2026 Winter Olympics

When Style Goes On Air

Antonio - Quebec

During the Winter Olympic Games, everything must operate with precision.

In-depth analysis, long broadcast days and the relentless pace of live television demand constant preparation, both in front of and behind the camera. In this high-performance environment where every detail matters, clothing plays a vital role.

For this special Olympic coverage, Radio-Canada partnered with Surmesur to dress several key hosts and contributors. The exercise goes far beyond styling for a one-time event. These garments must breathe and remain comfortable for hours at a time, perform flawlessly under intense studio lighting and maintain a polished appearance from the opening ceremony to the final competition.

A Wardrobe Designed for Live Television

A Wardrobe Designed for Live Television

Dressing public personalities for a multi-week broadcasting marathon requires a strategic approach. Each piece must be versatile enough to be styled in multiple ways while maintaining a cohesive visual identity on screen.

On television, fabrics, textures and colours take on a highly technical dimension. The way a fabric absorbs or reflects studio lighting, how it contrasts against the skin tone or how a pattern appears on camera are all variables that must be carefully considered. Once these technical challenges are mastered, clothing can finally do what it does best: tell the story of the person wearing it.

Geneviève Tardif’s Bold Sense of Style

Geneviève Tardif’s Bold Sense of Style

Even within the more structured world of public broadcasting, every personality brings their own identity to their wardrobe.

Geneviève Tardif fully embraces a vibrant and expressive approach to style. Bold patterns and confident tailoring are naturally part of her sartorial DNA. Her striking scarlet-red suit immediately captures attention and reflects her dynamic energy on screen.

“Inside what I wear, there are always little funky details. It makes me feel good. And there’s also a colourful side that shows a bit more of my personality.”

The choice of this red jacket is far from accidental. It also serves as a subtle stylistic nod to Italy, the host country of these Winter Games, adding another layer of narrative to her on-air presence.

Jean-Patrick Balleux’s Timeless Elegance

Jean-Patrick Balleux’s Timeless Elegance

Jean-Patrick Balleux takes a different approach, one rooted in rich textures and timeless elegance. His navy suit paired with a fine-striped shirt creates a classic and reassuring silhouette.

“These are rich, soft fabrics. For the Winter Olympics, it’s perfect. It feels like a comforter wrapped around your body.”

His comment serves as a reminder that comfort remains essential. Between segments, hosts constantly alternate between sitting and standing positions. A made-to-measure garment must move naturally with the body without sagging, wrinkling or restricting movement. Here, subtle textures and carefully selected accessories add depth to the image without ever overwhelming it.

Martin Labrosse and the Art of Nuance

Martin Labrosse and the Art of Nuance

For Martin Labrosse, the guiding principle is understated sophistication. His grey suit paired with a cream shirt rather than a stark optic white creates a softer, more natural contrast on screen. Under harsh studio lighting, this monochromatic palette warms the complexion and avoids the overly sharp or cold effect traditional white can sometimes create.

The cream shirt emerges here as an underrated wardrobe essential. Warmer in tone, it offers remarkable versatility. The overall look perfectly illustrates the strength of timeless clothing: a precise fit, refined texture and a well-folded pocket square are enough to create presence and dimension without unnecessary excess.

A Presence Designed to Last

Live from the Olympic Games, everything becomes a question of balance: performance, precision and natural ease despite the intensity of the moment. Clothing becomes part of that same pursuit of excellence.

When a suit is thoughtfully designed around the physique and personality of the person wearing it, it does not seek to steal the spotlight. Instead, it quietly steps aside to leave room for confidence, expertise and authentic presence.