BEHIND THE DESIGN: TO HAVE & TO HOLD

To celebrate the launch of To Have & To Hold – our new eventwear collection – we sat down with Rachael Ratcliffe, River Island’s womenswear designer, to talk about the inspiration, craftsmanship and thoughtful details that make this collection truly special. Designed to make you the best-dressed guest at every event this season, all you need to think about is who’s topping up your glass of bubbles.

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How would you describe the collection in three words?

I would describe it as romantic, delicate and feminine.

What kind of occasions did you have in mind when you were designing it?
This collection is made up of a combination of tailoring, co-ords, dresses, shoes and handbags. It’s designed with weddings and christenings in mind – any occasion where you want to make a little extra effort.

What were your inspirations?
We really wanted this collection to feel very soft and delicate. We found these prints through an archive, and we were really inspired by the history and the detail in them.

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How did you update vintage prints for 2026?

We modernised them by injecting some brighter and bolder colours. We’ve made the prints our own. They feel super new, super contemporary; we’ve really put our own stamp on it and I think the range looks incredible.

How would you describe the tailoring at River Island?

It’s always super feminine and this collection was definitely no exception. Our girl loves a really dramatic, articulated sleeves so we had to include that in a gorgeous, printed bouclé. We also did a three-piece placement-print suit which is just MEGA.

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Can you tell us more about these thoughtful finishing touches?

Throughout this collection, we really tried to tie together all the details, like how the prints continue through to the insoles of the shoes. We’ve also been really considered with the linings and even done placement prints in the back neck labels. The 3D applique embellishment on some of the pieces feels really elevated and different.

Who did you have in mind when designing this collection?

Somebody who likes to go that extra mile, who really likes to make an impact, dress up and show up.

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What is it like seeing it come to life on the shoot?

It’s the most rewarding thing ever seeing the collection come to life, going from initial sketch to seeing the final shoot, and all the care everybody’s put in. It makes me so proud.

How does it feel seeing customers wear your designs?
Seeing River Island customers in the wild wearing my product is the coolest feeling in the world. It never gets old and it makes it all worthwhile

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