fashion

First Nations fashion brand Van Ermel Scherer to showcase at Melbourne Fashion Week

Phoebe Blogg Published September 18, 2026 at 12.30pm (AWST)

Models wearing Van Ermel Scherer at Australian Fashion Week. Image: Lucas Dawson.

The new Aboriginal luxury swim and resortwear house making waves within the fashion industry, Van Ermel Scherer (VES), will showcase at the 2026 Melbourne Fashion Week runway next week.

After a successful runway debut at Australian Fashion Week, founder and proud Larrakia woman Verity Van Ermel Scherer is thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the popular fashion event.

"Feeling incredibly honoured to be part of opening day at the ganbu marra Runway at Melbourne Fashion Week," Scherer told Style Up.

"Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia, so bringing VES from the South Coast to this incredible fashion scene feels truly iconic.

"I cannot wait to hit the ground, meet amazing people, showcase my pieces and share the quality, art and story behind VES. What an honour."

Taking part in the First Nations ganbu marra runway, Van Ermel Scherer designs will walk the runway alongside several other talented First Nations designers including Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Ebony Noire, Kaninda, Rowland Vision, Saretta The Label, Yapa Mali and more.

*Models wearing Van Ermel Scherer at Australian Fashion Week. (Lucas Dawson)*

The Van Ermel Scherer brand pays tribute to the designer's late grandmother, Valerie Van Ermel Scherer (Mattie Frith), a survivor of the Stolen Generations whose creative legacy lives on through the house's signature kaftans and bespoke textile storytelling.

"I studied fashion design and fashion business, then went to work in the industry," said designer Verity Van Ermel Scherer.

"During that time we went through a huge loss when my grandmother passed away. She was my guide, my support, one of the most important people in my life."

"That loss shifted something in me. I made a decision to go and build, to create financial security for my future, for the children I hoped to have one day. Coming from where I did, I had to back myself and make my mark.

"Swimwear felt completely natural; it's in my DNA from both sides. My dad is a Maroubra boy, a surfie and lifesaver. We grew up in and around the ocean. And my mum is Larrakia, we are saltwater people deeply, spiritually connected to the water. So when it came to building a brand, swimwear was never a question. It was always the answer."

Based on Dharawal Country in Coledale, VES has built a distinctive identity through meticulously crafted limited-edition collections that merge luxury fabrication with cultural authenticity.

Van Ermel Scherer also donates five per cent of all sales to the Stolen Generations Council NSW/ACT, supporting healing initiatives and ongoing community programs.

*Model Billie Jean Hamlet wearing Van Ermel Scherer at Australian Fashion Week. (Lucas Dawson)*

Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) will take place across October 19-25.

This year's theme, Wear the Moment, celebrates self-expression and the inclusive spirit of M/FW, inviting everyone to be part of the moment, on and beyond the runway.

The First Nations ganbu marra runway will kick off the week taking over Gandel Hall.

Multi-talented First Nations creative Lindyn Rowland has also been announced as the runway stylist.

"Melbourne is Australia's fashion and culture capital, with self-expression at the heart of it - and we're calling on everyone to embrace and wear the moment," said Lord Mayor Nick Reece.

"Melbourne doesn't just follow the fashion trends; we create them. For a week Melbourne becomes a runway. This is Melbourne at its most creative, confident and completely itself."