The thrill of maneuvering through the throngs of spirited people, all garbed in red and white, at the corner of Robson and Burrard every day has been tantamount only to the excitement of sitting in the stands at the Pacific Coliseum last week, watching the men's figure-skating final. Not only was it a superb display of inspired athleticism, but also a true celebration of personal style, and an eclectic fashion show of the highest order.

Top points for elegance had to go to golden boy Evan Lysacek, whose dramatic black Vera Wang statement, complete with a glittering snake 'round the neck, oozed dramatic dynamism. Then again, Lysacek has the physical form that would naturally inspire most high fashion designers, and Vera herself was in the stands to cheer on her champion muse. By contrast, the fantabulous Johnny Weir has a do-it-yourself approach when it comes to his artistry, and designed his own costume for the big competition. His musical choice, "Fallen Angel" made him start thinking of chubby cherubs, he told me the next day. "And I started seeing these plump little angels falling to earth-and then I started thinking about their skeletal frames, so then I had the idea for this rib-cage effect," Johnny said, referring to the white crystal forms on his glittering get-up. "And then of course I had to have a huge angel wing sweeping across my chest...."

Getting the chance to sit down and talk to the controversially flamboyant skater was illuminating - media accounts had led me to believe that he might be a bit of an over-the top, arrogant rebel. But I was bowled over by his sweet sincerity and fierce focus - a deeply sensitive artist, Johnny sees his big picture clearly. He's adamant about building his "brand"-one that he hopes will ultimately stand for "uniqueness", and a kind of fearlessness. "People have to be encouraged to proudly be who they are," he told me. It's a great message and waving the flag for originality and freedom of expression is bound to win him points with his millions of impressionable young fans, even though conservative Olympic judges may have been less than impressed. "I know that most people would assume I'd be skating at the Olympics to win a medal," Johnny told me. "And of course, while I didn't expect to really win a medal, it was on my mind... But for me, knowing that the audience really felt my performance, knowing that they were really there with me...well, that was like winning all the medals I need." Weir just wants his work to resonate with people on a very visceral level. And that night, it did.

For more on my experience at the Olympics, including meeting gold medalist Maelle Ricker, go to CTVOlympics.ca!

Photo: Jeanne Beker poses with U.S. figure skater Johnny Weir

Jeanne Beker is host/segment producer of Canada's leading fashion series - FashionTelevision and is currently on the ground in Vancouver to cover the 2010 Olympic Winter Games for CTV.