Since they burst onto the market (and local beaches) with their bright beach robes, we’ve been watching, eagle-eyed, to see what VANDY would do next. Their latest collection was worth the wait.
Here, we catch up with VANDY founder Lucy van der Riet about the inspiration behind their new sets, what they’ve learned since we last spoke to them and (most importantly) what’s next for this exciting local business.
Congratulations on your new collection! Tell us about the decision to expand VANDY’s offering beyond the iconic beach robes?
Aww, thank you! We’ve honestly been blown away by the response to our first beachwear range – it’s been incredible.
When we started, we saw a real gap in the market for summer clothes that were not only comfy but also fun and versatile. We wanted pieces that could take you straight from a swim to a café, or from a morning walk to a beachside brunch. That’s why we love our Terry shorts – they’re effortless, easy to throw on, and make you feel good the moment you put them on. [Editor’s note: We agree!]
Practicality is key for us but so is having fun with fashion. We want every VANDY piece to feel as good as it looks!
How did the idea come about?
The idea for the terry sets actually came from our community – people kept asking us for shorts! So, we got to work on some samples, and then we realised… we needed something to shoot with them. That’s when our legendary designer whipped up a bralette and a tee, and suddenly, we had a whole new set on our hands!
Our creative process is always a mix of planning and a bit of ‘flying by the seat of our pants,’ but that’s what makes it fun. We love letting things evolve naturally while staying true to our brand and what our customers want.
How did you bring that idea to life?
We move pretty quickly from idea to action – which is both exciting and a little chaotic at times! Colour selection usually happens quickly, because if I overthink it, it’s never as good as the gut instinct. We got our first samples, made a few tweaks, and honestly, the whole process felt really seamless. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked, and we knew we were onto something special when our freelancers started asking if we could pay them in terry sets. LOL.
Your eye-catching colour combinations are a key part of the VANDY brand. What goes into finding the perfect match?
I’m always on the lookout for colour combinations that feel fresh, fun and sometimes a little unexpected. Playing with colour is honestly one of the best parts of the design process! I love mixing shades that you might not see together often but just work when you put them on.
At the same time, we know that not everyone wants bold, loud colours all the time, so we keep inclusivity in mind – how can we make sure VANDY has something for those who prefer a more subtle palette? Choice is a huge priority for us, and we want everyone in the VANDY community to find something they feel amazing in.
Owning a local clothing brand, you probably have a unique outlook on Gold Coast fashion. What are some of your key observations about how we dress here?
Being originally from Melbourne, I’ve definitely noticed that the Gold Coast has its own unique approach to style. I love how effortless and relaxed it is – there’s a real ease to the way people dress here, and there’s also a lot more colour, which I love! Because it’s such a beach-centric lifestyle, fashion is really shaped by practicality and comfort, without sacrificing personality.
That said, I wouldn’t call myself an authority on fashion! VANDY isn’t about following trends – it’s about creating pieces we genuinely love and making beachwear that people love to wear.
Why do you think these sets are perfect for life on the Gold Coast?
We always take a two-pronged approach: how can this piece make someone feel and look amazing, while also making their daily adventures even better?
These sets tick all the boxes for life on the Gold Coast! They’re comfy, versatile and perfect for layering, which makes them ideal for everything from a morning beach dip to a café catch-up. Honestly, they’re the most comfortable thing you’ll wear aside from your PJs! The Terry fabric is super absorbent, so you can throw the shorts and tee on straight after a swim, and they’ll help you dry off while still looking great.
Plus, they’re designed for every age and body – we’ve had mums buying them for their tweens, and even a customer who got a set for her mum’s 70th birthday. They’re the kind of pieces you can wear all day.
What’s next for VANDY?
Well… we’ve got some really exciting things in the works! We’re expanding our Terry range to include pants, as well as trackies, sweat tops, and hoodies – perfect for those cooler days when you still want that comfy vibe.
We’re also working on a super exciting collab with a local Gold Coast artist to create a unique design for a unisex tee and a men’s singlet.
And, of course, our new robe collection is on the way, featuring a special collaboration with an Aussie swimming legend. Lots of fun times ahead for the VANDY gang!
One of the most beautiful and unexpected parts of starting VANDY has been the incredible support from our community. The generosity of our customers – whether it’s sharing, recommending, or cheering us on from the sidelines – has been truly inspiring. It’s this energy that keeps us moving forward. We’re always so grateful for our customers because, at the end of the day, they really are the heart of our business.
