Patrick Chan for Harry Rosen (Photo courtesy of Harry Rosen)

Last year, figure skating became the stuff of reality television dreams, and now figure skaters have become the stuff of fashion inspiration. The men of skating are proving to be a fashion-forward bunch, scoring modelling gigs, taking on PETA and acting as muses to designers.

The leader of the pack is Johnny Weir, the dramatic American singles skater, who’s created controversy with a staunchly pro-fur stance, saying he wouldn’t stop wearing fur until he saw “a chinchilla wearing me.” Weir also played model in the New York Times Magazine recently, wearing a revealing crocheted costume made specifically for him by Rodarte, the avant-garde label known more for quadruple-digit prices than quadruple lutzes. Designer Vera Wang, a former figure skater herself, has created outfits for her new muse, U.S. skater Evan Lysacek, in Vancouver for both his short and long programs.

In Canada, 19-year-old Olympian Patrick Chan makes his modelling debut today in Harry Rosen’s spring campaign, wearing a sharp suit and toting his skates. These collaborations are all a far cry from the schmaltzy, sequined and bedazzled costumes of yore. We’re just wondering how the new image will affect next season’s Battle of the Blades.

• Patrick kicks off Harry Rosen campaign [PatrickChan.ca]