Fashion designer Richard Nicoll found dead in Sydney, aged 39

British-Australian fashion designer Richard Nicoll has died at the age of 39.

Nicoll, whose creations have been worn by the likes Kylie Minogue, Julianne Moore Florence Welch and Keira Knightley, was found dead at a property in Sydney earlier today (October 21). New South Wales police said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm that Richard Nicoll passed away unexpectedly this morning in Australia from a heart attack,” said his family in a statement.

London-born Nicoll was raised in Perth, Australia, before returning to the UK to study for an MA in Womenswear at London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

His graduate collection was bought by Dolce & Gabbana in 2002, and three years later he his own eponymous fashion label, which he ran while working with the like of Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Topshop and Jack Wills.

Tributes have been flooding in for Nicoll from some of the stars he dressed during his illustrious 14-year career, including Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen and Emma Bunton, who described him as “a beautiful soul”.

Meanwhile former Coronation Street star Charlie Condou wrote that he was “devastated” to hear of the designer’s passing.

“He was my first real love; a beautiful man both inside and out,” Condou wrote. “I’ll miss him terribly.”

So sorry to hear about the passing of designer #RichardNicoll. Condolences and love to his family. Xx

— kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) October 21, 2016

Such sad news about Richard Nicoll, I met him way back when he was at central saint martins, a beautiful soul. Thinking of his loved ones.

— Emma Bunton (@EmmaBunton) October 21, 2016

Really sad to hear about the passing of Richard Nicholl. Privileged to have known him and to have worn many of his beautiful creations. X

— lily allen (@lilyallen) October 21, 2016

Devastated to hear that Richard Nicoll has died. He was my first real love; a beautiful man both inside and out. I’ll miss him terribly

— Charlie Condou (@Charliecondou) October 21, 2016

Paying tribute to “one of the quiet stars of fashion”, Nicoll’s family said: “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.”

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