Kutztown University, where Judy Reinford graduated with a degree in a highly competitive commercial art program, was where she first learned and grew her ability to design. Starting with classes in commercial art, set design and costuming. For the university theater, she handled the design of costumes, set design and make up for various productions. Her work for the play "Deathtrap" was so well received by an Equity theatre that it lead to a position as a temporary props master, a position that usually required a MA degree.
In 1994 she decided that her childhood dream of being able to skate, was now a dream as an adult. Within a year she was ready to compete. Figure Skatewear began as a need to make costumes for herself, as she was finding few outfits that she would want to wear.
Judy began making costumes for local skaters. Rapidly this grew from state to state. She began custom dying fabrics, such as mesh, velvet, slinky and silk chiffon to get the exact color needed. She believes that when beginning to develop a custom garment to first imagine the character and music that is being portrayed. It makes it easer to put together a costume that will bring out the true essence of the program. Each custom costume is unique and original and is never duplicated from client to client. Figure Skatewear now makes custom costumes for skaters and dancers of all ages and skill levels. She has also worked as one of the official costume staff for Skate America and has designed and made several costumes for Stars on Ice, Canada. Her clients include skaters all across the country, Canada, England, The Netherlands, Sweden, South Korea, Hungary, Norway, Ireland, Australia and Italy.
In addition to continuing custom designs, Figure Skatewear is now working exclusively with Main Street Dancewear to bring all skaters a line of “off the rack” dresses. Together they have developed a line designed with the skater in mind. Style, comfort and fit are incorporated to each of the garments. Flattering slip dresses for all body types, great practice dresses, and competition dresses easily embellished are part of the offerings. The line will also include a full range of dresses that will be available in Ice Dance lengths. With this new line of "off the rack" dresses Figure Skatewear has focused on what skaters are looking for and what is missing from the industry. Utilizing the 115 years of experience that Main Street Dancewear has in the dance industry, Figure Skatewear hopes to be the premier choice in the skating apparel market.