One of my favourite press days has to be River Island, for me this a shop that five years ago I wouldn’t even have shopped in, it didn’t quite have the edge of some of its competitors, however the past few seasons I feel that this has changed significant and River Island really is holding its own. For autumn/winter 2011 there is a confidence about the collection, from bold seventies looks to retro glamour, I loved a lot of the pieces.
There are six lines in the collection: Savage – contemporary boho and my favourite looks; Sandy – 70s daywear; London Girl – boy dressing with tailored sophistication, a collection everyone will love but just not for me; GIGI – a homage to Sixties London; Hustler – a fun line inspired by 70s glamour; and Deadly – a gorgeous collection for the evening.
Savage: Is a contemporary take on bohemian, with inspiration from navahoe and art deco. I loved all the blanket knits, very Moschino, this line is infused with rainbow brights, mixed in with shots of grey, black and red. For me this is the best of the collection as it adds an elegance to casual that works well alongside parkas and layering.
This blanket bag has gone straight to the top of my AW11 wishlist, reminds me of the Sonia Rykiel bag that strutted down the Paris catwalk. It has a fun and quirky vibe to it, which will jazz up a dull winter’s day, I just have to get this!
Sandy: Is all about embracing the autumnal with stylish Seventies-inspired daywear. Think of a colour palette featuring mustards, rich berry shades, burgundy and butterscotch, in pussy bow dresses, just below-the-knee skirts, and bright colourful print blouses. Work as a whole chic look or pair the the separates with jeans for a modern take.
I love the bright colour accessories and the detailing on the clothes.
Hustler: The most fun of the collections, 70s glamour at its best, with intense oranges, lemon yellows and bright reds. Stand-out pieces were an emerald green all-in-one jumpsuit, a metallic gold skirt and this gorgeous black dress adorned with crystal detailing.
Deadly: Wouldn’t be River Island without some killer eveningwear, and for autumn/winter 2011 you have some amazing pieces to choose from. I loved this emerald green cocktail dress embellished with feathers at the collar, such a statement piece and the silhouette is so flattering. Other dresses had faux fur decorating the shoulders, and lace embroidery detailing adorning the sleeves.
One of my stand-out pieces I saw was this polka dot collar and cuff set, I just loved it.
