The American artist and designer born in Venice Beach Eli Russell Linnetz will be the guest designer at the 104th edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo, which will take place from June 13 -16, 2023 at Fortezza da Basso, Florence. The Californian designer will be presenting the Spring-Summer 2024 collection of his ERL label with a fashion show in Florence on the evening of Thursday June 15 at Palazzo Corsini. He will also work on a specific project for the occasion to portray his crossover vision among fashion, cinema, photography and music. He will also be transforming the main forecourt of the Fortezza da Basso into a theatrical set that expressly refers to a famous Hollywood cut movie. Between imagination and creation, between the true and the probable, Eli constructs stories in Technicolor which we can view as spectators and take part in as actors. It is the game of “make believe”, of the dream, and not just the American one, in which to intensely believe.

“The theme this year is “Make Believe” - said Eli Russell Linnetz - which holds many different meanings for me. The world of “Make Believe” is closely tied to cinema and film-making. Hollywood. Artisans coming together to make magic, making dreams. The willingness of an audience to suspend their disbelief. Also the word “Making” is very important, Pitti for me is so deeply connected with the “Making” of garments and craftsmanship. “Make Believe: The Making of Planet of the Apes” serves as a catalyst for imagination and story telling."

"The sculpture itself was created in Paris before journeying across the ocean to America where it’s lived for over a century. Now the statue has returned to Europe, finding its current resting place in Florence, Italy, a surreal artifact that will be sure to challenge and excite its audience," added the designer. "It has been incredible working with talented artisans of my hometown, Venice Beach, as well as the artisans of Florence as we prepare for the festival. More will be revealed as we get closer to the show but there has been a great commitment to working with local artisans, from opera, to theatre, to film."

"An eclecticism that is aware of cultural and gender references. A talent for combining commercial flair with unrestricted creativity. An original, often ironic and irreverent reinterpretation of American cliches, both eternal and modern day. These are the elements of Eli Russell Linnetz’s profile which ignited our interest and the desire to invite him to Florence," commented Lapo Cianchi, general secretary of the Fondazione Pitti Discovery & director of communication and special events at Pitti Immagine. "Eli invents and constructs worlds that are nourished by the sunny vitality of California. He gracefully and joyfully mixes art and fashion, merging the inevitable street culture with luxury sportswear. All accompanied by a clear media instinct that is also evident in his recent collaborations with global brands and music stars. We are certain that his presence at Pitti Uomo will massively energize the whole fashion community," concluded Cianchi.

ERL
Guest Designer
June 15, 2023
09:30 pm | Palazzo Corsini
Fashion show. By invitation only.
Via del Parione 11, Firenze

Courtesy image Pitti Immagine