skating arena.
His designs gained international recognition as early as 2018, when he crafted the costumes for Canadian ice dancing legends Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their gold medal-winning routine set to the iconic “Moulin Rouge.” This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Caron’s ascent in the world of competitive figure skating.
Dressing the Best of the Best
Fast forward to the present, and Caron finds himself at the heart of the action in Milan, where 28 athletes from ten different countries are donning his exquisite designs. Among them are American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, alongside Japan’s rising star, Ami Nakai. The sheer diversity of the athletes wearing his creations underscores Caron’s growing influence in the sport.
Each costume is a labour of love, often requiring up to 150 hours of meticulous craftsmanship from initial sketches to the final placement of rhinestones. “We have meetings with athletes, but also with the coaches, choreographers. We talk about the music and the vision of the program,” Caron explained, emphasising the collaboration that fuels his creative process. His studio team, composed of talented designers, seamstresses, and artists, all work in harmony to bring these stunning costumes to life.
The Cost of Couture
The complexity of these designs is reflected in their price, with costumes typically ranging from £2,600 to £6,500. The cost varies based on the intricacy of the design and the number of hours invested. Despite the significant financial outlay, Caron’s clients recognise that a costume can significantly enhance a performance, elevating both the athlete’s presence and the overall aesthetic of the routine.
While Caron’s primary focus remains on figure skating, he harbours ambitions of expanding his creative repertoire into other realms, including Broadway productions and designing outfits for touring musical artists. For now, however, his heart swells with pride as he witnesses his creations glide across the Olympic ice, with some athletes even standing atop the podium.
Why it Matters
Caron’s journey is not just about personal success; it embodies the larger narrative of how art and sports intersect on the world stage. As figure skating continues to captivate audiences globally, the artistry behind performance wear plays a critical role in enhancing the visual storytelling of each routine. By pushing the boundaries of costume design, Caron not only elevates the athletes he dresses but also contributes to the rich tapestry of Olympic history, inspiring future generations of designers and performers alike.
