Buy, buy, Johnny

Anyone who saw the winter Olympics knows that Johnny Weir is a world-class figure skater (who could forget the swan outfit in the men's short program?) Not as widely known are Weir's talents as a world-class shopper. The 21-year-old could find his way to an upscale shopping district blindfolded and balancing on a single roller skate. Coincidentally, Boston is one of Weir's favorite retail therapy cities, so it only made sense that we tagged along for shopping when he arrived in town earlier this week. Weir is skating today at the TD Banknorth Garden with the Champions on Ice tour, but before he hit the ice he hit Alan Bilzerian on Newbury Street and walked away with a new iPod case and a pair of loafers. We promised to not talk about how much he spent, but let's just say that Ben Franklin was well represented, many times over.
CHRISTOPHER MUTHER

Q. These jeans you're wearing are pretty amazing. What's going on here?

A. I got these jeans yesterday at Riccardi. These are grommets and stuff [pointing to the seat, which is covered in all different rivets]. There were only a certain number of these jeans in the entire world made by Taverniti. I like buying things that are really exclusive. I have a Louis Vuitton jewelry box that was very exclusive. I'm on the wait list for a silver bag coming out this fall. I like to have things that are different.

Q. Have you always had champagne tastes?

A. Yeah, but I don't come from a big-money family, so we were never able to afford it. My mother taught my brother and I to really want the best, whether it was carpet, a car, whatever. We just always want the best.

Q. You seem to know Newbury Street a little too well. How often are you in Boston?

A. When I'm not on tour, I'm up probably once or twice a month. I love it up here. New York is great, but it's too overwhelming at times. Boston is very low-key. Very laid back, and I like that.

Q. So you live in New York?

A. No, I live in Delaware, as much of a shame as that is.

Q. I'm not here to judge, just shop. None of this will be transcribed into snarky asides in my article.

A. Delaware's OK for training, but I love Boston.

Q. Are you planning to skate in the 2010 Olympics?

A. I've already decided that I'll skate four more years, and achieve everything that I want to achieve in those next few years. But there's more to life than just skating. So I'm going to try four more years, do my best, maybe pick a new style.

Q. Do you have any say in what you wear when you skate?

A. I usually have all the say. I help with design. The swan costume was designed for me, and then we had to change it so it would fit my style and fit my body. So there's a lot of thought that goes into every costume.

Q. What do you think you'll do after skating?

A. I want to be a fashion designer.

Q. So you'll have the world wearing a street version of your famous swan ensemble?

A. No. I think once I'm out of the skating world, I'll be pretty much out of it. I don't want to dwell, stick around and stay to long. I'll still do tours because I love that, but as far as being 50 and being involved in skating as a main priority in life, I don't think so.