Walcha’s agricultural heritage will take centre stage next week as Merino wool grower Vanessa Bell launches her luxury knitwear collection at the inaugural Emu Creek Long Lunch.
On Wednesday, 11 March, Bell will unveil the Australian Merino knitwear collection on her working property at Emu Creek near Walcha, with the launch taking place in the farm’s historic shearing shed.
Where better than the point of origin, in the farm’s character-filled historic shearing shed, to celebrate a brand that’s breaking ground in high-end global markets for a premium local product?
Vanessa Bell is a Woolmark Licensee and RWS Certified Schnieder Group Authentico Merino Wool grower who champions sustainable fashion and farming practices around the world. Her legacy-driven designs knit luxury fashion and a proud heritage of local agriculture seamlessly together.
“Vanessa Bell brand begins with the fibre, and the fibre begins here on the land. I want to immerse people in the landscape, the sheep, and the community that sit behind Australian Merino wool,” Vanessa said.
The Emu Creek property itself is part of Walcha’s wool-growing history. Previously held by six generations of the Gill family, the farm developed a reputation for premium wool, including multiple Golden Bale awards and demand from leading French and Italian mills.
“When I bought it, the property had gone to market for the first time in 161 years and I’m thrilled to be continuing a fine tradition of family farming with the sale of our first 72 bales as RWS growers just last week,” Vanessa said.
Family heirlooms in the form of Vanessa’s grandmother’s handiwork were Vanessa’s original inspiration for starting out with a range of woollen baby blankets back in 2017.
“I wanted something pure that would breathe, be lightweight, and still provide warmth, to wrap my precious newborn baby in,” Vanessa said.
The brand’s evolution to luxury fashion took shape organically, drawing on Bell’s many years of experience working with prestige brands like Valentino, Armani, and Dior. Some have expressed interest in Vanessa supplying her Walcha wool, but her heart is to keep it exclusive to her own brand.
“My focus is to grow wool fit for purpose for my future collections and show how Australian Merino can move beyond commodity supply as a fully realised luxury product,” Vanessa said.
A signature feature of the collection is the Puff Wheat stitch, adapted from an original knitting pattern created for the baby blanket range by Pat Stone.
“It’s an opulent knit, giving a lovely weight that breathes beautifully while still being super warm,” Vanessa said.
The foundation collection uses 100 per cent natural Australian Merino fibre grown through regenerative farming practices. Garments are crafted in Italy in partnership with family-run knitwear manufacturer Maglificio Pini, which is also RWS certified.
“I want to take a hybrid to the world that embodies the value and power of Walcha wool to carry both legacy and meaning.”
“They have an impeccable eye for detail and mastered my Puff Wheat knit with great precision,” Vanessa said.
Among recent accolades, Vanessa Bell collections have won Gold in Fashion & Textiles and Silver in Agriculture and Farming at the Changing the World Global Awards.
The superfine Merino wool used in the designs is produced through regenerative practices aimed at restoring soil health and protecting biodiversity.
“The longevity of the brand hinges on the health of our farm,” Vanessa said. “Provenance carries great weight for me in reshaping the future of ethical fashion and I advocate fiercely for the sustainable local Merino product to be embraced as a highly desirable alternative to synthetic fibres.”
Walcha sits within one of Australia’s most respected superfine Merino regions, and Australian Merino holds an exceptional reputation internationally as one of the finest natural fibres available.
Bell’s passion for the land, sustainable farming, and fashion has gained widespread recognition and media presence.
“My guiding principle is simple. Sustainable, generational pieces that honour the land, the legacy, the fibre, and the wearer,” Vanessa said.
Bell believes Australian Merino Wool holds the key to a more conscious future of fashion that doesn’t compromise on quality, performance, or harm, and a lively panel discussion at the Long Lunch will explore that vision.
Joining Vanessa will be Tory Archbold, Founder of global brand and leadership platform, Powerful Steps, and Emma Gittoes Buntin, Global Sustainability Manager of The Woolmark Company, the world authority on Merino Wool behind the quality assurance symbol seen on more than 6 billion products worldwide.
Topics will touch on fibre choice in a climate-conscious economy, merino’s opportunity within the luxury market, certification and consumer trust, and Australia’s global relevance in premium wool.
Elevating the locally farmed raw wool fibre to a global luxury knitwear brand is a story worth spinning.
“It’s hard to put into words how excited I am to have reached this milestone and be able to bring home a brand I’m so proud of, shaped by my many years in agriculture right here in Walcha and my high fashion experience all over the world,” Vanessa said.
The inaugural Emu Creek Long Lunch is an invitation-only industry event featuring fireside discussion in the historic woolshed. Catering will be provided by Head Chef Rob Taylor from the Bolt Inn at Uralla.
“We have media and agricultural and fashion industry identities flying in from Singapore, the UK, and all over Australia and the world for this,” Vanessa said. “I want to give them an immersive experience of provenance and heritage, down to the original steam engines that once powered shearing in the old shed.”
Bell hopes future events will be opened to the public.
“I see a wonderful opportunity to inspire people to travel to Walcha for the woolshed experience,” Vanessa said.
“A celebration of wool, fashion, and regional Australia that energises the district and brings visibility. Every step of this journey is walked with vision, clarity, purpose, and legacy in mind.”
Follow the latest on developments with this exciting new collection and Walcha Merino on Instagram @vanessabellofficial Instagram account. Vanessa Bell’s Fashion to Farmers podcast can be heard on Apple or Spotify.
“These are all about connecting the farmers with the fashion world to grow an appreciation of what each expects and needs from the other,” Vanessa said.
Event details
Emu Creek Long Lunch
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Emu Creek, Walcha NSW
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