Lisa Dazzles at Coachella in Custom 3D Reptile Suit by Asher Levine

Coachella Valley, CA

Blackpink’s Lisa made an unforgettable debut at Coachella on Friday with her first solo performance at the festival. Amidst the blazing Californian sun, the K-pop sensation initially stepped out in a giant black puffer jacket, which was swiftly removed to reveal a jaw-dropping, custom-designed reptilian bodysuit. Covered in scales from head to toe, the suit was a collaboration with renowned designer Asher Levine, who referred to the look as “creature couture” in a video call from his Los Angeles studio.

Levine, who has previously designed otherworldly stage outfits for iconic artists such as Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, and Christina Aguilera, was tasked with creating two futuristic looks for Lisa’s Coachella performance. Less than a month before the event, he began work on the custom 3D reptile suit using cutting-edge technology. Levine started by taking a precise body scan of Lisa, uploading her measurements into a digital tailoring system. He then used AI to design the unique geometric scale pattern, which was transformed into the physical suit by his studio’s sculpture division.

The intricate costume featured translucent scales and horns on Lisa’s shoulders, with each scale taking between 50 and 60 hours to craft. Levine’s ambition extends beyond artistry: he hopes his technological approach will one day replace traditional animal skins, allowing for cruelty-free, sustainable fashion.

For Lisa’s second performance outfit, Levine drew inspiration from nature, creating an ethereal sheer catsuit with glowing 3D-printed tendrils. The glowing elements, inspired by bioluminescent insects and translucent fungi, featured fiber optic lights embedded into the fabric. Levine’s innovation in wearable technology dates back to 2011, when he first experimented with embedded lighting for a project with artist Will.i.am. Since then, he has perfected the use of flexible, glass-like materials to create wearable luminosity.

Levine’s work is not only about pushing fashion boundaries but also ensuring the practicality of these cutting-edge designs. “Building these pieces for a performance is literally like building for a sports athlete,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of allowing artists like Lisa to move freely while performing.

Asher Levine’s creations may not be for everyone, but they have undoubtedly captured the attention of avant-garde artists looking to make a statement both musically and visually.