fashion

BEHIND THE DESIGN: RIVER ISLAND X TWISTED TAILOR

Why go classic when you can dress with character? That’s the idea behind River Island x Twisted Tailor. We've partnered with the London-based tailor on a collection that shows up and shows off. Discover a bold, boundary-pushing lineup, where traditional suits are reimagined with head-turning prints and standout shades, perfect for good times, sharp entrances and endless nights.

To celebrate the launch, we sat down with the team to talk inspiration, style icons and why formalwear should never be boring.

Shop The Collection

How was it working with the River Island team?

We really enjoyed working with the team. From the outset they understood our brand which made it easy to put this collection together.

Why did it feel like the right creative match?

River Island is one of the great British high-street brands and one that has had such a huge influence on high-street fashion, especially tailoring, over the past 30 years. As a tailoring brand with a unique perspective on men's formalwear, it was a no brainer for our two brands to collaborate.

What does “revolutionise formalwear” mean to you?

Revolutionising formalwear has been our mission since the brand started. We have always strived to come at tailoring from a completely different angle. We have always tried to create formalwear that other brands would never dare to.

Was there a specific mood, era or cultural reference guiding the design process?

For us, the Met Gala really encapsulates the energy we bring to formalwear. It’s all about personal style and individual expression. It’s also about showmanship and standing out – two things our customers have always encapsulated.

Who do you imagine wearing these pieces? What moments are they dressing for?

Wisdom Kaye is someone we'd genuinely love to see in this collection. He was a real reference point for us throughout the design process, and we'd love to see him wear these pieces. More broadly, this collection is for anyone who treats getting dressed as a form of self-expression and isn't afraid to make an entrance.

How does this collection challenge traditional expectations of menswear tailoring?

In keeping with the philosophy of our brand, we’ve pushed the boundaries of men’s formalwear through bold fabrics and statement-making details. We’ve also embraced the move towards wider fits and more relaxed silhouettes.

What do you hope people feel when they wear these pieces?

Bold. That's it, really. As with everything we make, we want people to feel confident and empowered in their style. People who wear our suits want to be seen!

What’s your favourite piece from the collection?

That’s really tough! We love the bomber jackets. We love the polka dot shirt and the croc-embossed boat shoes. They are all going to be staples in my wardrobe this season.

Which nation do you think has the best dressed men?

We couldn't single out a nation, but the best dressed city in the world? London, without question.

Who are your menswear style icons, past and present?

Too many to name! But we love everyone from Mick Jagger to Tyler the Creator. People who have consistently pushed the boundaries of menswear and expressed themselves fearlessly through the clothes they wear. That ethos is everything to us.

What's next for Twisted Tailor?

We're really excited to continue our journey into casualwear. Working on this collection with River Island and getting the chance to explore new product areas like formal shoes and bomber jackets has only fuelled that ambition. Watch this space!