Harmonizing Fashion and Music: Lisa McKinnon's Stunning Figure Skating Costume Designs
Lisa McKinnon, a renowned designer for figure skaters, draws inspiration from the music her clients perform to create stunning costumes for their Olympic performances. McKinnon's design process involves listening to the music on repeat while sketching and envisioning the color, style, and silhouette of the costumes. For U.S. figure skating star Amber Glenn's routine set to Madonna's "Like a Prayer," McKinnon crafted a burgundy off-the-shoulder dress with lace corset details and frills, capturing the essence of the iconic song.
McKinnon's attention to detail extends beyond traditional crystal embellishments, as she layers necklaces, chains, and pendants to accessorize the costumes, evoking Madonna's signature style from the 1980s. The unique designs created by McKinnon have garnered attention and praise, with Glenn winning the gold medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in one of McKinnon's creations. As the three top finishers at Nationals, including Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, secured spots on the U.S. figure skating Olympic team, McKinnon faced the challenge of designing distinct costumes that reflect each skater's individuality.
McKinnon's role as a designer for multiple Olympic-caliber athletes on the same team requires her to maintain variation in the costumes to enhance the skaters' unique styles and personalities. Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, and Alysa Liu each bring their own flair to the ice, with McKinnon tailoring the costumes to complement their performances. From Glenn's mature and elegant style to Levito's minimalistic yet balletic look, McKinnon's designs help the skaters shine on the ice.
As the 2026 Olympics approach, McKinnon continues to create new costumes for the skaters, including Alysa Liu's Lady Gaga-inspired dress and Levito's sophisticated red ensemble. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of each skater's preferences, McKinnon's designs have become an integral part of the skaters' performances. As she looks to expand her business beyond figure skating costumes, McKinnon draws inspiration from iconic designers like Vera Wang, aiming to make her mark in the world of bridal and evening wear.