One-of-a-Kind Custom Costume: From Inspiration to Reality

Custom Figure Skating Costume Design Sketch

Almost every custom competition costume – whether for figure skating, dance, or gymnastics – begins the same way: with a handful of photos and a head full of ideas.

A mom arrives with screenshots of favourite dance competition costumes and colour suggestions. A coach brings a vision for what will suit the music and highlight the program’s key moments. And together, we start imagining what’s possible.

Not long ago, a mother and daughter came to me with three very different inspiration photos. They loved the neckline on one, the sleeve detail on another, and the bold colour from a third. The coach weighed in with ideas about how the custom figure skating dress needed to move for a particular spin sequence, while the skater quietly hoped for a little extra sparkle.

We sat down together and discussed the program, the music, and how she wanted to feel on the ice. I sketched an initial concept, blending everyone’s ideas into something unique, and shared it for feedback.

Once the design was finalized, I created a custom pattern to fit her exact measurements, ensuring the costume would flatter her shape and allow freedom of movement. After constructing the garment, we scheduled a fitting to confirm the fit and flow on the ice. At that appointment, we decided on final rhinestone placement to make sure it sparkled perfectly under the rink lights.

When the last fitting arrived, the mom smiled as her daughter turned in front of the mirror. “She’s going to shine in this. Thank you for bringing it to life.”

A one-of-a-kind custom costume is more than fabric, rhinestones, and stitching. It’s about collaboration — listening to the people who know the performer best and turning their ideas into a design that inspires confidence and shines on the ice or stage.

Want to see what’s possible for your skater or dancer?

👉 Explore my Custom Costume Services to compare design options for Custom Lite, Signature Style, and Elite Couture.

When you’re ready, book a consultation and let’s start bringing your inspiration photos to life.

P.S. Is there a competition costume detail you’ve always wanted to see in a design? A dramatic sleeve, an open back, a bold pop of colour? Share it in the comments —  I love hearing what inspires families!