Summary
- ERL unveils its latest California-made collection, “The Wild Bunch,” featuring the brand’s first-ever artist collaboration with Peter Berlin.
As a gamer, I can’t help but feel pumped about ERL’s fresh release, “The Wild Bunch.” This collection was brought to life at Eli Russell Linnetz’s creative hub in Venice Beach. The design ethos here is raw and edgy, with pieces that sport deconstructed styles, frayed finishes, and a heavy dose of leather. It’s like we’re stepping into the gritty world of a notorious gang, all thanks to ERL’s unique Hollywood-inspired aesthetic.
In a different phrasing: The made-up “Dudley Dozens” are an infamous Venice Beach group, formerly mercenary henchmen turned anarchists, as ERL depicts them as attractive, charming, and utterly unstable. Their artisanal leather jackets have been torn, then reattached, a baby blue polo has been ripped and soiled, motorcycle tees, undershirts, and mesh tops have been cut and distressed. There are clear nods to queer culture, reminiscent of Tom of Finland’s provocative portraits of muscle men adorned in leather.
Introducing its inaugural artistic collaboration, this collection showcases items influenced by the groundbreaking erotic photography of Peter Berlin, one of Tom of Finland’s models. A tank top featuring charcoal muscle art is combined with vintage images from this iconic photographer, prominently displaying a full-body shot of the artist in his underwear, similar to the models in the advertisement campaign.
Through its lively performances, ERL underscores its dedication to working with local and artisan producers. The collection showcases ERL’s denim from California, sourced locally and given a distinctive worn-in look through natural dyeing and sun-fading. Similarly, the handcrafted varsity cardigans have been handled by local artisans, using yarn spun within the United States.
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2025-06-12 17:55