A Quebec costume designer is stepping into the global spotlight at the 2026 Winter Olympics, dressing some of the world’s top figure skaters.
Mathieu Caron, a former ballroom dancer, has been creating elaborate costumes for over a decade. His fascination with glittering fabrics and dramatic designs began early, leading him to fashion school.
After studying fashion, Caron launched his company designing for ballroom dancers, which soon expanded into figure skating and ice dancing. By 2018, his creations reached the Olympic podium, notably worn by Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.
For the 2026 Milan Games, Caron has 28 athletes from 10 countries wearing his designs, including American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and Japanese skater Ami Nakai.
Each costume can take up to 150 hours to complete, involving close collaboration with athletes, coaches, and choreographers to complement the music and enhance performance. Prices typically range from $3,500 to $8,000.
Caron hopes to expand into Broadway musicals and designing for touring artists, but for now, he feels fortunate to see his creations glide across Olympic ice.