As the world converges on Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a talented costume designer from Quebec is making waves by dressing elite figure skaters. Mathieu Caron, who spent over a decade perfecting his craft, is bringing his vision to life on one of the grandest stages in the sport. With his intricate designs adorning athletes from around the globe, Caron’s journey from ballroom dancer to celebrated designer is capturing the attention of fans and competitors alike.
A Passion for Design
Mathieu Caron’s fascination with vibrant fabrics and eye-catching designs began in his youth. “I was always captivated by the costumes, the bling-bling and the materials,” he recounted in an interview. This early passion led him to pursue formal training at LaSalle College in Montreal, where he honed his skills in fashion design. Initially focusing on attire for ballroom dancers, Caron soon found himself branching out into the world of figure skating and ice dancing, where his creations would ultimately help athletes achieve Olympic glory.
Olympic Dreams Realised
Caron’s breakthrough came in 2018 when he had the honour of designing the costumes for legendary Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their gold medal-winning performance at the PyeongChang Olympics. This monumental achievement set the stage for his subsequent collaborations, culminating in his most ambitious project yet: outfitting 28 athletes from ten countries at the current Winter Games in Milan.
Among those showcasing Caron’s designs are American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, alongside Japanese skater Ami Nakai. Each costume is a labour of love, with the entire creative process taking up to 150 hours. “From the first sketch to the final rhinestone, every detail matters,” he explained.
Collaboration and Craftsmanship
Creating a figure skating costume is not merely about aesthetics; it’s a collaborative effort that involves athletes, coaches, and choreographers. “We have meetings with athletes and their teams to discuss the music and the vision for the programme,” Caron shared. This ensures the costumes not only look stunning but also enhance the skaters’ movements on the ice.
Caron’s studio comprises a dedicated team of designers, cutters, seamstresses, pattern makers, and painters, all working together to bring his imaginative concepts to fruition. The intricate nature of these costumes is reflected in their pricing, typically ranging from £2,700 to £6,500, depending on the design complexity and time investment involved.
Future Aspirations
While figure skating remains Caron’s primary focus, he has ambitious plans to expand his creative horizons. He is keen to explore other artistic avenues, including Broadway musicals and custom designs for touring artists. For the moment, however, Caron feels immensely privileged to witness his creations gliding across Olympic ice and gracing the podium alongside some of the world’s finest athletes.
Why it Matters
Mathieu Caron’s journey illustrates the vital intersection of art and sport, highlighting how creativity can enhance athletic performance and elevate the viewer’s experience. As he continues to make his mark on the international stage, Caron not only showcases the talent emerging from Quebec but also inspires a new generation of designers and athletes alike. His work serves as a reminder that the Olympics are more than just competition; they are a celebration of culture, artistry, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
