You have seen Isis Avis Loren’s amazing couture-level garments on the screen and on the stage, but did you know that they were all handmade by the same person, Australia’s reigning drag queen under her label Haus of Loren?
In 2024, Revival Runway was lucky enough to have some of the stunning Haus of Loren garments as an installation as part of our first Queer By Design runway show; and the lovely Isis [Michael] graced our audience too.
THE HAUS OF LOREN
Now, as the designer-maker and couturier of Haus of Loren, Isis is launching her very first collection at the second Queer By Design event on Thursday 19 February, 2026. “The garments and codes of the Haus of Loren are of a high standard, one-of-a-kind creations and a personal expression,” Isis explains.
“I am a proud member of the queer community and wish to thank all those who have supported me and given a platform to ‘him’ to spread ‘her’ message of inclusion, acceptance and love, no matter the circumstances.
“90% of the work on these gowns for this runway has been from my hands, with only some specialty and labour intensive details requiring assistance,” Isis says.
Although this will be the inaugural official collection, the Haus of Loren “has been in operation for many years creating for its namesake [star] and for other entertainers across Melbourne and Australia”.
“The Haus of Loren comes from the vivid mind of Isis Avis Loren, winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 3. Before gracing the silver screen and dazzling the stages of Australia, Michael studied fashion and worked in the Melbourne Couture industry where they honed their skills in design and the artisanal trade.
“Since then many entertainers, brides and friends have been transformed into superstars wearing creations from The Haus of Loren.
“The interest was sparked by corsetry and quickly morphed into the ability to use two dimensional materials to cut, sew, mould and create three dimensional sculptures that transform the wearer into a goddess here on earth,” Isis says.
“I started creating wearable pieces in 2017 during experimentation in art class, it evolved into wearing non-conventional art pieces and led to further education and a career in the fashion industry.”
The haus has been named for its designer who “appropriated [it] from the Italian film star, Sophia Loren”, and was launched with “determination, skill and talent” explains Isis.
INFORMED BY CONSIDERED DESIGN AND IMPECCABLE FIT
Isis explains that they have been inspired by powerhouse couture houses and designers like John Galliano for Dior, Alexander McQueen, J’aton, Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, Dior, Balenciaga and Givenchy.
“These fashion houses have informed the designs and haus codes. Strong silhouettes, textural fabric, considered design lines, sumptuous and specially placed details along with impeccable fit are tantamount to a Haus of Loren piece. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and the strength of the feminine.
According to Isis, the main concept of the brand is linked to its origin as costumery for performance via the emphasis on fit, and the performer’s love of iconic Hollywood divas: “Glamour with purpose, strength through empowerment, and feeling the eternal goddess within, unlocked by wearing otherworldly gowns”, or, as they quip “couture for the fags, dolls and divas”.
“These creations are made to last. To be worn many times, inspiring feelings, striking awe, leaving the beholder transfixed in wonder and admiration. The Haus uses some reclaimed and vintage fabrics to create one-of-a-kind couture pieces.
“Some of the items in the new collection have also been re-imagined from other garments to give new life and meaning to classic elements, demonstrating that reuse and recycling are synonymous with timeless style,” explains Isis when discussing the issue of production in the current fashion industry.
GODDESS DIVAS AND CALM ETHEREAL GLAMOUR
Moving forward, Isis wants to bring ideas and emotions to the fashion world with the Haus of Loren: “[I want] to bring a sense of goddess diva and amazement, spectacle and calm ethereal glamour; to be featured at a major gallery exhibition where the garments can be loved and the impact as one of the premier Australian drag fashion artists be celebrated.
“I want to work in conjunction with other brands and artists to affect inspiration and positive change within the local and global creative industries.”
The Haus of Loren will have its inaugural showing on the runway as part of the QUEER BY DESIGN show on Thursday 19 February 2026. Tickets available from www.trybooking.com/DGPPG
For more information about the Haus of Loren and Isis Ava Loren, go to www.isisavisloren.com or follow at @isisavisloren
PHOTOGRAPHERS: @socialietta @tns_studios @nostressifnot
ASSISTANTS @bellanitrate Adrian @maxdragqueen @wendypriscilla777
MAKEUP: @isisavisloren
HAIR & WIGS: @unicorn_manes_bymykey @Ivoryglaze @lexigags @bellanitrate @styledbyesther_
SHOES: @malibustacey_
CROWN & SCEPTRE @ampedaccessories
