Venice Beach, CA – ERL, the California-based fashion label helmed by designer Eli Russell Linnetz, has debuted its latest collection, “The Wild Bunch,” blending anarchic rebellion with artisanal craftsmanship. The lineup introduces the brand’s first artist collaboration with iconic queer erotic photographer Peter Berlin, while maintaining its signature Hollywood-gone-rogue aesthetic.
A Cinematic Narrative of Chaos
Inspired by a fictional Venice Beach gang—the “Dudley Dozens”—described by ERL as “handsome, charismatic, and completely unhinged,” the collection embraces deconstructed tailoring and distressed finishes. Leather jackets appear ripped apart and meticulously reassembled, while baby blue polos bear intentional stains and tears. Motorcycle tees, cropped mesh tops, and undershirts further amplify the anarchic theme, nodding to queer subcultures and the erotic leather-clad imagery of Tom of Finland.
Peter Berlin Collaboration: A Queer Icon’s Legacy
Marking a milestone for the brand, ERL’s partnership with Peter Berlin—a seminal figure in queer photography and one of Tom of Finland’s muses—infuses the collection with archival sensuality. A standout charcoal muscle tank features a collage of Berlin’s vintage self-portraits, including a bold full-body shot of the artist in his signature underwear pose. The campaign mirrors this aesthetic, with models channeling Berlin’s provocative energy.
Local Craftsmanship at the Core
Beyond its rebellious visuals, “The Wild Bunch” underscores ERL’s dedication to local production. The collection introduces sun-faded, California-sourced denim, treated for a naturally worn-in look. Hand-knit varsity cardigans, crafted by U.S. artisans using domestically spun wool, further highlight the brand’s commitment to sustainable, small-batch manufacturing.
ERL continues to blur the lines between fashion, art, and subversion, cementing its reputation as a disruptor in contemporary design. For more updates, follow Hypebeast.
View the full campaign in the gallery above.
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