BEHIND THE DESIGN: MORGAN X RI
The latest instalment of our Behind the Design series - which sees us collaborate with independent creatives around the world, features our brand new collaboration with British artist Morgan Seaford. In this collection, RI’s iconic monogram bags are transformed into works of art featuring exclusive painted designs. Lovers of our classic handbags: meet your new obsession.
How did your artistic journey lead you to design and paint bags?
It’s been a really fortuitous and transformative journey! About eight years ago I painted a floral design on a pair of my own trainers, just for fun. Whilst working an unrelated job handing out leaflets, I was spotted by a shop owner in Covent Garden who offered me the chance to paint their shoes full time. That’s when things began to snowball.
Eventually, one of my painted shoes ended up in Qatar, where an influential figure shared it on Instagram and it caught the attention of the Qatari nation. From there, I met a very special client who opened incredible doors for me and helped me evolve as an artist. I began painting on luxury items like Louis Vuitton and Hermès, gradually transitioning from shoes to bags and wallets. I love the idea of transforming something already precious into something uniquely personal and meaningful.
What inspires your designs?
My art style is colourful, illustrative, and pretty, often with remixed or reimagined elements. I love creating pieces that feel whimsical, detailed, and feminine - inspired by nature, realism, and classical artwork seen through a modern lens.
A lot of inspiration also comes from my clients, many of whom have such beautiful stories. I try to reflect something personal in every design, even if it’s just a tiny detail. I want each piece to feel like theirs and not just ‘a painted bag’, but a wearable artwork that tells a story.
Can you describe your creative process?
It always begins with research. I gather images related to the topic and build a mood board, sometimes sparked by something as simple as a colour palette or a flower I’ve seen. I sketch loosely on my iPad, experimenting with composition, flow, and tone until I’ve shaped the full idea.
Why did you want to collaborate with River Island?
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.
I’ve spent years hand-painting one of a kind bespoke designs for private clients, so the idea of creating something that could reach a wider audience, whilst still holding that sense of charm, artistry, and individuality, really appealed to me.
Your artwork is one-of-a-kind. How do you go about personalising each of your pieces?
For bespoke commissions, I spend time getting to know the client and their story. I love weaving in personal touches - even subtle ones. Once I have a clear vision, I create a digital mock up, then once approved I carefully transfer and begin painting the design by hand onto the item, layer by layer.
Every material reacts differently, especially luxury leathers, so the process requires patience and technique. But that’s what makes each piece so special - it’s entirely personal, made with care and intention and I love the precision and intimacy of it.
How did you put your artistic spin on the much-loved RI monogram bag?
This piece was actually inspired by an earlier custom design, where I painted magnolias and a butterfly on a designer bag. That piece was special, and when it came to designing for River Island I wanted to echo that same feeling, a soft floral design layered over a bold branded background.
I expanded the original design into a fuller, more romantic garden - something that feels warm, elegant, and feminine. It’s a nod to my roots in luxury hand painted work, but reimagined in a way that feels fresh, accessible, and still very ‘me.’
What do you hope people feel when they see your artwork?
I want people to feel feminine, elegant, and proud when they wear something I’ve created. My goal is always to make each piece more than just an accessory; it should feel like a statement of confidence, individuality, and timeless beauty.
When someone carries my artwork, I hope they feel like it was made just for them, that it’s a piece of art they connect with emotionally. And with this collaboration, I hope they feel both the essence of River Island and the heart of my artistic voice - a blend of modern femininity, expressive detail and personal storytelling.
Shop the limited-run design collaboration of playful, distinctive, and collectable bags now.
