Bernard Lewis founded the well-known London-based fashion label River Island in 1948. The company has a substantial international footprint, with its goods being sold in more than 125 markets both offline and online. Although River Island is renowned for its trend-driven womenswear, it also has lines for kids, pets, and men. One of the first vertical fashion shops in the UK, River Island creates every collection in-house at its West London headquarters. Under its previous moniker, Chelsea Girl, it rose to prominence in the womenswear fashion scene in the 1960s.

With 250 stores nationwide, including flagship locations in London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham, River Island is currently a significant player in the UK high-street fashion market. The company has been growing its internet presence and expanding its reach abroad in recent years. Since River Island is a privately held business that is still entirely owned by the Lewis family, the brand's principles are upheld with a constant vision.

River Island has a long history that dates back to when Bernard Lewis operated a market stand in Notting Hill and sold produce. In response to post-war demand, the company immediately changed its attention to women's clothing and started designing and producing garments on-site. In 1950, the business sold its first original creation. The brand has developed over time and adapted to the shifting environment of fashion, always remaining at the forefront of trends. At its headquarters in London, the store River Island is now renowned for its trend-driven fashion lines, each of which is created in the UK. With a strategy built on 12 pledges that are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, the brand is likewise strongly committed to sustainability.