Skating on Thin Ice The Costume Designer Behind Olympic Dreams

• Lisa McKinnon designs costumes for top figure skaters, including Team USA Olympians, blending artistry with athletic performance.
• Her Los Angeles-based studio handmakes approximately 700 costumes annually, with custom pieces costing between $4,000 and $8,000.
• McKinnon's background as a figure skater and performer informs her design process, adding storytelling to each costume.
• She emphasizes determination, resilience, and ambition as essential qualities for both competitive skating and costume design.

A Stitch in Time Saves Olympic Dreams

As Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito prepare to grace the ice at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, there's an unsung hero behind their dazzling performances. It's not just about the jumps and spins, you see. It’s about the story, the character, and the emotion conveyed, much like the elaborate dances of the birds of paradise. And, like those birds, these athletes need the right attire to truly captivate. Lisa McKinnon, the creative force behind Lisa McKinnon Designs, has crafted the costumes for all three women, not to mention two American ice dancers and a pair of South Korean skaters. That’s a considerable responsibility, ensuring each garment tells a unique story.

Handmade Magic on Ice

McKinnon and her small team work tirelessly, crafting nearly 700 costumes each year. These aren’t mere outfits; they’re wearable works of art. The price tag, ranging from $4,000 to $8,000, reflects the craftsmanship and the critical role these costumes play in a skater's performance. As McKinnon herself admits, "A little blood, sweat and tears are a totally common thing for me." And, as we know, every creature, from the smallest insect to the largest whale, pours its heart into its performance. It's about survival, and, in this case, about winning gold. I think it is important to consider Big Oil Refuses Trump's Venezuela Plea: A Dark Knight's Perspective since some of those materials are oil related and the oil and gas industry may impact it.

From Skates to Seams A Personal Journey

McKinnon's journey from a young skater in Sweden to a sought-after costume designer is a tale of passion and perseverance. She made her first costume at 15, using paillettes when crystals were out of reach. This resourcefulness is a hallmark of her career. She then transitioned to professional shows like Disney On Ice, eventually supervising costume departments in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Just as a chameleon adapts to its surroundings, McKinnon has adapted her skills to the ever-changing world of costume design.

Theatrical Threads and Olympic Gold

In 2014, McKinnon launched her own business, driven by a desire to add storytelling to each skating routine. Her designs caught the eye of top skaters, including Ashley Wagner and Karen Chen, who wore her creations to national and Olympic competitions. McKinnon recalls the first time she saw her designs on national television with a sense of pride and relief, which can be easily compared when a parent bird sees their offspring fly for the first time. It’s a moment of validation, a testament to the dedication and artistry poured into each piece.

Balancing Act The Demands of Design

The demand for McKinnon’s costumes is high, requiring her to work long hours, managing paperwork, tidying up the studio, and ensuring every detail is perfect. This dedication mirrors the meticulousness of a bowerbird constructing its elaborate nest. Every scrap of fabric, every crystal is carefully considered. For McKinnon, competitive skating and costume designing share common traits such as determination, resilience, and ambition.

Skating Legacy An Enduring Passion

For McKinnon, skating isn't just a job; it's an integral part of her life. "Once you've skated, it's always going to be a part of your life somehow. It sticks with you. It's always been part of my life and I feel like it's in my blood." It's a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has pursued a passion, a connection that transcends the physical and becomes deeply ingrained in one's being, much like the migratory instincts of a swallowtail butterfly.