Fit Check: Jon Batiste and ERL Channel Barkley L. Hendricks Into a Sculptural Met Gala Run

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Summary

  • Eli Russell Linnetz and stylist Corey Stokes crafted three custom garments for the musician’s red carpet and after-party appearances
  • The pieces pay direct homage to the monumental aesthetic of legendary American artist Barkley L. Hendricks
  • Each silhouette was meticulously constructed at the ERL Venice Beach atelier utilizing deadstock fabrics and artisanal tailoring

Jon Batiste made a striking appearance at the 2026 Met Gala wearing three unique outfits created by ERL. Designer Eli Russell Linnetz crafted these custom looks, blending cutting-edge fashion with a deep respect for cultural history. Developed with stylist Corey Stokes and in partnership with the estate of artist Barkley L. Hendricks, the outfits offered a fresh take on men’s style while celebrating a major figure in American art.

Jon Batiste’s Met Gala outfit was a tribute to the artist David Hendricks and his famous 1976 painting, Steve. The entire look was made from vintage silk taffeta – leftover fabric from the 1970s – and was intentionally all white, mirroring Hendricks’ style of emphasizing skin tones. Designer Eli Russell Linnetz simplified the design, focusing on dramatic shapes, uneven lines, and a lot of volume. The outfit’s centerpiece was a large, floor-length puffer coat with a long train, inspired by the capes in Hendricks’ portraits. Underneath, Batiste wore flowing pleated pants, a custom ruffled shirt, and a matching cummerbund and bow tie, all made from the same vintage fabric at ERL’s studio in Venice Beach.

The outfits featured a striking mix of old and new. Modern accessories, like ERL pearl sunglasses and handmade 1970s flower brooches from the designer’s collection, were combined with a classic 1951 Cartier brooch made of diamonds, platinum, and white gold. Later, for after-party events, Batiste wore a shiny, cropped ERL coat that echoed the dreamy, oversized shapes seen in Hendricks’ street photography.

So, I’m really excited about this collaboration – it’s way more than just clothes. It ties into my new album, Black Mozart, which is dropping on Juneteenth. I see playing solo piano as a way to create musical portraits, kind of like how artist Robert Hendricks captures the beauty and dignity of everyday Black life in his work. I actually wore an outfit inspired by one of his paintings – a piece called Icon for My Man Superman – to the Met Gala! Hendricks was doing this thing decades before streetwear was even a ‘thing’ – taking regular clothes and making them feel special and formal. ERL totally got that vibe. They made this awesome outfit with a vintage cotton tee – they even hand-made the Superman logo – and paired it with their California denim, washed right there in Venice Beach to capture that same feeling you get from Hendricks’ paintings. It’s all about honoring that original, powerful style.

The musician explained that their work, titled Black Mozart, aims to capture the natural dignity and beauty of Black people, much like artist Barkley Hendricks does through his paintings. They see solo piano performance as a way to create musical portraits, similar to how Eli reimagines the male form. They expressed gratitude to ERL, Corey Stokes, and the Barkley Hendricks estate for collaborating to share this vision through fashion, visual art, and music.

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2026-05-05 07:26