ERL Embarks on Its Next Era for FW25
Eli Russell Linnetz refines his vision with pared-back elegance to mark his eponymous brand’s 5th anniversary.
After showcasing its 5th-anniversary collection at Dover Street Market‘s Paris showroom from January 24 -28, ERL has unveiled its complete FW25 lookbook. Contrary to what one might expect from the brand, which has defined itself with bold expressions of youth culture and laid-back styles inspired by Eli Russell Linnetz‘s roots in Southern California, the designer’s latest collection is a show of restraint.
ERL shared that its FW25 lookbook was shot during the recent Los Angeles wildfires that forced thousands to evacuate. Before revealing the latest collection, the brand launched a special California baseball cap with 100% of the proceeds going to charities providing relief and aid to wildfire victims. Amidst the tragic events, Eli Russell Linnetz edited his collection down, only bringing pieces to the shoot that he deemed essential for a “complete men’s wardrobe.”
Marking a new era, ERL’s FW25 collection forgoes its sun-bleached graphics and playful color palette for sophisticated silhouettes and neutral hues. Comprising all-new styles, the collection establishes the brand’s next chapter, focussing on reinterpretted menswear staples from the past and present.
Laid-back tailoring gets the ERL treatment through unconventional nylon fabrics, nodding to the brand’s established surfer sensibilities. A navy blazer paired with crisp shirting, blue denim, and black dress shoes evokes 2000s business casual while a roomy navy suit accessorized with a polka dot necktie and a big ERL belt buckle recalls 80s power dressing. Elsewhere a white tuxedo shirt and vest are paired with baggy pleated trousers and a black puffer jacket, bridging old and new Hollywood style.
ERL’s more active-leaning designs from previous seasons are echoed with a range of slope-ready numbers rendered in a palette of greyscale nylon. Modeled with skis in hand, tactical ERL backpacks complete crinkled shell jacket-and-pants sets accented with white and grey panels.
Cozy knitwear and heavy outerwear are made in warm tones of taupe and brown, completing luxuriously layered and textured numbers. Standing out in the winter-ready looks is an all-tan look comprising a padded overcoat and trousers, paired with a shearling-lined jacket and a suede variant of the brand’s Vamp sneaker. Elsewhere, a dark brown button-up and pleated trousers are casually styled with a chunky knit sweater over the shoulders, evoking effortless prep.
See ERL’s full FW25 collection in the gallery above and stay tuned for the eventual release on the brand’s web store.
