From Sketches to Sequins: The Art of Olympic Skating Costumes

Designers like Lisa McKinnon and Naomi Brunson bring figure skaters' visions to life with intricate, custom-made outfits.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, designers like Lisa McKinnon and Naomi Brunson are hard at work creating the elaborate, one-of-a-kind costumes that will grace the ice. From initial sketches to hand-stitching thousands of rhinestones, the process requires close collaboration with skaters, adherence to strict regulations, and a deep understanding of the sport's unique aesthetic.

Why it matters

Figure skating costumes are more than just flashy outfits - they're an integral part of the performance, helping skaters express their artistry and connect with the audience. The designers behind these creations play a crucial role in elevating the sport, showcasing their own talents while supporting the athletes.

The details

Los Angeles-based designer Lisa McKinnon, who started skating at age 4, began making her own costumes as a teenager and soon started creating pieces for other skaters, including national champions. For the 2026 Olympics, she designed costumes for U.S. figure skaters Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito. Meanwhile, Naomi Brunson of Springfield, Virginia, is a newer designer who has worked with junior and senior level skaters, including some on the U.S. National Team. The process involves detailed collaboration with skaters, adherence to International Skating Union regulations, and hundreds of hours of intricate work, from research and sketching to hand-placing thousands of rhinestones.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Italy.
  • McKinnon started skating at age 4 and began making her own costumes when she was 12 years old.

The players

Lisa McKinnon

A Los Angeles-based designer who started skating at age 4 and began making her own costumes as a teenager, eventually creating pieces for other skaters, including national champions. She designed costumes for U.S. figure skaters Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito for the 2026 Olympics.

Naomi Brunson

A designer from Springfield, Virginia who is newer to creating skating costumes, but has worked with junior and senior level skaters, including some on the U.S. National Team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When the skater is wearing something that I have created for them, and it just hits all the notes and it just gels together with their looks, their performance, their skating, the music, the choreography, that's when it just feels really amazing.”

— Lisa McKinnon (CNN)

“There's so many talented designers out there, and a lot of respect between designers. They have this amazing gift, and Lisa McKinnon ... is just spectacular, so it's fun to see.”

— Naomi Brunson (CNN)

What’s next

The designers will continue working closely with the figure skaters to finalize their costumes ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The takeaway

The intricate, custom-made costumes designed for figure skaters are more than just flashy outfits - they're an integral part of the performance, helping athletes express their artistry and connect with the audience. The designers behind these creations play a crucial role in elevating the sport through their talent and collaboration with the skaters.