In a swirl of red lights and curtains, Lady Gaga takes to the stage, her 7.5-metre-tall gown an engineering feat of art and design. The Australian-Taiwanese designer Samuel Lewis, who created this show-stopping look, is no stranger to Gaga's world. They've collaborated on several occasions, including a five-star performance that cemented Gaga's return to the OTT camp.
Lewis's journey to fashion stardom began with an eclectic mix of influences, from film and rock music to Victorian-era designs. He's heavily inspired by 70s and 80s grunge, with silhouettes that embody the shape of a body before contorting into fantastical forms. His designs often push the boundaries of fabric and structure, as seen in his look for K-pop star Rosé's performance in Taiwan.
One thing sets Lewis apart from other designers – his online presence has catapulted him to global recognition. The internet has bridged geographical distance, allowing him to find high-profile clients through social media platforms like Instagram. This new-age approach to building a career hasn't eroded the traditional notion of an Australian designer being overlooked until they leave for Paris or Milan.
True art in fashion is often carried by celebrities who have the resources to explore bold ideas. Lewis acknowledges this, crediting them with giving him the freedom to let his imagination run wild. With his upcoming debut collection – part made-to-order and ready-to-wear – he's determined to bring a new level of craftsmanship and beauty into the world of fashion.
Lewis sees his designs as an extension of his personal style, which leans heavily towards 70s rock aesthetic. He often incorporates elements of sex appeal, fervour, and the unconventional into his pieces. His goal is not just to create stunning garments but also to spark conversations about design, engineering, and the magic in everyday objects.
The Australian designer's vision for the future of fashion revolves around embracing imperfection and decay as beautiful qualities. He wants his designs to be a reflection of our individual experiences with time – to collect, cherish, and find beauty in everything, even the mundane.
One might draw parallels between Lewis's designs and that of Only Lovers Left Alive's Tilda Swinton character – an immortal vampire lost in time. However, Lewis differentiates himself by saying his vision is "less existential." Instead, he focuses on creating pieces that ignite curiosity and wonder in those who wear them.
Lewis's journey to fashion stardom began with an eclectic mix of influences, from film and rock music to Victorian-era designs. He's heavily inspired by 70s and 80s grunge, with silhouettes that embody the shape of a body before contorting into fantastical forms. His designs often push the boundaries of fabric and structure, as seen in his look for K-pop star Rosé's performance in Taiwan.
One thing sets Lewis apart from other designers – his online presence has catapulted him to global recognition. The internet has bridged geographical distance, allowing him to find high-profile clients through social media platforms like Instagram. This new-age approach to building a career hasn't eroded the traditional notion of an Australian designer being overlooked until they leave for Paris or Milan.
True art in fashion is often carried by celebrities who have the resources to explore bold ideas. Lewis acknowledges this, crediting them with giving him the freedom to let his imagination run wild. With his upcoming debut collection – part made-to-order and ready-to-wear – he's determined to bring a new level of craftsmanship and beauty into the world of fashion.
Lewis sees his designs as an extension of his personal style, which leans heavily towards 70s rock aesthetic. He often incorporates elements of sex appeal, fervour, and the unconventional into his pieces. His goal is not just to create stunning garments but also to spark conversations about design, engineering, and the magic in everyday objects.
The Australian designer's vision for the future of fashion revolves around embracing imperfection and decay as beautiful qualities. He wants his designs to be a reflection of our individual experiences with time – to collect, cherish, and find beauty in everything, even the mundane.
One might draw parallels between Lewis's designs and that of Only Lovers Left Alive's Tilda Swinton character – an immortal vampire lost in time. However, Lewis differentiates himself by saying his vision is "less existential." Instead, he focuses on creating pieces that ignite curiosity and wonder in those who wear them.