Q&A with Rebecca Moses
From Fashion Illustrator to Interior Innovator: Designing Spaces with a Style All Their Own
If walls could talk, Rebecca Moses’ debut with Momentum would make a runway-worthy statement—bold, feminine, and unapologetically expressive. Renowned for her fashion illustration career, Moses now brings her iconic artistry to her first-ever wallcovering collection with Momentum, blending timeless designs with a trendsetting edge and captivating color palettes.
Moses' patternful collection was the centerpiece of our award-winning ‘Hotel Des Artistes’ themed booth at HD Expo 2024, embodying maximalism at its boldest and freest. In this exclusive sit-down at her studio, Moses shares her journey from fashion to wallcoverings, her creative process, and how she hopes her eclectic mix of patterns inspires designers to unlock and own their personal style.
Rebecca, you wear many creative hats—artist, designer, storyteller. How would you describe yourself?
Rebecca Moses: I simply love to create. I paint, I illustrate, I write—I like to create stories, joy, and things that make people smile. There’s no greater gift than seeing someone’s face light up because of something you’ve made. Whether through paint or pattern, everything I create starts with the goal of telling a story.
How did your journey in fashion shape your creative philosophy?
Rebecca: My mother, Barbara, loved watching old movies, and they taught me so much about fashion, style, and beauty. By 14, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. At 16, I was so passionate about this path that I skipped a year of high school to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology.
By 18, when I graduated, I was designing coats and suits for the Pierre Cardin license in Paris, and my first trip to Paris was a dream—staying at the Ritz and attending couture shows, it was like everything I remember from the movies.
For me, I love creating a look, and these experiences were never just about the dress or the shoes—it was about the story we told through getting dressed. That passion for storytelling has driven my work in fashion and design ever since, especially as I've stayed in the United States for ten years and started my own brand.
Your passion for storytelling shines through in your work. What's your favorite form of storytelling?
Rebecca: I’ve always loved to tell a story with my paintbrush—it’s my truest voice. When I paint, I’m capturing how I see the world, not how others see themselves. It’s about distilling someone’s essence—a grin, a spark in their eyes, or a sense of joy or seriousness—and letting the viewer imagine the rest. That’s what storytelling through art is for me: creating a moment that invites curiosity.
What inspired you to explore wallcoverings as part of your creative journey?
Rebecca: My love for wallcoverings began during my years in Italy, which were transformative. My mother-in-law, who’s now 95, introduced me to the world of textiles and furnishings, sparking my fascination with how craft and design reflect culture—how we live, act, and communicate.
I spent years working with artisans, visiting textile companies, and mastering the techniques behind luxury manufacturing. This experience broadened my perspective beyond fashion into jewelry, eyewear, leather goods, and lifestyle collections. Wallcoverings became a natural next step—a way to merge craft and culture. I see wallcoverings as more than clothing for spaces—they transform a room, evoke emotion, and tell a story.
Your collection with Momentum feels deeply personal yet universally inspiring. What is the story you’re telling with these wallcoverings?
Rebecca: I believe in creating a story within a story. Each pattern invites designers to layer their creativity into the mix. Whether it’s oversized florals, Art Deco-inspired motifs, or painterly animal prints, these designs reflect individuality and eclecticism. It’s about breaking the mold and pushing boundaries.
How did you translate your paintings into these wallcoverings?
Rebecca: It was such an exciting process! I started by playing with my original art—not digitally, but with my hands, brushes, and paint. I flipped pieces upside down, mixed them, and created patterns from unexpected combinations. Each design reveals layers of storytelling and invites curiosity. When you look closely, there’s always something new to discover.
"Reflection" has such a striking presence. How does this design tell its story?
Rebecca: Four of my patterns, including Reflection (below, left) as the main piece, are inspired by The Queen portrait that comes from my White Shirts series—a collection of 38 portraits of women reimagined in regal poses. I wanted to blend the elegance of traditional portraiture with modern individuality. The crisp white shirt symbolizes simplicity, while tattoos, bold expressions, and unique features add personality.
To me, The Queen celebrates strength and individuality while honoring timeless elegance. As a set of four wallcoverings inspired by this (with details like The Queen’s brooch featured in the Deco Dreams pattern), her story expands even further—becoming a bold statement piece that draws you in and makes you reflect.
Lively patterns like the portrait of "Close Up" or "Kimono Untamed" also feel so distinct yet versatile. What’s the inspiration behind those designs?
Rebecca: One of my renowned portraits known as Kimono Lady (above, right) is very personal to me—I’ve always loved and collected kimonos (practically live in them!). I had always wanted to do a picture of a woman in a beautiful kimono and give her a modern edge. That is who you see in Close Up. From there, I have 3 other patterns inspired by Kimono Lady, like Kimono Untamed, which redefines animal prints as sophisticated neutrals. The black-on-black tonal approach adds depth and elegance while keeping the pattern bold and versatile.
All four designs (including Kimono Mosaic, inspired by the Kimono Lady’s attire, and Fleur, a magnetized take on the portrait's floral background) offer endless creative possibilities, whether making a bold statement or adding subtle texture.
We love that your designs have a feeling of hidden treasures just beneath the surface. How do you bring that sense of mystery to your patterns?
Rebecca: Mystery is about inviting curiosity—creating layers that encourage people to take a closer look. When I started translating my artwork into patterns, I experimented with flipping pieces, mixing them, and discovering unexpected combinations. Each design holds subtle surprises that evolve as you experience them.
Your work constantly challenges conventions. How do you approach pushing creative boundaries?
Rebecca: I think it starts with asking, “What if?” What if we painted walls with patterns meant for ceilings? Or wallpapered half a wall? What if we used wallpaper on the floor and covered it with Lucite? Creativity thrives when we question the status quo. The day we stop asking “What if?” is the day we stop growing.
How does this collection empower designers?
Rebecca: This collection is all about giving designers the tools to craft their own unique narratives. Each pattern—from oversized florals to bold leopard prints, Deco-inspired motifs, abstract portraiture, and 1920s-style elements—offers something distinct and is designed to be mixed.
Designers can create a black-and-white story, a metallic vibe, or even something kitschy and campy like our King Louis chair prints. They can explore style profiles—opulent, eclectic, chic, or ostentatious—and seamlessly blend these elements to reflect their vision.
What excites you most about this debut collection?
Rebecca: It’s the endless possibilities. These patterns can work together or stand alone to tell different stories. Designers can mix metallics with florals, pair Art Deco prints with bold animal textures, or create spaces that feel romantic, daring, or whimsical.
The magic of this collection transcends the products I’ve created with Momentum—it becomes a true collaboration as designers bring these patterns to life in spaces uniquely their own.
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