Milan, Italy – As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan, a Quebec-based designer is making a significant impact beyond the athletic competitions. Mathieu Caron, a former ballroom dancer turned costume designer, is dressing athletes from ten countries, bringing a touch of Canadian artistry to the world’s biggest winter sports stage.
Caron’s journey into the world of costume design began with a childhood fascination with the “bling-bling and the fabrics” of ballroom dancing attire. He channeled this passion into formal training, studying fashion at LaSalle College in Montreal before launching a business initially focused on creating garments for ballroom dancers. His work quickly expanded to encompass the demanding world of figure skating and ice dancing, a transition he attributes to a natural understanding of the athletic requirements and aesthetic demands of the sport.
“I understand what athletes need and want, and I understand the body movements and all of these technical aspects,” Caron told Global News. “But I also know fashion—and that’s a great combination.”
His designs have already graced the Olympic podium. In 2018, Caron designed the costumes worn by Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their gold medal-winning performance set to the music of Moulin Rouge. This success cemented his reputation and opened doors to collaborations with athletes competing at the highest level.
At the 2026 Winter Games, Caron’s creations are being showcased by 28 athletes representing ten nations. Among those wearing his designs are American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and Japanese skater Ami Nakai. The scale of his involvement underscores his growing prominence within the international figure skating community.
The creation of these intricate costumes is a painstaking process. Caron explained that each garment can take up to 150 hours to complete, from the initial sketch to the final placement of rhinestones. This intensive labor reflects the level of detail and artistry that goes into each design, ensuring that the costumes not only look stunning but also complement the athletes’ movements and enhance their performances.
The process is highly collaborative, involving close consultation with athletes, coaches, and choreographers. Caron and his team work to understand the music, the program’s narrative, and the specific needs of each skater to create a design that seamlessly integrates with their performance. “We have meetings with athletes, but also with the coaches, choreographers. We talk about the music and the vision of the program,” he said.
Caron’s studio employs a team of skilled artisans, including designers, cutters, seamstresses, pattern makers, and painters, all contributing to the realization of his vision. The cost of these bespoke creations reflects the extensive labor involved, typically ranging from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on the complexity of the design.
While figure skating remains a primary focus, Caron expressed ambitions to expand his creative horizons. He hopes to apply his design expertise to other artistic fields, including Broadway musicals and creating complete looks for touring artists. For now, however, he finds immense satisfaction in seeing his work come to life on Olympic ice.
The designer’s success story highlights the intersection of art, athleticism, and international collaboration. As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, Mathieu Caron’s designs are not merely costumes. they are integral components of the athletes’ performances, adding another layer of artistry to the spectacle of the Games.
