River Island

River Island is a world famous brand of western men’s and women’s clothing, whose retail outlets are settled across the United Kingdom. It was founded by Mr. Bernard Lewis in 1948. He opened a small store in London branded as Lewis Separates and after a lot of name-changing conventions from Chelsea Girl to Concept Man; it was finally named as River Island in 1989. Mr. Bernard is 80 years old today, yet holds the stamina to be a part of the day-to-day running of the company. He works seven days a week, to maintain the brands strong position in the retail market.

River Island is well-known as a leader in casual fashion, with 248 stores in all, including 12 UK superstores. It designs clothes are based on different personalities, for the River Island girl, it’s successful, classy, sexy, fun and funky whilst confident and fashionable, and for River Island menswear it’s confident, contemporary, authentic, relaxed, independent and light hearted. Apart from men’s and women’s wear River Island also deals with footwear, accessories, women's lingerie and jewellery.

It has been actively participating in events like Graduate Fashion Week, wherein it is the main sponsor from past two years and will continue for the next two years, including this year. It offers the student that creates the most outstanding collection, with the largest fashion education award known as the River Island Gold Award, plus £20,000, and adds the items from the winning collection in the limited production of the brand.

The brand itself has won many awards including a status from eSuperbrands for their website (www.riverisland.com) and also awards form the Company High Street awards 2006 for Best Shop on High Street, Best Place to spend £50 and Best Bags award.