Remembering Richard Nicoll, British-Australian fashion designer
Award winner whose celebrity clientele included Keira Knightley and Kylie Minogue and who died aged 39 in Sydney joked in a 2011 interview that the last thing he would design was a ‘really fantastic’ coffin lining
British-Australian fashion designer Richard Nicoll died last week in Sydney, reportedly of a heart attack, aged 39. Nicoll’s death was felt by the fashion community worldwide, not only because of his work, which earned him creative and commercial success, but because he was well loved in the industry.
I had the privilege of meeting Nicoll five years ago. He walked into our interview tired from a long flight. Despite his tattoos, steely gaze and intense appearance, he had a quiet and gentle demeanour.
During that interview I asked Nicoll what he would make if he had the chance to create a final piece of work before his death. He paused momentarily, before replying: “A coffin? Maybe a coffin lining, but a really fantastic one.” The answer displayed a dry and dark sense of humour. I suspect he never got around to making one.
Nicoll graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins in 2002, where he earned an MA in womenswear. His aptitude for design was clear from the start, when his entire graduate collection was purchased by Dolce & Gabbana. Just four years later, with the birth of his eponymous fashion label, he started showing at London Fashion Week.
Nicoll was recognised by his peers for the quality of his design ideas, which saw him win three Andam prizes. He was also twice a Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. Nicoll also had a roster of celebrity clients including Kylie Minogue, Kate Bosworth and Keira Knightley.