Kim Chae-yeon’s Olympic Journey: Handmade Costumes by Mom

Figure skating isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about performance, style, and sometimes, a bit of magic. For Korea’s rising star Kim Chae-yeon, that magic comes from a special partnership with her mom.

As Kim gears up for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, she’s turning heads with more than her skating. Her costumes, all handmade by her mother, are getting noticed just as much as her jumps and spins.

This story isn’t just about sports. It’s about dedication, craft, and how family support can shape a career in ways people rarely see from the outside.

The Craft Behind Kim Chae-yeon’s Costumes

Kim Chae-yeon’s costumes are unique because her mother, Lee Jung-a, makes every single one. While most skaters pay for expensive designer gowns, Kim steps onto the ice in outfits stitched with care—and a lot of love.

Lee pours hours into each dress, focusing on the tiniest details. Her background in fashion design helps, but it’s her determination that really stands out.

A Personal Touch

Every bead and seam has a story. Lee started making costumes for Kim back in 2017, mostly to save money and to get that perfect fit you just can’t buy.

She picks out fabric from Dongdaemun market, then spends about two weeks on each piece. The cost? Less than 300,000 won—way cheaper than designer options, and honestly, probably more meaningful.

Innovative Designs

Lee doesn’t just save money; she gets creative. To make Kim’s legs look longer, she extended the fabric over her skates, kind of like tall boots.

This clever trick even got her a nomination for a best costume award from the International Skating Union. Kim’s looks are usually simple and elegant, with clean lines and monochrome fabrics that really let her skating shine.

Kim Chae-yeon’s Journey to the Olympics

Kim’s road to the Olympics hasn’t been typical. She started skating at 11—pretty late by most standards—and hit plenty of bumps along the way.

Money was tight, and she almost quit more than once, but her love for skating and her family’s support kept her on the ice.

Training and Achievements

Now, she’s training in Canada, getting ready for a big local competition on August 8. Her days are packed with practice, and when she needs a boost, she’ll watch videos of Nathan Chen, the 2022 Olympic men’s champ.

She also gets advice from Kim Yuna, Korea’s figure skating legend, especially when it comes to choreography and expression. Not a bad mentor to have, right?

Recent Competitions

Last season was huge for Kim. She set new personal bests and grabbed titles at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin and the Four Continents Championships in Seoul.

Her flawless routines have earned her the nickname *Queen of Clean*—not everyone gets a title like that.

The Emotional Connection

For Kim, wearing a costume made by her mom isn’t just practical. It’s emotional. The sound of her mother’s sewing machine late at night is a comfort, a reminder that she’s never really alone on this journey.

A Symbol of Support

Each costume is a symbol. It represents all the sacrifices her family has made and the hours her mom has spent hunched over a sewing machine.

When Kim skates, she carries a piece of her mom’s heart with her. Maybe that’s part of why her performances connect so deeply with audiences.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Kim dreams of returning to Italy. She won silver there at the 2022 Junior Grand Prix, and she’s hoping to do it again—this time in another costume made by her mother.

Standing on the podium, wearing something stitched with love, would be the ultimate reward for both of them.

Conclusion

Kim Chae-yeon’s story feels like a testament to what family support and stubborn dedication can do. Her mother’s handmade costumes aren’t just practical—they’re a patchwork of love, creativity, and grit.

As Kim heads toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, she wears not just fabric, but her family’s dreams right there with her. There’s something pretty special about that, isn’t there?

If you’re curious and want to dig deeper into Kim Chae-yeon’s journey or her mom’s brilliant handiwork, check out the full article here.