LORE
AT ISLAND ARTS CENTRE
In August 2024, Annie Leona was invited to exhibit Lore at the Island Arts Centre — a wonderful opportunity that felt both deeply meaningful and incredibly affirming for the young studio. It offered the chance to see the collection step beyond the studio and take on a life of its own within a gallery setting, allowing the story of Lore to unfold beyond the garments themselves.
Rather than presenting the garments in a conventional way, the exhibition was designed as an extension of Lore itself. Pieces were suspended from driftwood gathered along the Donegal coast, using clear fishing line to give the illusion that they were floating within the gallery. Sheer fabric was draped throughout the space, softening the surroundings and creating an ethereal, almost ghostly atmosphere.
A WORLD SUSPENDED
The installation drew on the same ideas that shaped the collection — landscape, memory, folklore and the feeling of something half-seen or just out of reach. Bringing natural materials from the Irish coastline into the gallery allowed the space itself to become part of the story, blurring the line between fashion, art and place.
Opening Day
The exhibition opened with a small gathering of friends and family, making the unveiling of Lore feel especially personal. After months of building the collection and imagining how it might live within the gallery, seeing the installation complete and sharing that moment with the people closest to the studio made the evening incredibly special.
From the Exhibition Book
Lore was featured by Ulster Tatler during the exhibition, highlighting the collection’s roots in Irish folklore, landscape and heritage.
With sincere thanks to the team at Island Arts Centre, and talented director Naomi Johnston, for their warmth, support and care throughout the exhibition.
