The Suit Isn’t Dead—Robbi Hicks on Modern Tailoring, Personal Style & What Men Should Be Wearing Now

From the return of the suit to the art of modern layering, Robbi Hicks shares sharp, wearable insights ahead of this season’s must-attend menswear event.

As spring style comes into focus, MOSS teams up with Manhood at St James Quarter for an evening dedicated to modern menswear. The MOSS x Manhood event on March 26th brings together style, conversation and insight—exploring how tailoring is evolving and how men are dressing now.

Leading the conversation on the night is menswear authority Eric Musgrave, Editor-at-Large of Manhood, who will sit down with Robbi Hicks, Head of Creative at MOSS. In his role, Robbi shapes how the brand shows up—from in-store storytelling to the way collections are brought to life—making him perfectly placed to unpack what’s next for modern tailoring.

Ahead of the event, we caught up with him for five minutes…

You’re joining us in Edinburgh for the MOSS x Manhood event at St James Quarter—what does a trip to Edinburgh look like for you?
Early morning flight—it's a great opportunity to see the store team before the event. I like to spend some time looking at the layout and the new products in store. I have friends in Edinburgh, so if I have enough time I’ll see them for dinner or a coffee. I have a soft spot for Greenwoods—I used to work in Amsterdam so remember it from there. I normally stay at Market Street Hotel or The Hoxton. And I love spending time, if I have it, in Leith… very cool.

And beyond Edinburgh—are there any places in Scotland you love to visit or keep going back to?
I haven’t spent enough time in Scotland, however the Isle of Skye and Bute are both on my list. But the energy in Edinburgh is something quite special.

When you’re travelling up from London and the temperature drops a few degrees—how does that change the way you dress?
I’m one of those people that once I’ve committed to an outfit, I tend to stick with it. Layering is key. A cotton crew neck chucked over the shoulders is an easy one, or a lightweight coat. We’ve just introduced a car coat with a raglan sleeve, slightly oversized—perfect for that in-between season.

Travel style can be tricky—how do you balance comfort with looking put-together when you’re on the move?
Relaxed fit tailoring is a good one. Over three days I can wear the suit with a shirt and tie, then the jacket with denim and a button-down Oxford, and then the trousers with a beautiful knit. Same loafer with all three. A cap, a cotton crewneck and a good holdall complete the look.

There was a moment where everyone declared “the death of the suit”—were we too quick to write it off?
Ha! I was talking about this today. The suit has had the longest death—roughly about 50 years—so yes, way too quick to write off. Putting on a well-made suit still feels great. It’s not commonplace in all work settings anymore, but tailoring still has an important place in a man’s wardrobe. It’s about helping people feel confident in how to wear one again—and reminding everyone how versatile they can be.

Comfort has become such a priority—has that permanently changed tailoring?
I think we’ve seen a softening of tailoring generally. More relaxed fits, softer shoulders, unstructured pieces—all of that contributes to modern tailoring. People got used to athleisure comfort, but now they want to dress up again. It’s about softening smarter looks and elevating casual ones—confidence is key.

MOSS has evolved from Moss Bros to MOSS—what does that shift represent?
It’s about making people take a second look at the brand. What we were known for—hire and weddings—is still important, but with more everyday lifestyle collections, we want people to see us differently. We want to be somewhere you can shop your entire wardrobe. The most exciting part? It feels like we’re just getting started.

You’ve introduced more casual elements, but tailoring is still at the core—how do you keep that identity strong?
We’re not trying to be casualwear. We understand tailoring—that’s our strength. Even our more casual pieces have that sensibility. A swim short with a side adjuster, structured shackets, double-pleat summer trousers, elevated knitwear—it’s all about refinement. Our Nappa leather jacket this season is a great example of that balance.

There’s a real shift towards versatility—how should men be wearing suits today?
Occasion still matters, but it’s about how you wear the suit beyond that. Swap a shirt and tie for a crew neck knit, or a formal shirt for linen or denim—it instantly feels more relaxed. Break the suit up. Play with textures and materials. That’s what creates interesting outfits.

You’ve spoken about MOSS Custom Made—why is that so important?
No two men are the same, so why should their suits be? It’s a great option for weddings or special events, or if you struggle with off-the-peg. You can work with incredible fabrics and create something that’s truly yours. And if looked after, it can last for years—making it a sustainable choice.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Unplanned, minimal, quiet. But style isn’t just how you look—it’s how you feel, and how you make others feel. Confidence is everything. Working in tailoring has taught me that the smallest details matter—texture can change an entire look.

Do you notice differences in how men dress across the UK?
Yes, definitely. It’s fascinating. Our store teams feed back what they’re seeing, and we have data to support that too. In Scotland, people really care about quality and attention to detail. They love the classics but have the confidence to try new fits and styles. And they’re masters of layering—probably something to do with the weather.

Finally, for those joining us at the MOSS x Manhood event—what can they expect?
Great product, great discussion in a beautiful environment—and I’ve heard something about whisky…

Seriously though—Eric is someone I admire greatly, and his knowledge alone is worth being in the room for. Hopefully we can help navigate the complexities of modern tailoring and have a great conversation about the season ahead.

And there’s whisky.

Join us at St James Quarter on Thursday 26th March at 6pm for the MOSS x Manhood event and experience the conversation between Robbi and Eric Musgrave first-hand. It’s an opportunity to meet the team behind MOSS and gain a fresh perspective on modern tailoring—alongside great style, sharp insight and, of course, a whisky in hand - courtesy of Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery.