Women’s most “memorable” figure skating costumes of 2025-26

Fans Pick the Top 3 Most “Memorable” Women’s Figure Skating Looks of 2025–26

In figure skating, costumes do more than decorate; they shape a program’s first impression. They also connect music to movement and stay with fans long after the scores fade.

This season, in particular, women’s skaters delivered standout designs across a range of styles. For example, looks ranged from pop icon–inspired drama to romantic elegance and disco-infused glamour.

Based on fan voting, these were the most memorable women’s figure skating costumes of the 2025–26 season.

1. Amber Glenn
2. Anastasiia Gubanova
3. Alysa Liu

The category “memorable” refers to costumes that leave a lasting impression by connecting with audiences through character, emotion, and storytelling on the ice.

Amber Glenn Channels Madonna-Inspired Power

One of the most defining looks this season was Glenn’s short program costume. Designed by Los Angeles–based costume designer Lisa McKinnon, it was inspired directly by Madonna’s iconic 1989 hit “Like a Prayer.” It channeled both religious imagery and pop-star rebellion. McKinnon’s creative process is deeply tied to music. In fact, she listens on repeat while sketching, allowing rhythm and emotion to guide silhouette, color, and texture.

The end result was a long-sleeved deep burgundy dress with lace corsetry and off-the-shoulder draping. It also featured a bold neckline embellishment which echoed the layered necklaces Madonna made famous. The combination created a striking contrast between Glenn’s vulnerability and power in this program.

More than a tribute, the 2024-25 Grand Prix Final champion’s costume ultimately reworked Madonna’s iconography into one of the season’s most memorable looks.

Anastasiia Gubanova Captures Timeless Elegance

Gubanova’s free skate costume for her program set to music from Ghost: The Musical features a timeless, romantic design with a soft, elegant feel.

Notably, the most striking detail is the facing profiles of her and her husband woven into the back. The 2023 European champion wrote on Instagram that it was “a quiet symbol of our love.” Made with lightweight, flowing fabric, the dress moves fluidly with each step and creates a soft silhouette.

Why do many fans find it memorable? Perhaps because its strength comes from simplicity. Instead of using heavy decoration, it highlights Gubanova’s lines and musical timing, letting the emotion of the program stand out.

Alysa Liu Turns Up the Heat

Set to Donna Summer’s disco classic “MacArthur Park,” Liu’s free skate dress was specifically designed to capture a “flirty, fun, but classically beautiful” vibe.

With a heavy nod to 1970s disco glamour, the bodice is densely covered in a mix of gold sequins and metallic beadwork. It features a striking one-shoulder design paired with a matching gold-beaded choker. The skirt is composed of multiple thin, “shredded” panels of gold chiffon.

Also designed by Lisa McKinnon, the dress commands attention and represents a more refined evolution of the look Liu wore earlier in the season.

Ultimately, this dress isn’t just a costume; it’s a piece of figure skating history. It became “memorable” the moment Liu stepped onto the ice in Milano Cortina.

Final Thoughts

The 2025–26 season reinforces a clear evolution in figure skating fashion: costumes are no longer just beautiful garments—they are narrative tools. In fact, designers are increasingly working like film directors, building visual worlds that help define character and musical interpretation.

From Madonna’s religious-pop duality to the timeless ache of “Unchained Melody” and the surreal grandeur of “MacArthur Park,” this season proved that the most memorable costumes are the ones that don’t just dress the skater—but complete the story on the ice.

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