Pitti Uomo 104: Eli Russell Linnetz is the next edition's guest designer

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Cassidy STEPHENS

Published
Apr 12, 2023

Eli Russell Linnetz will be the guest designer at the next Pitti Uomo. The eclectic Californian designer, who won the Karl Lagerfeld Young Talent Award at the last LVMH Prize, will show his SS24 collection of his label ERL, in Florence on June 14 as part of the 104th edition of the famous men's fashion show, which is scheduled from June 13 to 16.

"He will tell us about his vision and his transversal world between fashion, design and lifestyle by designing a specific project for the occasion," says the organiser of the Florentine trade fairs Pitti Immagine, which last month revealed that Fendi would be the special guest of the Pitti Uomo summer edition. The LVMH Italian label will show its men's collection on June 15.

"An eclecticism aware of cultural and gender references. A talent combining commercial flair and unbridled creativity. An original, often ironic and irreverent reinterpretation of America's commonplaces, both timeless and modern. These are the elements of Eli Russell Linnetz's profile that aroused our interest and the desire to invite him to Florence," explains Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine's director of communications and special events, in a statement.

"Eli invents and constructs worlds that feed off the sunny vitality of California. He gracefully and joyfully mixes art and fashion, fusing the unmistakable street culture with luxury sportswear. All of this is accompanied by a media instinct, particularly evident in his recent collaborations with global brands and music stars," he continues.

A photographer, designer and art director, the 30-year-old jack-of-all-trades first made a name for himself in the music industry through projects with Kanye West and Lady Gaga, among others, before being spotted by Rei Kawakubo and Adrian Joffe of Dover Street Market. Following a collaboration with Eli Russell Linnetz in November 2018, the duo pushed the 30-year-old to explore the world of fashion and to launch the first collection of his ready-to-wear brand ERL in 2020 in their Parisian concept store.

With its cool Californian spirit, the label quickly received attention. Notably thanks to the appearance of rapper A$AP Rocky at the 2021 MET Gala, dressed by Eli Russell Linnetz in an upcycled patchwork blanket. The rapper's photo went viral. Last year, the designer from Venice Beach, Los Angeles, was asked by Dior's creative director Kim Jones to design a capsule collection as part of the brand's men's SS23 show in the City of Anglels.