Leading figures in fashion have led tributes to the acclaimed designer Richard Nicoll, who was found dead in his apartment aged 39.
Nicoll, a former designer for Topshop and most recently the creative director for Jack Wills, was found in his home in Syndey, Australia. Local police said they were called to a property at 11am on Friday and an investigation into his death is now under way.
His death is believed to be the result of a suspected heart attack.
The Australian-born designer grew up in Perth but studied in London, graduating from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2002 with an MA in Womenswear. He had been due to take up a creative director role at Adidas in Germany in January 2017.
Nicoll suspended his eponymous clothing line in 2015 and returned to Australia.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of eulogies from his friends within the industry and those he had dressed, with many noting his warmth and kindness.
Lily Allen said she was “privileged” to have known Nicoll and worn many of his designs.
A New South Wales Police Force spokesman said: “NSW Police are preparing a report for the information of the Coroner after a man was found deceased in a unit in Darlinghurst, Sydney this morning.”
