Tributes are pouring in for Australian fashion designer and “extraordinary talent” Richard Nicoll, who has died of an apparent heart attack in his Sydney home, at the age of 39.
NSW Police were called to Nicoll’s apartment on Macleay Street in Darlinghurst just after 11am on Friday, and began an investigation. Chief Inspector Craig Lowery told media:
“We established a crime scene to look for possible causes of the death. It’s standard routine for us to provide a report to the Coroner, there will be an autopsy, and they’ll go from there … At this time there is no evidence to suggest the death is suspicious, however, a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”
Nicoll trailed at Central St Martins in London, and his graduate collection was bought up by Dolce & Gabbana; he later worked with brands like Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs, and was set to take over as creative director of Adidas next year.
His clothes have been worn by the likes of Anne Hathaway, Lily Allen, Emma Bunton, Sienna Miller and Kylie Minogue, and these stars have begun to pay tribute following news of his passing.
So sorry to hear about the passing of designer #RichardNicoll. Condolences and love to his family. Xx
— kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) October 21, 2016
Nicoll started his own eponymous line in 2005, but chose to shut it down in 2015, explaining to The Telegraph that he had grown weary of the demands of producing multiple collections on an annual basis. He said:
“I needed a break. My sales weren’t going very well and the last couple of years have been super-stressful. It’s so different from how it was when I started and I’m just not sure if I’m signed up to what it has become.”
In a statement to the press, Nicoll’s famaily said:
“It is with great sadness that we confirm that Richard Nicoll passed away unexpectedly this morning in Australia from a heart attack. Richard was one of the quiet stars of fashion. He was a true gentleman, a wonderful friend and a much loved son. Anyone that had the privilege of knowing him knew that he had a heart of gold, an innate kindness and a modesty and humility that sometimes didn’t allow him to acknowledge his own exceptional creative talent. He loved his life in Australia. He had recently confirmed a new role at Adidas and a collaboration with Woolmark both of which he was excited about. We will miss his handsome face, his sense of humour and his love.”
R.I.P.
Photo: Darren Gerrish / Getty.
