Want to learn more about figure skating history? You are in the right place!

Created in 2013, Skate Guard is a blog that focuses on overlooked and underappreciated areas of the history of figure skating, whether that means a topic completely unknown to most readers or a new look at a well-known skater, time period, or event. There's plenty to explore, so pour yourself a cup of coffee and get lost in the fascinating and fabulous history of everyone's favourite winter sport!

The Fashion of Figure Skating

The Fashion of Figure Skating Hub explores the artistry, innovation, and style behind the sport's costumes. From iconic designs to evolving trends, this page highlights how skaters express themselves on the ice and how fashion has shaped the look and performance of figure skating over the years.

A Century of Figure Skating Fashion

If you're curious about figure skating fashion evolved in the sport's early year's, you'll love this three-part deep dive that was shared on the blog ten years ago. A Century of Figure Skating Fashion studies what people wore on the ice from 1860 to 1960:

Part 1: 1860-1880

Part 2: 1890-1920

Part 3: 1930-1960

Topics: figure skating fashion, evolution of figure skating costumes

Wearable Figure Skating History

Skate Guard Blog's Wearable Skating History board on Pinterest features pins of medals, skates, costumes and other wearable pieces from famous figure skaters around the world. Carve out some time to see the skates Trixi Schuba used to carve out her world-famous paragraph double threes and loops, the costumes of the 'Flying Finns' Susanna Rahkamo and Petri Kokko, Brian Orser's medals and much more.

Topics: figure skating fashion, evolution of figure skating costumes, medals, skates, digital exhibits

Fashionista: The Mary Wills Story

Arizona-born designer Mary Wills created many of the iconic skating fashions of the Ice Follies in the tour's heyday. Learn about her fascinating story in this 2020 Skate Guard Blog

Topics: figure skating fashion, Mary Wills, Ice Follies, costumes from professional skating tours, fashion designers

Bata Shoe Museum - Boots & Blades Exhibit

The Boots & Blades exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum explores the evolution of figure skating through the objects that define it - boots, blades, and skating fashions. Showcasing iconic skates worn by Canadian champions, innovative blade designs, and the dazzling costumes that reflect changing trends and artistic expression, the exhibit highlights how style and function have shaped the sport. From early leather boots to modern performance footwear, and from classic skating dresses to cutting-edge competition costumes, Boots & Blades offers a visually rich journey through the artistry, craftsmanship, and fashion that make figure skating uniquely compelling.

Topics: figure skating fashion, evolution of figure skating costumes, medals, skates, digital exhibits

Interview with Michael Kuluva

If fabulous is your thing, meet Michael Kuluva. A former competitive figure skater from 1989–2001, he toured professionally with Holiday on Ice and Disney on Ice, appearing on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Live with Regis and Kelly. After retiring in 2009, he turned his eye to fashion, launching his label Tumbler and Tipsy, and showcasing collections at Los Angeles and New York Fashion Weeks. Known for his playful, cutting-edge designs, Kuluva has dressed celebrities like Lil Kim, Lance Bass and RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Shangela, as well as skating icons Johnny Weir, Tara Lipinski, and Sasha Cohen. Creative, daring, and undeniably stylish, Kuluva brings the sparkle of the ice to the runway.

Topics: figure skating fashion, Michael Kuluva, Tumbler and Tipsy, fashion designers

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