LEVER COUTURE’s Paris Haute Couture debut, “Anatomy of IdenCty,” capCvated at the Palais de Tokyo with designer Lessja Verlingieri’s deeply expressive and arOully constructed exploraCon of self.
LEVER COUTURE presented a striking experience at the iconic Palais de Tokyo with the debut of its latest collec@on, “Anatomy of Iden@ty,” conceived by Ukrainian-born designer Lessja Verlingieri. Known for her sculptural couture and cinema@c silhoueLes, Verlingieri offered a body of work rich in emo@onal depth and visual poetry.
“Anatomy of Iden@ty” is an explora@on of self-construc@on through couture — how we build who we are, s@tch by s@tch, choice aOer choice. The show interrogates the tension between vulnerability and power, with each piece revealing (and concealing) fragments of iden@ty: gender, culture, trauma, beauty, and defiance.
The show opened with a powerful dance performance by Ukrainian first soloist ballerina Katja Khaniukova of the English Na@onal Ballet, whose haun@ngly beau@ful solo embodied themes of transforma@on, resilience, and iden@ty. Her performance set a deeply emo@onal tone — a tribute to strength through vulnerability and the storytelling power of movement.
The immersive experience was further elevated by custom music composed by I Monster, featuring the enigma@c and emo@onally charged track “Who Is She?”, which enveloped the audience in a soundscape of memory, mystery, and mood.
Crea@ve direc@on was led by Sina Braetz, a long@me collaborator of the brand. Braetz’s curatorial approach unified choreography, sound, light, and space into one living narra@ve — transforming the runway into a visceral and poe@c explora@on of self. With “Anatomy of Iden@ty”, Lessja Verlingieri invites the audience into a layered and in@mate examina@on of the self—dissec@ng structure, emo@on, and the beauty that exists within contradic@on. The collec@on unveiled intricately wrought garments that merged futuris@c technique with delicate craOsmanship, remaining true to Lever Couture’s signature balance of innova@on and
elegance.
Soft Green Mesh: Lightweight and ethereal, this fabric flows like air in the construc@on of Lever Couture’s dresses. It creates transparency and soOness — a sheer veil that feels barely there.
Gold Fringe: Dynamic and bold, the fringe adds movement, richness, and a touch of drama. It captures light and energy with every step.
Silver Swarovski Embroidered Stones: Delicate yet dazzling. Hand-applied crystals shimmer subtly, adding a refined sparkle and a sense of sophis@cated luxury.
Nude Sequins: Neutral tones with a soO shimmer — sequins that echo skin and glow soOly under light, crea@ng depth and sensuality.
Black Sculptures: Strong and grounded. These structured elements contrast with the lighter textures, adding edge and modern minimalism.
Cream Waben Mesh: A honeycomb-like texture that feels architectural and sculptural. It adds volume and paLern without heaviness.
This collec@on speaks of a quiet but determined and commiLed confidence. A tension between reveal and conceal. These crea@ons speak to those who understand the power of contrast — soO but not fragile, bold but not loud.