A CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH FASHION AND STORYTELLING: LORRAINE COPPIN AT THE OSAKA EXPO

In a celebration of Indigenous fashion, culture, and connection, designer Lorraine Coppin has proudly represented Australia at the global fashion expo in Osaka. Selected as one of the designers under the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair’s Indigenous Fashion Projects, Coppin traveled to Japan not only to showcase her work, but also to share stories from her Pilbara roots and build bridges across cultures.

“I’ve been selected as one of the designers to represent our nation back home,” said Lorraine. “That’s why we’re in Osaka—to participate in this fashion expo.”

Her participation extended beyond the runway. Lorraine was also featured in a panel discussion with four other designers, where they spoke about their creative journeys, community impact, and future aspirations.

“For me, it’s about learning, networking, and building on our skills to give this project back to the people,” she explained. “All these projects we create—we want the community to use them as a tool to better their lives.”

At the heart of Coppin’s work is a deep respect for her culture and elders, which is reflected in every piece she creates. Her Bumba Range, showcased in Osaka, draws from the Ingibelli story of the Seven Sisters—a songline passed down through generations.

“As a child, I was always taught by my mothers how to conduct yourself as a woman, a mum, and within the community,” Lorraine shared. “This is our way of giving back to our mothers and our elders.”

The bomber jackets, another highlight of her collection, feature artworks rooted in Pilbara creation stories, like the Bungalea story—the tale of ancestral beings transformed into ant hills, symbolic of women’s strength and leadership. These visual stories aren’t just art—they are living cultural records.

“We’re selling all these messages and keeping our culture alive,” she added. “There’s a story behind every design. That’s why people buy them.”

Lorraine’s creative journey recently took her to China, where she worked closely with her business partners to source ethical, high-quality fabrics.

“We went to China because we can’t afford Australian products. My people shop at Kmart and Coles. We need to make fashion affordable and culturally meaningful,” she said. “No one’s being enslaved—everyone over there gets paid for their work. It’s all properly manufactured.”

Through this trip, she explored various textiles—cotton, linen, and silk—seeking materials that aligned with her designs and storytelling. Each selection added texture to her message and brought new depth to her fashion line.

Lorraine wasn’t alone in representing Australia’s vibrant Indigenous fashion scene. Fellow designer Sonya Coleman, also part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair delegation, joined Lorraine in Osaka.

“I’ve joined forces with amazing designers,” said Sonya. “Our collections, including ‘A Tide Before Time,’ bring together cultural memory, ocean stories, and intergenerational artistry.”

Sonya’s work draws inspiration from her family’s intimate connection to the tides and cycles of the sea. With her mother, daughters, and community involved in the creative process, her designs speak to heritage and harmony with the natural world. Her dream? A swimwear collection that celebrates all women and respects the waters they swim in.

“I want people to feel the beauty underneath the water,” she explained. “Each design has that deep, rich blue—like the ocean at different times of day. We’re only visiting that oasis. We have to respect it.”

Beyond international exposure, both Lorraine and Sonya are focused on community impact. Lorraine envisions using her projects to teach and mentor young people, helping them gain confidence and skills to build their own paths.

“The reason I’m doing this is to create something the young ones can help run. It’s about giving them something to believe in.”

Both designers are alumni of the Country to Couture runway, where they first gained significant attention and industry connections. These opportunities have opened doors to global collaborations and lasting friendships—like those formed in Osaka.

As the spotlight shines on Indigenous fashion at Osaka Expo, Lorraine Coppin and Sonya Coleman continue to carry their cultures forward, weaving ancestral stories into garments that travel across oceans and generations. Their presence in Japan is not just about fashion—it’s about connection, culture, and continuity.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview.