If you’re craving the luxe appeal of high-end designer handbags without the hefty price tag, River Island has launched a new collection that might be just what you need. Their latest monogrammed handbag range looks strikingly similar to iconic styles from Louis Vuitton and Gucci — but all pieces are priced under £50.
River Island collaborated with bespoke British artist Morgan Seaford to create the exclusive Morgan x River Island line. Known for her unique hand-painted designs, Seaford has transformed River Island’s classic monogram bags into playful, eye-catching statement pieces. The collection features delicate pink and white floral motifs, bold lipstick kiss designs, and whimsical horse head illustrations with flowing manes.
One standout is the Brown Morgan Lips Cross Body Bag, retailing at just £42. This chic handbag combines grab-top handles with a detachable crossbody strap, allowing for versatile, hands-free wear. It boasts secure zip fastening and a sparkling diamante-embellished lips charm. Compact yet practical, the bag measures 20cm tall, 27cm wide, and 16cm deep — perfect for carrying essentials on a night out.
READ MORE: Somerset Town Faces Loss of Nearly £240,000 in Funding for Local Services
READ MORE: Live: Call 999 if You Have Seen Missing Girl Last Spotted Five Days Ago
For those wanting to coordinate, the matching Brown Morgan Lips Monogram Print Purse is also available for £14. Featuring zipped compartments and card slots, this wallet adds a polished touch to your ensemble at an affordable price.
The lipstick kiss motif drew comparisons to the Coach Quilted Lip Print Tabby 20 handbag, which went viral on TikTok earlier this year but carries a much higher price tag of around £340 and is now sold out.
Beyond River Island, shoppers seeking bold design handbags can also explore reduced-price offerings from Coach or budget-friendly options from Next, including a backpack for £34 or a lightweight cotton shopper for just £10.
Within the Morgan x River Island collection, there are also Floral Monogram Accessories ranging from purses at £26 to makeup bags for £22 and shopper bags priced at £49. TikTok users noted these floral designs bear a close resemblance to Gucci’s Floral range, which is now mostly available only through second-hand markets.
Speaking on her collaboration, Morgan Seaford shared with the Mirror, “I was really excited to work with River Island because I grew up wearing the brand. It felt like such a full-circle moment — combining my personal style and artistic eye for luxury bespoke personalisation, but making something more accessible to the wider audience.”
Although customer reviews are unavailable on River Island’s website, social media buzz reflects excitement about the collection’s resemblance to luxury brands. Fans on TikTok expressed enthusiasm with comments like, “I need to get!” and “I am in love.” However, some noted reservations about the prominent River Island branding, saying, “Why do they have to put their name all over bags?”
Overall, River Island’s new line offers an affordable way to embrace stylish, designer-inspired handbags with an artistic twist — perfect for fashion lovers on a budget.