Vanessa Bell rings in the future for luxury Merino knitwear
Vanessa Bell, who with her husband, Philip, grows superfine wool near Walcha in northern NSW, last month launched her eponymous brand featuring Woolmark-certified knitwear made from 100% Australian Merino wool.
Vanessa says the guiding ethos behind the new Vanessa Bell brand is to create refined and timeless pieces that pay tribute to the wool fibre, the land on which it’s grown, and the wearer.
“My vision has always been clear: to unite luxury with sustainability, and position natural fibres as the gold standard of modern fashion. A premium fibre, Merino wool holds the key to a more conscious future. Soft, strong and fully biodegradable, it offers luxury without compromise and performance without harm to the planet,” Vanessa said.
Vanessa Bell modelling the VB Signature Turtleneck and Equestrian V Neck. PHOTOS: Jasmine Moody from Moody Imagery
The new collection comprises jumpers, scarves and tabards in colours inspired by the Australian landscape. All the pieces are knitted in Italy by family-run atelier Maglificio Pini using 100% Australian Merino wool yarns from Italian mills Tollegno 1900 and Lanecardate.
Vanessa chose to manufacture in Italy to honour generations of technical knowledge and to preserve the tradition of fine craftsmanship.
“These partnerships are essential to the brand’s heritage and its commitment to responsible business practices. By pairing Australian wool with Italian hands, we highlight both land and legacy,” she said.
“Each piece of knitwear is easy to layer, flattering to wear, and finished with care. They are designed for comfort and ease, moving with you, from city to country, day to night. They are wardrobe staples that are designed to stand the test of time – to be worn and treasured for years, not just a season. They are made to be loved, re-worn and passed down.
“A highlight of the collection is the Puff Wheat Turtleneck and Scarf. The relaxed, chunky knit features a first-to-market puff stitch inspired by wheat and finished with the signature Vanessa Bell chevron detail.”
The Puff Wheat Turtleneck and Scarf featuring the first-to-market puff stitch.
All the pieces in the collection are certified by Woolmark.
“This means we meet the highest standards for fibre quality, strength and softness. We make garments to last: thoughtful design, responsible production, and lasting elegance.”
“For me, true luxury is timeless. Our knitwear is an invitation to choose wool over waste, to embrace nature’s miracle fibre in comfort and beauty.”
Vanessa Bell
Vanessa and her husband Philip run 3,500 Merinos at ‘Emu Creek’ at Walcha. Vanessa plans to include wool from the property in future collections of the Vanessa Bell brand.
“Our superfine wool is grown using regenerative practices like rotational grazing, restoring soil health, and protecting biodiversity. Sustainability is not a goal; it’s how we work and think. We don’t just reduce harm, we restore balance to land and animals. We’re working with Land For Wildlife to restore native vegetation, planting trees and corridors to provide shelter and give native fauna space to move,” she said.
Although Vanessa’s knowledge of wool-growing began 12 years ago when she married Philip, her appreciation for wool first developed in the 1990s when she was a model for some of the world’s top fashion brands.
“My love of Merino wool and my relationship with wool actually commenced on the runway modelling for clients such as Valentino, Armani and Dior. In the 1990s, high-end designers were utilising superfine Merino wool in a way I thought beautiful and functional. I’m proud to say my very first shoot for Vogue Australia in 1989 was wearing a Merino blazer for Jean-Paul Gaultier. My passion for excellence in quality and design stems from this fashion background,” she said.
In 2017, Vanessa launched a collection of hand-knitted wool baby blankets which were inspired by her great-grandmother’s knitting and a Merino blanket passed down through generations. These early pieces laid the foundation for the new Vanessa Bell brand.
“After three years in the making, I am proud to launch my eponymous brand and I’m honoured that it has also been recognised with Gold in Fashion & Textiles and Silver in Agriculture & Farming at the international 2025 Women Changing the World Awards,” Vanessa added.
More information: www.vanessa-bell.com
This article appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine that was published in September 2025. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
