River Island Autumn/Winter 2014
River Island has rolled out images from its latest lookbook, less than a month after FashionBeans reported exclusively from behind the scenes. Displaying what the high street store calls its “greatest menswear collection to date”, AW14 sees a focus on fabrications, with luxe cloths aimed at repositioning the brand. FashionBeans spoke to Michael Dale, Senior Press Officer for River Island menswear, who said: “Styling wise we’ve ousted overly styled looks for a pared down aesthetic focusing on chic hero pieces… the attention to detail and luxe fabrications are astounding for the price.” Among the key themes, Generation X looks to 1990s grunge music movements for inspiration. Skinny jeans in light washes have been paired with plaid shirts and shearling jackets as a reference to Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain. At the other end, the Blinders theme channels Chicago during the prohibition era. The hero piece, a camel overcoat, has been styled with a separate belt and worn with a chunky knit roll neck and fedora. Transitional items from the AW14 collection, including t-shirts and shirts, will arrive in stores and online at RiverIsland.com from August 2014. Dale confirmed full outerwear is to follow in October. Prices will start at around £20 for t-shirts, with heavier pieces from £80.