As the world turns its gaze towards Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a talented costume designer from Quebec is making waves by dressing some of the sport’s elite figure skaters. Mathieu Caron, a former ballroom dancer, has been crafting stunning costumes for over ten years. His journey into the world of fashion began with a fascination for sequins and dramatic attire, steering him towards a career that has culminated in this prestigious opportunity.
From Dance Floors to Olympic Ice
Caron’s passion for design ignited at a young age, captivated by the vibrant costumes that adorned performers in ballroom dancing. “I was very fascinated by the costumes, all the bling-bling and the fabrics. So I decided to go to fashion school,” Caron explained. After honing his craft at LaSalle College in Montreal, he initially focused on creating costumes for ballroom dancers before branching out into the realm of figure skating.
His big break came in 2018 when he designed the outfits for Canadian ice dancing legends Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their gold medal-winning routine set to *Moulin Rouge*. This milestone not only marked a significant achievement in Caron’s career but also solidified his position within the competitive world of figure skating.
A Global Showcase of Talent
At the Milan Games, Caron’s designs will grace the bodies of 28 athletes from ten different countries. Notable among them are American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, alongside Japan’s Ami Nakai. The Olympic stage presents an unparalleled opportunity for Caron to showcase his intricate designs, which he meticulously crafts to enhance the performance of each athlete.
Creating a costume is no small feat; it can take up to 150 hours from initial sketches to the final application of rhinestones. The process is collaborative, involving extensive discussions with athletes, coaches, and choreographers to ensure that each outfit aligns perfectly with the music and accentuates the skater’s movements. “We have meetings with athletes, but also with the coaches, choreographers. We talk about the music and the vision of the program,” Caron shared, highlighting the importance of teamwork in his creative process.
Craftsmanship and Cost
Caron’s studio employs a team of skilled artisans, including designers, cutters, seamstresses, and painters, all dedicated to bringing his visions to life. This level of craftsmanship is reflected in the price of the costumes, which typically range from £2,800 to £6,500, depending on the intricacy of the design and the time invested.
While figure skating remains his primary focus, Caron harbours ambitions to expand his creative repertoire into other fields such as Broadway productions and fashion for touring artists. However, for the moment, he cherishes the privilege of seeing his creations not just on the Olympic ice but also on the podium, where they may well contribute to the athletes’ success.
Why it Matters
Caron’s journey from a passionate dancer to a sought-after costume designer exemplifies the intersection of sport and artistry. As he dresses athletes for the Olympic stage, he not only enhances their performances but also elevates the visual spectacle of figure skating. His work serves as a reminder of the intricate artistry that underpins athletic excellence, and it showcases Canadian talent on a global platform. In a world where the lines between sports and fashion continue to blur, Caron’s contributions highlight the importance of creativity in enriching the Olympic experience for athletes and audiences alike.
