In a dazzling display of theatricality, Lady Gaga took to the stage wearing what Samuel Lewis, an Australian-Taiwanese designer, called "a moving piece of art, an engineering feat." The 26-year-old's creation was not just a dress but a sculptural, 7.5-metre-high gown that transformed into a metal cage, complete with dancers writhing behind its steel bars.
The extent of the costume became apparent when Gaga's skirt opened to reveal the cage underneath, pushing Lewis to his design limits. "We had to be like, how giant can something like this be?" he recalled. Lewis collaborated with Athena Lawton, an LA-based costume designer, on the project. The result was a showstopping performance that exemplified Lewis's unique blend of meticulous engineering and chaotic romanticism.
A veteran of creating elaborate costumes for celebrities like Chappell Roan, Blackpink members, Julia Fox, Madonna, and now Lady Gaga, Lewis has gained recognition in celebrity circles for his bold, boundary-pushing designs. His personal style is characterized by the sex appeal and fervour of 70s rock, with flares, peaked collars, and gothic boots.
Lewis's rise to prominence was facilitated by social media, which bridged geographical distances and introduced him to high-profile clients. However, he acknowledges that Australian designers often remain overlooked until they leave Australia. "A lot of the time, the attention goes to the people who have already established themselves abroad," Lewis noted.
The 26-year-old designer's approach to fashion is shaped by his diverse cultural influences, including film and music. His work is informed by "70s rock and 80s grunge" as well as "fabrics that might not be perfect, that have a sense of decay." He often experiments with silhouettes that track the shape of the human body before contorting into fantastical forms.
For his upcoming debut collection, Lewis plans to combine bespoke pieces with ready-to-wear items. Inspired by the concept of collecting things over time and finding beauty in everything, his designs will be released in 2026. When asked about his creative process, Lewis said he aimed to create garments that would challenge clients' perceptions: "I really want to make something that makes you be like, 'What the fuck is that? How does it work?'".
The extent of the costume became apparent when Gaga's skirt opened to reveal the cage underneath, pushing Lewis to his design limits. "We had to be like, how giant can something like this be?" he recalled. Lewis collaborated with Athena Lawton, an LA-based costume designer, on the project. The result was a showstopping performance that exemplified Lewis's unique blend of meticulous engineering and chaotic romanticism.
A veteran of creating elaborate costumes for celebrities like Chappell Roan, Blackpink members, Julia Fox, Madonna, and now Lady Gaga, Lewis has gained recognition in celebrity circles for his bold, boundary-pushing designs. His personal style is characterized by the sex appeal and fervour of 70s rock, with flares, peaked collars, and gothic boots.
Lewis's rise to prominence was facilitated by social media, which bridged geographical distances and introduced him to high-profile clients. However, he acknowledges that Australian designers often remain overlooked until they leave Australia. "A lot of the time, the attention goes to the people who have already established themselves abroad," Lewis noted.
The 26-year-old designer's approach to fashion is shaped by his diverse cultural influences, including film and music. His work is informed by "70s rock and 80s grunge" as well as "fabrics that might not be perfect, that have a sense of decay." He often experiments with silhouettes that track the shape of the human body before contorting into fantastical forms.
For his upcoming debut collection, Lewis plans to combine bespoke pieces with ready-to-wear items. Inspired by the concept of collecting things over time and finding beauty in everything, his designs will be released in 2026. When asked about his creative process, Lewis said he aimed to create garments that would challenge clients' perceptions: "I really want to make something that makes you be like, 'What the fuck is that? How does it work?'".
they're like, totally mind-blowing! i mean, who needs a 7.5m high gown that transforms into a metal cage? 
seriously though, his attention to detail is insane and his unique blend of engineering and romanticism is something else
i'm also intrigued by his approach to creating bespoke pieces that challenge clients' perceptions... like, who wouldn't want a garment that makes them go "what the fuck is that? how does it work?" 
i guess we just need to keep creating and pushing boundaries until everyone takes notice! 
. And can we talk about Athena Lawton for a sec? She's like, totally underrated 
. I mean, I've seen some of her work online and it's always on point 
. The way she combines engineering with chaotic romanticism is just genius 
. Plus, I'm low-key obsessed with Lewis's personal style – those gothic boots are everything 
! It's no wonder he's gained recognition in celebrity circles 
. And yaaas, let's give it up for Aussie designers who are killing the game on social media 
!
! I mean, who needs a normal dress when you can have a 7.5-metre-high metal cage with dancers writhing behind it 
! His approach to fashion is so unique and bold, it's like he's taking all these random things and smashing them together into something totally new and fabulous 
. It shows that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to design - everyone's got their own unique perspective. And I think it's awesome that he's bringing his diverse cultural influences into the mix, making fashion more inclusive and interesting.
. It's crazy how platforms like Instagram can help introduce new designers to high-profile clients. But at the same time, I think it's a bit sad that Australian designers often get overlooked until they've already made a name for themselves abroad.
. A debut collection that combines bespoke pieces with ready-to-wear items sounds like an amazing concept. And his motto of challenging clients' perceptions is right on brand. Bring it on! 
His use of fabrics that have a sense of decay is genius – it adds this whole other level of depth to his work. And the fact that he's using social media to get his name out there is so smart 
. Can't wait for his debut collection next year – I'm sure it'll be just as mind-blowing! 
Chills just thinking about it! But what really gets me is that Aussie designers like Lewis are often overlooked until they make it big abroad 
. Like, social media can be a double-edged sword, right? It's great for connecting with people and getting noticed, but sometimes it feels like everyone else has already established themselves before you get your chance to shine 
but also kinda terrifying thinking about the engineering that went into it... and what's with all the drama around fashion? can't we just keep it simple? 
the way he combines art & engineering is insane 
can't wait to see what he has planned for his debut collection in 2026 
I just saw this vid of Lady Gaga's concert and OMG that dress was CRAZY 
like, gothic rock meets 70s flares, i love it 
. I'm also loving his personal style - 70s rock vibes are everything for me 
. Can't wait to see what he does next! He's definitely on my radar now 
i mean have you seen those 80s grunge bands with all the volume and color? Lewis's designs are giving me major 70s rock vibes 
