At the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Team USA figure skaters are wearing engineering marvels disguised as art. These costumes, often featuring thousands of Swarovski crystals, must balance aesthetics with the functional demands of Olympic-level jumps and lifts. Designer Lisa McKinnon, who has created costumes for Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito, emphasizes that these aren't just uniforms but pieces of art that can elevate or undermine a program.

Creating these costumes involves a collaborative process between designers, skaters, and choreographers. McKinnon explains that each skater brings different visions, from specific colors to open-ended concepts about the program's vibe and message. The design process typically involves listening to the music repeatedly while sketching, with some costumes containing up to 4,000 crystals and costing between $500 and $4,000. Designer Pat Pearsall, who created Mirai Nagasu's 2018 Olympic costume, describes how meditation influences her work, with the energy of consciousness becoming part of the fabric itself.

For the Milan Games, Liu debuted a Lady Gaga-inspired costume with a metallic finish and crystal spikes, though the heavily padded shoulder required multiple adjustments to ensure it didn't interfere with her jumps. Glenn's costume, inspired by Madonna and Joan of Arc, features burgundy lace and chain necklaces to convey strength and vulnerability. These designs aren't just about sparkle—they're strategic tools that help skaters embody their programs and potentially enhance their performances on the Olympic stage.