Our Craft

van Ermel Scherer is a designer-led First Nations label.

Every piece begins with an original print and is made in limited numbers to be worn and loved for years.

Designed from Country

Verity van Ermel Scherer, a Larrakia designer, designs every VES print herself. Her inspiration comes from the natural world, from Country and from the small visual details of the landscape around her studio on the South Coast of NSW. Each idea moves from drawing to textile design. Then it goes through prototypes and sampling, and is refined with our production partners until it is right.

Made to last

Quality guides every decision. Our swimwear is double-lined with bonded seams for comfort, support and durability. Our resortwear is cut from digitally printed 100% silk crepe or Sand wash silk sets. These pieces move easily between resort, swim and evening, and are made to stay in your wardrobe season after season.

Considered materials

We're moving all new swimwear to recycled fibre, made from recycled materials including post-consumer plastic bottles, with UPF 50+ sun protection. Our Foundation pieces were made before this change, and once they're gone, every new collection will be made this way. We work with small, carefully chosen manufacturing partners, with a commitment to responsible production and the wellbeing of the people who make our pieces.

Limited by design

Every VES range is intentionally limited edition. Small runs let us step away from the volume of fast fashion, reduce waste, and give each piece more individuality. When a print is gone, it is gone.

Art × Fashion × Story

Collaboration is at the heart of our practice. The Mattie collection was created with First Nations artist Lizzy Stageman, translating her artwork directly into textile and garment. Lizzy receives a royalty on every collaborative piece sold, so that the artist shares in the success of the work.

The Mattie story

Mattie honours Verity's grandmother, Valerie "Mattie" Frith, whose elegance and sense of occasion shaped the VES kaftan. The collection traces a journey from Larrakia Country in the Northern Territory to the South Coast of NSW. Water and rain run throughout as symbols of Country, movement, renewal and the bond between people and place. It culminates in Warranha Inaar, meaning strong women, a tribute to the strength and resilience of the women who came before.