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HomeWorldDesigner Lisa McKinnon Crafts $8,000 Couture for Seven Olympians at Milano‑Cortina Games

Designer Lisa McKinnon Crafts $8,000 Couture for Seven Olympians at Milano‑Cortina Games

Los Angeles‑based designer Lisa McKinnon, 47, has turned the spotlight on her high‑performance couture by creating $8,000 dresses for seven figure‑skating athletes competing at the Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics. After leaving a corporate position to launch her own studio, McKinnon’s work now graces the world’s most watched ice stage.

From Corporate Office to Couture Studio

McKinnon spent over a decade in a senior role at a multinational firm before deciding to pursue her lifelong passion for fashion. In 2022 she closed her office desk for good, opened a modest studio in Los Angeles, and began focusing exclusively on performance wear for elite athletes.

Designing for the Ice

The designer was commissioned to outfit seven skaters representing three nations at the 2026 Winter Games. Each costume, priced at approximately $8,000, blends technical fabric technology with intricate hand‑sewn detailing to withstand the rigors of high‑velocity jumps while enhancing the athletes’ visual storytelling on the ice.

“Every stitch has to move with the body, reflect the choreography, and survive the heat of the lights,” McKinnon explained. “I work closely with the skaters and their coaches to ensure the garments amplify performance without compromising freedom of movement.”

Aspirations of Excellence

Beyond the immediate success, McKinnon is driven by a competitive spirit that mirrors her clients’. “I also want to be the best,” she said, echoing the ambition that fuels Olympic athletes. The designer hopes her work will set a new benchmark for figure‑skating attire and inspire other creators to pursue excellence in sports fashion.

Impact on the Sport

Industry insiders note that McKinnon’s high‑budget, artistically ambitious approach could shift expectations for future Olympic costumes, prompting federations to allocate greater resources toward wardrobe design. The visibility of her creations at a global event may also open doors for emerging designers seeking to merge artistry with athletic performance.

Looking Ahead

With the Milano‑Cortina Games now concluded, McKinnon is already planning collections for the next Olympic cycle, aiming to expand her portfolio to include other winter disciplines. Her studio, still modest in size, continues to attract interest from athletes worldwide who seek a blend of luxury, functionality, and artistic expression.

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