Dear Shaded Viewers,
Presented yesterday in Paris, ERL unveiled its Spring/Summer 2027 collection, The Island, a deeply personal narrative inspired by a true story from Eli Russell Linnetz’s own life. Rather than staging a traditional runway show, the collection was presented through an intimate showroom experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and storytelling woven into every garment.
ERL is an American ready-to-wear label founded by designer Eli Russell Linnetz in Venice Beach, California. Since launching its first full menswear collection in January 2020, the brand has become synonymous with a distinctly Californian vision of luxury—playful, nostalgic, and effortlessly irreverent. Blending surf, skate and Americana references with couture-level craftsmanship, ERL has built a unique aesthetic that celebrates the colorful, laid-back spirit of the American West Coast while continuously redefining contemporary fashion.
The collection stems from an unexpected trip to Martha’s Vineyard, where Linnetz traveled intending to surprise his cousins, only to discover they had moved away and sold the family home. Instead of leaving, he spent the weekend with the new owners, a quintessential East Coast WASP family whose world stood in complete contrast to his Venice Beach upbringing. What followed became a surreal comedy of mistaken belonging, awkward encounters and cultural collision.
That tension forms the foundation of The Island. Throughout the collection, East Coast prep and California skate culture enter into a fascinating dialogue, creating one of ERL’s most accomplished wardrobes to date.
Classic American preppy staples are reimagined through Linnetz’s distinctive lens. Madras plaids, tartans and pastel tailoring evoke Ivy League summers, while rugby knits, cable vests, varsity quarter-zips and crisp Oxford shirts celebrate traditional collegiate dressing. Soft buttery yellows, washed pinks, powder blues and periwinkle dominate the palette, giving familiar silhouettes a sun-bleached softness.
These refined references are constantly interrupted by unmistakable Venice Beach energy. Acid-washed denim, oversized fleece sets, ribbed tanks, bold chartreuse separates and playful snack-inspired graphics inject humor and irreverence into the collection. The juxtaposition feels authentic rather than forced, a conversation between two American identities that rarely meet but somehow coexist perfectly under ERL’s universe.
Women’s wear continues to expand this season with an increasingly complete offering. Floral slip dresses, bikinis, patchwork silk dresses and cut-off denim shorts translate the collection’s themes into feminine silhouettes, while matching hats, berets and belts reinforce the handcrafted spirit that runs throughout the collection.
Craftsmanship remains central to ERL’s identity. Standout artisanal pieces include a baby blue crocodile jacket, hand-knit sweaters, patchworked Madras tailoring, a yellow rose-print suit and a striking multi-colored pom yarn jacket, each produced in limited quantities. Across the collection, garments are enriched with decorative elements sourced from Linnetz’s personal archive, reinforcing the designer’s deeply personal approach to fashion.
Accessories continue the narrative with washed driving loafers in pastel shades, canvas “Venice” totes, handcrafted plastic beach bags, crest baseball caps and pastel leather belts.
Sustainability also plays an important role in the collection. Upcycled remnants, antique fabrics, deadstock plaids and recreated vintage textiles are combined with ERL’s signature acid-washed denim, recalling an idealized vision of 1980s American prep while giving forgotten materials a new life.
Season 14 also marks an important milestone for the brand. The Island inaugurates ERL’s first independent showroom, with every showroom sample now produced entirely in California. This new chapter allows the brand to oversee every stage of production, from the first sketch to the final stitch, ensuring exceptional quality and preserving the authenticity that has become synonymous with ERL.
More than a collection, The Island is a story about memory, displacement and identity. By merging the polished codes of East Coast privilege with the carefree attitude of Venice Beach, Eli Russell Linnetz transforms an unlikely personal experience into a thoughtful reflection on contemporary American style. Presented in Paris, ERL once again proves that fashion is at its most compelling when it tells stories that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Lately,
Eva
