LEVER COUTURE’s Paris Haute Couture debut, “Anatomy of Identity,” captivated at the Palais de Tokyo with designer Lessja Verlingieri’s deeply expressive and artfully constructed exploration of self.
LEVER COUTURE presented a striking experience at the Palais de Tokyo with the debut of its latest collection, “Anatomy of Identity,” conceived by Ukrainian-born designer Lessja Verlingieri. Known for her sculptural couture and cinematic silhouettes, Verlingieri offered a body of work rich in emotional depth and visual poetry.
“Anatomy of Identity” is an exploration of self-construction through couture — how we build who we are, stitch by stitch, choice after choice. The show interrogates the tension between vulnerability and power, with each piece revealing (and concealing) fragments of identity: gender, culture, trauma, beauty, and defiance.
Lever Couture
Photos: Yolanda Leaney @callmeyo
The show opened with a powerful dance performance by Ukrainian first soloist ballerina Katja Khaniukova of the English National Ballet, whose hauntingly beautiful solo embodied themes of transformation, resilience, and identity. Her performance set a deeply emotional 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 enigmatic and emotionally charged track “Who Is She?”, which enveloped the audience in a soundscape of memory, mystery, and mood.
Creative direction was led by Sina Braetz, a longtime collaborator of the brand. Braetz’s curatorial approach unified choreography, sound, light, and space into one living narrative — transforming the runway into a visceral and poetic exploration of self.
With “Anatomy of Identity”, Lessja Verlingieri invites the audience into a layered and intimate examination of the self — dissecting structure, emotion, and the beauty that exists within contradiction. The collection unveiled intricately wrought garments that merged futuristic technique with delicate craftsmanship, remaining true to Lever Couture’s signature balance of innovation and elegance.
This collection speaks of a quiet but determined and committed confidence. A tension between reveal and conceal. These creations speak to those who understand the power of contrast — soft but not fragile, bold but not loud.
COLLECTION
CEO & designer | Lessja Verlingieri @lessjaverlingieri
Creative Direction & Styling | Sina Braetz @sinabraetz
Casting Director | Jean-Marc Mondelet @jeanmarcmondelet
Art Director | Laura Knoops @knoops
Makeup Lead | Hicham Ababsa @hicham_ababsa
Hair Lead | Werner Amort @werneramorthair at Julian Watson
Hair Team | Beautick @beautick_official, Beppe D’Elia @beppedeliaofficial
Music | I Monster @imonstermusic
Performer | Katja Khaniukova @khaniukova
Movement Director | Teva @teva.__
Graphic Design | Laura Knoops @knoops
Agency Support | Mona Fenina @monafenina
Photography | Yolanda Leaney @callmeyo
SET DESIGN
Scenography | Tor Studio @tor_tor_tor_studio
Creative Direction | Hannah Stewart @6footstranger
Art Direction | Fritz Schiffers @fritzmarlon
Design | Leona Tiemessen @leona.elisa
Design Assistant | Guillermina Burgos Fischer @m4licna
PRODUCTION
William Romeo Production @williamromeoproduction
Executive Producer | Adrien Sagnier @adrienwilliamromeo
Producer | Ksenia Harwood @knrwx
DÉCORS
Dima M | Studio 47 @sevendamas
LIGHT & SOUND
Novelty Group @novelty_officiel
PRESS
REP Agency @repnyc
ALEX M LOVES TALENT @alexmalgouyres
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