BEHIND THE DESIGN: RIVER ISLAND x KAREN MABON

You know those pieces that instantly make getting dressed more fun? That’s where Karen Mabon comes in. The London-based designer and illustrator is known for her colourful hand-drawn characters and wonderfully whimsical designs. Now, she’s bringing that signature style to River Island with a dreamy collection of standout knitwear, luxe pyjamas and statement accessories - plus matching girlswear for the ultimate mini-me moment.

Bold, playful and a little bit extra, the collection is designed to bring more joy to the everyday. We sat down with Karen to talk inspiration, illustration and the art of dressing for fun.

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How did your love of art and illustration begin, and when did you realise it could become a career?

My dad is an artist, so I grew up in a house filled with incredible paintings. He always had a studio at home, and I could go in and see what he was working on. It was a privilege to see from an early age that a career in art was possible. I was always making things and drawing constantly. It’s still the only thing that calms my brain down.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

It’s really a combination of all the things I love: sixties cinematography and Americana, vintage children’s books, early Disney films, Victorian scraps, odd finds at car boot sales and cats. I love faded grandeur, too – the colours of old buildings that were once really sparkly but have worn a little with time. I suppose, when you boil it down, it’s just nostalgia in a lot of different forms.

What inspired your River Island collection?

I came up with three initial concepts based on what I was researching at the time, and River Island were brilliant – they let me run wild with all three. There’s midnight circuses, a girls’ trip to Las Vegas, harlequins and Pierrot clowns, tartan and the Highlands, swans and cats in party hats, zodiac symbols and everything in between.

How would you describe this collection?

I’ve been thinking a lot about that adrenaline rush I get when vintage shopping and I find something truly incredible – maybe with a weird, faded label from a brand that no longer exists. Before I’ve even turned over the price tag, I know I can’t leave it behind. I wanted every piece in the collection to feel like that: special, intricate and detailed, as though you’ve stumbled across something from another era.

Which piece is your absolute favourite, and why?

The sequinned cat-face evening bag! The idea has been living in my head for years, so I couldn’t believe we actually got to bring it to life. I’m going to take it to every wedding I attend for the rest of my life. AND it fits a phone – crucial!

The knitwear pieces are so fun! Where would you wear them, and how would you style them?

I absolutely love knitwear, so I was thrilled we included it. The knitted vest has been an MVP in my wardrobe for years, so I knew I wanted one in the collection. I love the chartreuse colour of the cat vest – I’m going to wear mine with jeans and loafers, then layer it over long-sleeved T-shirts when it gets cooler.

Is there a print or illustration in the collection that has a particularly fun story behind it?

I love the swan pyjama set. Near where I live in North West London, there’s a florist with a collection of antique swan vases in the window – there must be 50 of them. I love how they’re nestled together among the flowers, alongside the green shopfront that’s faded a little in the sun. I thought it would be amazing as a textile, so I wanted to create something inspired by that little vignette.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their creativity into a career?

Leave your ego at the door! It can feel embarrassing to send your portfolio to prospective clients or collaborators, but people need to know you exist. Get comfortable with sharing your work. I also try not to be too much of a perfectionist. Get your work out into the world, even if you think it could be better. Spend as much time as possible practising and making things, but leave time to refill your cup with inspiration, too. For me, that can be walking through the city and taking pictures, looking at books in the library, watching films, visiting exhibitions or spending time with other creative people. Having a network around you is hugely inspiring – you can learn so much from each other.

What do you hope people feel when they wear something from this collection?

I hope it makes bedtime feel much more glamorous, and that the daytime pieces fill everyday life with joy and a little bit of sparkle.

Which piece from the collection would make the perfect Christmas gift?

The pyjamas – the ones in this collection are so special. The swan robe would make an amazing gift. It reminds me of the day coats Mrs Robinson wears in The Graduate – the ultimate luxury. Imagine sipping a martini and putting your make-up on for a night out wearing a satin robe. Heaven!