In pictures: Donegal Town's Triona Design feature at Abu Dhabi fashion show

Triona Design of Donegal Town unveiled their first-ever Spring/Summer collection, Coastal Awakening, at the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Abu Dhabi. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

Hosted by Ambassador Alison Milton in collaboration with Tech Powered Luxury, this prestigious event brought together some of Ireland’s most celebrated designers, dignitaries, and global industry leaders to honour Irish craftsmanship, fashion, and innovation on an international stage.

The evening was a true testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Irish design. With support from Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland, the event closed out two weeks of St Brigid’s Day celebrations across the UAE, shining a spotlight on female-led Irish fashion brands.

The night featured a live recording of the Tech Powered Luxury podcast, hosted by Ashley McDonnell, with an engaging panel discussion exploring the intersection of heritage, fashion, and technology. Notable speakers included Akash Mehta of Fable and Mane, Dr. Shawana Vali of By Dr. Vali, Jamie Ray of Buttermilk Agency, Anneliese Duffy Fallon of The Linen Shirt Company, and Rosy Temple of Magee 1866.

Representing Triona, Ciara Martin attended this landmark occasion as their designs made their debut on the runway. Designed by Emma Quinn, the collection embodies effortless elegance and contemporary Irish luxury.

Styled by the visionary talents of Jess Colivet and Anne O’Shea, four stunning looks from their Coastal Awakening collection were showcased, capturing the essence of contemporary Irish luxury. Their pieces were beautifully complemented by Evelyn McDermott Millinery’s exquisite hats and Bróg’s artisanal shoes, enhancing the timeless elegance of each ensemble. The show itself was a spectacle, featuring over 40 pieces from 16 distinguished Irish designers, all brought to life by Pristine Models with impeccable hair and makeup styling by Hair Waves by Charbel, AYU, and skincare by Ella and Jo.

One of the standout moments of the night was seeing Ambassador Alison Milton’s husband donning one of their brand-new men’s linen jackets in navy. This exclusive preview of their SS25 menswear collection was a proud moment, highlighting Triona’s continued evolution in modern tailoring while staying true to their heritage of fine craftsmanship.

Beyond the runway, the night was filled with inspiring conversations and invaluable connections. Meeting fellow designers and representatives of Ireland’s thriving fashion industry reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of Irish design. The evening concluded on a high note with a breathtaking live performance by Lyra, whose mesmerising vocals perfectly encapsulated the magic of the occasion.

As Triona continues to evolve, their debut Coastal Awakening collection marks an exciting new chapter. Rooted in heritage but designed for the modern wardrobe, this collection captures the effortless elegance of the Irish coast, offering lightweight yet luxurious pieces perfect for the season ahead. They are honoured to have had the opportunity to introduce our vision to a global audience in Abu Dhabi and look forward to sharing more in the coming months. Stay tuned as they unveil more from our SS25 collection