Gabriella Brick is Head of Design at Moss, formerly known as Moss Bros.
Since joining the company as an intern 10 years ago, Brick has gone onto work as an admin assistant and junior / senior buyer, before being appointment Head of Design in 2023.
With over a decades worth of training, and industry experience under her belt, Gabriella has become a quintessential player in MOSS’s development, and rebrand in recent years.
In her day-to-day role, the Emmanuel College alumni is involved in the styling, photography, and buying the fabrics, as well as designing collections – adding a young woman’s touch to proceedings, offering a new approach to design, retail and visual representation, resulting in both details and fabrics becoming more luxurious and elevated.
We caught up with Gabriella Brick for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
I love Notting Hill as it’s affluent. I like the colourful iconic Victorian houses, and Portobello road has a vibe like no other. I also like the fact, that the area itself has everything – restaurants, book shops, theatres and pubs, not to mention the biggest street Carnival! There’s a real neighbourhood vibe about the place, and a perfect spot for a little afternoon shop.
Favourite place for brunch:
Gold in Notting Hill – it’s the perfect (dog-friendly) place to visit for a laid back, easy healthy brunch after going a weekend stroll on Portobello Road. The interior is made up of exposed bricks and plants, it feels industrial and I love the aesthetic. They also do the best cocktails which makes it a perfect date spot!
Best coffee in London:
Liten Coffee Shop in West Hampstead is a tiny, hidden gem that does the best coffee, and most delicious pastries! The staff are super cute and friendly and always chat to you; it’s such a community hub. I like to start my day with a strong coffee, the Beija Flor house blend is incredible – the beans are grown on a farm in Mantiquera, Brazil.
Favourite gallery or museum:
I’m not one for the traditional galleries or museums, I prefer more of an immersive experience. I loved the Van Gogh Exhibition at Frameless, and the light exhibition and Chihuly exhibition at Kew Gardens. I enjoy how these kinds of exhibitions make me feel a certain way, and they definitely help to inspire me in my work.
Tell us a secret:
I dropped out of university! A major decision at the time… but looking back was the best thing I did.
Favourite place to shop:
Marylebone, and Selfridges. Marylebone High Street has all of my favourite shops, as well as an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques. Selfridges is my favourite department store, and every brand I love is housed here. The store is innovative, creative and has a real buzz like no other department store. I love wandering around the athleisure section in search of my next gym set.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Tokyo! Tokyo has everything, it’s a beautiful city and centre for Japanese culture, Kabuki, Sumo, pop culture, artists, food and architecture. It’s a blend of tradition and modernity. I love the neon lights, the temples and the levels of cleanliness. Even the trains are spotless, it’s like being in the future. The best places to find inspiration are in Aoyama, and there’s the best bakery to stop off down the road in Omotesande called Breadworks – try the Babka it’s insane! The stores, and product is just beautifully overwhelming, all crafted with such care, quality and precision. You can just get lost in it as it’s huge with so many beautiful stores, product and interior.
Best London destination for a date:
Ida in Queens Park is a hidden gem! It’s a family run Italian restaurant, with the 3rd generation now in charge, who incidentally I’ve become really good friends with; they are all so lovely and chatty and genuinely take an interest in getting to know their customers. The food in sensational, and it doesn’t break the bank. In the summer you can sit outside for an Al Fresco dining experience on the side of the street with such a buzz. It’s a perfect spot, especially if you don’t want to be seen.
Favourite park:
Primrose Hill – where I usually take my dog for a run around. It’s the best place for a picnic with friends on a summer weekend! I always enjoy going for a walk down Chalcot Square and Chalcot Crescent, to look at all of the colourful houses. If you can catch a romantic sunset with a loved one at the top of the hill you’re in for a treat.
Favourite food market:
Queens Park Food Market. It’s open every Sunday from 10am -2pm, and I honestly think it’s the best farmers market in London. There’s a brilliant, bustling village atmosphere, and they have an incredible amount of stalls that sell the best, organic produce. I buy all my meat, cheese, veggies and flowers there – the cheese stall is the best! It does get very busy, so I’d recommend getting there early.
Your sanctuary in the city:
The boutique gym 1Rebel. Working out and burning calories in intense classes with neon lights, gives me the biggest endorphins rush, and makes me feel like I can take on the world!!
What inspires you?
The drive that you can always do better… in life you never know what’s round the corner.
This season I’m loving…
Anything with a wide leg!! For the Moss SS24 collection, in line with our rebrand, the shapes for suiting and trousers are much wider, elevated and relaxed. This season it’s all about slow living, and I’m focused on luxurious fabrics and soft, light tailoring. I tend to wear these styles myself!
