Fashion designer Richard Nicoll dies age 39 in Sydney
British-Australian fashion designer Richard Nicoll has died at the age of 39 in Sydney because of a suspected heart attack.
He was found dead at his home in Sydney yesterday, but his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Nicoll was born in the UK, but moved to Perth as a child before returning to study fashion at Central Saint Martins.
His graduate collection was bought by Dolce & Gabanna in 2002 and went on to launch his fashion company in 2005, and his label has since been worn by Kylie Minogue, Anne Hathaway and Kiera Knightley.
He closed his label in 2014, stating that he needed a break, but planned to become creative director at Adidas in Germany in January.
Nicoll’s family released the following statement: “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.”
Actor Charles Condou wrote on Twitter about his devastation: “He was my first real love; a beautiful man both inside and out. I’ll miss him terribly.”
Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen and Emma Bunton also took to Twitter to pay tributes to the designer who dressed them in the past, and each described him as “a beautiful soul”.
