REINTRODUCING RIVER ISLAND’S STYLE COLLECTIVE

LIZZIE (CRM COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER)

@baddiewizzle

5’1 and wears a size 14

How would you describe your style?

A mixture of playful pieces, (think big collars, dresses over trousers) with tried and tested wardrobe staples. I love to experiment with my style and have fun. Sometimes I look back and think I deffo missed the mark with that outfit, but when it hits, it HITS.

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

I love fashion and I love to create content (I'm buzzing with ideas 24/7). It just felt like a no-brainer!

What do you love most about working at RI?

The people!! Honestly the kindest, gorgeous, most lovely people to work with. My team are just a dream.

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

Keep experimenting and don’t feel afraid to wear something because you think looks weird. I can’t tell you the number of times I wanted to change an outfit before I left the house and didn’t have time, but I always seem to get the most compliments on these outfits. It’s my own personal exposure therapy and the more you do it the more confident you feel in your taste which translates out into a lot of areas in your life.

KALIFA (BRAND MARKETING ASSISTANT)

@Kalifa_ava

JONO (SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT)

@jonorousseau

5’6 and wears a size S/M or 32

How would you describe your style?

Clean, relaxed and modern. I naturally lean towards neutral tones, but I do enjoy a hint of colour (usually blue). I enjoy more streetwear clothing but every now and then I’ll dress up smarter and more elevated for the right occasion.

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

Because I am obsessed with all things social media and fashion. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to merge two of my favourite things, along with making new friends through work. What more could you want?

What do you love most about working at RI?

It must be the opportunities. I started my journey as a Christmas temp and worked my way into Head Office to join the social team! If I can do it, so can you!

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

To try not to overthink it and encourage yourself to try something new, every now and then, to keep you from constantly staying in your comfort zone.

KAT (PRODUCT MANAGER)

@katrina.jak

Wears a size XS/S or 6/8

How would you describe your style?

Chic, trendy, timeless.

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

I love being part of a fashion community with like-minded people.

What do you love most about working at RI?

Working in a British brand with so much heritage and influence.

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

Wearing something you feel comfortable in.

LAUREN D (LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT TRAINER)

@laurenmaidebnam

Wears a size 12

How would you describe your style?

I would describe it as simplistic but girlie. But I also do love shopping on the men’s department for a good, oversized tee!

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

In the 11 years I have worked for River Island, I have always loved RI product and have loved showcasing the product on my social media! It’s always been a dream to join the Style Collective, so I am so grateful to get to be a part of it!

What do you love most about working at RI?

It sounds so cliche but it genuinely is the people I get to work with. I met one of my best friends whilst working for River Island and I have made the most amazing memories. It really is like one big family!

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

It’s all about the accessories for me – whether it’s jewellery or hair accessories, I love it to just add the final touches. I also feel the most confident and put together in an oversized blazer with my hair freshly curled.

EMILY (ASSISTANT BUYER - OUTERWEAR)

@Emily_miriam_kaz

5'5 and wears a size 10 or S/M

How would you describe your style?

My style reflects my mood; playful, bright and full of energy! I love bringing my outfits to life with colour and layering accessories to express my personality through what I wear.

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

I have always shopped and been a River girl, I love how RI add their signature touch of glamour to each and every piece to make you feel amazing! I was honoured to join the SC club and now I can showcase my styling passion to others too!

What do you love most about working at RI?

I love getting to see all the gorgeous collections of what's coming through, even up to a year in advance! I especially love seeing what's the next unique collaboration too!

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

Dress in a way that gives you that put‑together feeling. My motto is: it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, you'll show up ready and feeling amazing!

SIM (PEOPLE OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR)

@ simeonwalker_

Wears a Large

How would you describe your style?

A mix of street, luxe and mono, but it's forever evolving.

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

It sounded like a great opportunity to get involved with a group of like-minded, fashion-loving and knowledgeable Islanders – which it has been! What's great is that everyone has their own individual style within the collective and it is all celebrated, which is what fashion should be about.

What do you love most about working at RI?

Firstly, it has to be the Islanders. From starting in store as a Product Manager, where I worked with the most incredible team to moving into this Head Office role a year ago and being part of the People Team with the most awesome group of people!

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

The key thing is to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. When you have that, the confidence will always be there.

LAUREN W (ECOMMERCE MANAGER)

@laurenwelchx

5’2 and wears a size 6/8

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as very girly, classy and colourful.

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

I loved the idea of being part of a community, meeting new people and being able to share my love for River Island clothes!

What do you love most about working at RI?

I’ve worked at RI for nearly 5 years and can honestly say it’s the best place I’ve worked. Everyone is super friendly, and you really feel like you're part of a big family.

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

I love injecting colour to my outfits. It makes me feel confident and I always feel like it makes me feel more positive! I always stand by “if I like my outfit then my mood is better.” 

MIA (PRODUCT MANAGER)

@styledbymiahope

5'5 and wear a size 10 or small

RACH (WW TAILORING, SMART OUTERWEAR & STUDIO DESIGNER)

@rachrat_

5”8.5 and wears a size 12

How would you describe your style?

Chic, elevated and varied. I have so many clothes at this point that I can AND do dress as a different personality every day!

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

I honestly love the product. I’d say about 70% of my wardrobe is River and about 40% is things I’ve designed here. Talk about practising what you preach!

What do you love most about working at RI?

The creative freedom. We are really pushing the boundaries of where we have been before and always trying new things. As a designer, that's really exciting.

What's your secret to confidence dressing? Wearing the things that I love and personally think are really cool always makes me feel my most confident.

APRIL (STYLING ASSISTANT)

@aprilellamccarthy

How would you describe your style?

I’d say my style is kind of funky chic. I love colours and texture but keeping it chic.

Why did you want to join the Style Collective?

I wanted to join Style Collective to push myself out my comfort zone and connect with colleagues I usually wouldn’t get to work with.

What do you love most about working at RI?

The thing I love most about working at River Island is the team I get to work and learn from every day.

What's your secret to confidence dressing?

If you're overdressed you look the best.