Introducing: ERL - A Cinematic Take on American Fashion
At the intersection of art, fashion, and storytelling, you’ll find ERL — the creative vision of American artist and designer Eli Russell Linnetz. Launched in 2020 from the sun-soaked shores of Venice Beach, California, ERL brings a fresh, colorful perspective to all-American staples, reimagining them through a playful, cinematic lens.
Eli Russell Linnetz, a USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting and Narrative Design, has crafted a brand that is as much about narrative as it is about clothing. Each season, ERL unfolds like a film, with Linnetz weaving together complex characters and narratives that capture the laid-back, vibrant spirit of California. From its first menswear collection in January 2020 to its recent expansions into tailoring, accessories, fragrances, eyewear, and footwear, ERL continues to redefine what it means to be an American brand.
ERL’s distinctive style — a blend of luxurious quirkiness and effortless cool — has caught the eye of fashion’s most influential circles. A look from ERL’s Fall/Winter 2021 Menswear collection was prominently displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’s “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” That same year, ERL’s innovative upcycled quilt and custom tuxedo were worn by A$AP Rocky at the Costume Institute Gala, further cementing the brand’s place in contemporary fashion history.
All ERL photography, casting, styling, lookbooks, and campaigns are meticulously created in-house by Linnetz himself, ensuring a unified, authentic vision that stays true to its Venice Beach roots. In June 2023, ERL was honored as the Guest Designer for Pitti Uomo, where it showcased an expanded range of luxurious and quirky suiting, reflecting Linnetz's fearless innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion.
