The last few years have been a bit of a whirlwind for Eli Russell Linnetz and his eponymous brand ERL.
After being shortlisted for the much-coveted LVMH Prize in 2022, the Californian designer went on to win the Karl Lagerfeld prize for ERL, before being revealed as the surprising guest designer for Dior’s Spring 2023 menswear collection where he worked closely with the house’s artistic director Kim Jones.
Put that alongside a CFDA Emerging Designer Award and dressing A$AP Rocky for last year's Met Gala, and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s been a wild ride thus far.
Now, as ERL approaches its fifth birthday, Linnetz has been confirmed as the next guest designer at Florence’s prestigious Pitti Uomo, where he’ll present the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
Linnetz — whose fashion journey started out as a graphic designer for COMME des GARÇONS — has come a long way since founding ERL only five years ago as a part of a one-off Dover Street Market initiative, and has now firmly cemented himself as one of the industry’s most exciting talents.
"An eclecticism that is aware of cultural and gender references. A talent for combining commercial flair with unrestricted creativity," said Lapo Cianchi, Director of Communication and Special Events at Pitti Immagine, of Linnetz in an IG post.
"An original, often ironic and irreverent reinterpretation of American cliches, both eternal and modern day. We are certain that his presence at Pitti Uomo will massively energize the whole fashion community".
32 year old Linnetz looks set to follow in the footsteps of names like Grace Wales Bonner and Martine Rose in guest designing at Pitti Uomo, both of whom did so to great acclaim.
For Linnetz and ERL, this is a deserved opportunity to showcase the lesser-known but exciting and wonderful style of the west coast, and also the chance to accelerate both his name and brand into the everyday fashion conversation as it should be.
