MILAN, Italy – As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan, a Quebec-based costume designer is gaining international recognition for his intricate work adorning some of the world’s top figure skaters. Mathieu Caron, a former ballroom dancer, has created designs for 28 athletes representing 10 countries competing in the games.
Caron’s journey into costume design began with a childhood fascination with the “bling-bling and the fabrics” of ballroom dance attire, prompting him to study fashion at LaSalle College in Montreal. He initially launched a company focused on ballroom dance costumes before expanding into the world of figure skating and ice dancing. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he designed the costumes worn by Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their gold medal-winning performance at the Pyeongchang Olympics.
Now, at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, Caron’s creations are once again on display. Among the athletes wearing his designs are American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and Japanese skater Ami Nakai. The designer emphasizes a collaborative process, working closely with athletes, coaches, and choreographers to ensure each costume complements the music and enhances the skater’s performance.
“We have meetings with athletes, but also with the coaches, choreographers. We talk about the music and the vision of the program,” Caron told Global News. He explained that a successful design “helps emphasize the performance and the skills of the skaters” without drawing undue attention to itself.
The creation of these elaborate costumes is a painstaking process, often requiring up to 150 hours from initial sketch to the final placement of rhinestones. Caron’s studio employs a team of designers, cutters, seamstresses, pattern makers, and painters to bring these visions to life. The cost of these bespoke garments reflects the intensive labor involved, typically ranging from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on complexity.
While figure skating remains his primary focus, Caron has expressed ambitions to expand his creative work into other areas, including Broadway musicals and designing complete looks for touring artists. For now, he finds fulfillment in seeing his designs showcased on the Olympic stage.
