Under the lights of the Darwin Convention Centre on Larrakia Country, something truly special unfolded this month. As part of the 10-year anniversary of Country to Couture, a dream eight months in the making finally walked the runway: the debut of Mimmim x TATIA's Sunset Healing collection.
At the heart of this collection was Mim Cole; proud Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri woman, visual artist, and founder of Mimmim. This was Mim's first time showcasing at Country to Couture, right here on her home Country, and it marked a powerful moment in both her creative journey and our collective story as Larrakia women.
For me, knowing Mim personally made this showcase even more special. To see another Larrakia woman stepping boldly into entrepreneurship, carving her space on one of Australia's biggest fashion platforms, filled me with pride. Mim has always walked with such quiet strength and determination, and to watch her story — our stories — come to life on the runway was nothing short of inspiring.
While working alongside designer Tatiana Hoffman from TATIA brought added depth to the collaboration, Mim's vision led the way.
"My artwork on the fabric spoke to her and inspired her designs," Mim reflected.
"We respected each other's strengths and collaborated beautifully, but the cultural stories and connections to Country remained at the heart of it all. This collection is deeply personal and deeply Larrakia."
"So much focus, time, and effort went into this collection over eight solid months," Mim shared.
"I created the artworks, and together we reached out to our networks, suppliers, and our incredible adornment and millinery team. It was a massive undertaking by both Tatiana and me, and seeing it all come together on the runway was a moment filled with pride, nerves, and excitement. It was surreal."
The Sunset Healing collection embodied the rich colours and landscapes of Larrakia Country; warm ochres, sunset oranges, saltwater blues, and soft lilacs blended into flowing silhouettes and contemporary cuts. Each piece held meaning: memories of ochre cliffs at dusk, rippling sea tides, and ancestral stories that transcend generations.
One of Mim's favourite works, Gathering, captures these personal narratives.
"It reflects the deeply treasured moments during gatherings at sunset," Mim explained.
"It includes the ochre cliffs, saltwater, the celebration of a new baby's birth, and clapsticks used in our family's saltwater baby ceremony. It also pays tribute to our ancestors watching over us. The sunset colours combined with rarrk, a technique taught to me by my mother and uncles, give a contemporary touch to traditional storytelling."
The sixth piece in the collection, Healing, became the emotional anchor of the showcase.
"This artwork represents the ripples of healing," Mim said.
"How an individual's journey towards healing can be felt and seen by immediate family, extended family, and the community. The passing on of healing is like a stone dropped in water, creating ripples of wellbeing that spread outward. Healing is not isolated. It is shared, multiplied, and woven into the fabric of collective experience."
Seeing Mim showcase this work on Larrakia Country, surrounded by her family, friends, and community, was a powerful moment of representation. It showed what's possible when First Nations women take up space and lead with courage and creativity.
Country to Couture, presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, continues to be an iconic national showcase where First Nations textiles and fashion collide. It's an event that celebrates innovation and collaboration while shining a global spotlight on stories like Mim's; stories grounded in Country, family, and culture.
For Mim, this moment was more than fashion; it was about identity, belonging, and showing future generations what's possible.
"Having my work recognised on a national platform like C2C is incredibly important," she said.
"It allows us to present our stories, art, and culture to a wider audience. I hope my stories woven through the artwork and garments inspire others to chase their passions."
To everyone who came along to witness this moment, thank you. Your support uplifts First Nations women in the fashion industry and creates space for more stories, voices, and talent to shine. And to Mim, thank you for sharing your story so bravely. The ripples of your healing are being felt far and wide.