Australian fashion designer Richard Nicoll dead at 39

Australian fashion designer Richard Nicoll has died in Sydney from a heart attack at the age of 39. He was one of the leading lights of the industry.

His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from around the world, with fashion heavyweights and celebrities speaking of his "extraordinary talent," "beautiful creations" and "sensitive spirit".

Police say officers entered Nicoll's apartment on trendy Macleay St in Darlinghurst, just east of Sydney's CBD, about 11am on Friday. They established a crime scene and started an investigation.

"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," a NSW Police spokesperson said.

His body was taken to the forensic centre on Parramatta Road in Glebe.

"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," Kings Cross chief inspector Craig Lowery told Fairfax Media.

Born in London, Nicoll trained at the highly regarded Central Saint Martins. After his graduate collection was snapped up by Dolce & Gabbana, he moved to Louis Vuitton before launching his own label in 2005.

Awards – including the British Fashion Council's prestigious Fashion Forward Award – followed, as did celebrity endorsements. His clothes were worn by Kylie Minogue, Sienna Miller and Anne Hathaway, among others.

Nicoll closed his label in 2015, telling the London Telegraph that the pressure to produce six collections a year was too much.

"I needed a break," he told the paper. "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."

He also skipped London Fashion Week in 2015, telling Vogue he wanted to "focus on other creative projects."

"The decision to skip a season was in order to consolidate my business strategy," he told the magazine. "In the 10 years that I have been doing my label, the fashion seasonal structure has changed a lot with increased seasons and commercial pressures. I feel it is the right time to pause and think of the best and the most relevant way forward for now." 

Instead, he decided to design for other companies, his clients over the years including Jack Wills, Marc Jacobs, Cerruti, Topshop and Sportsgirl. He was due to take over as Adidas creative director in 2017.

"Richard was one of the quiet stars of fashion," his family said in a statement.

"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."

Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, reflected on Nicholl's career highlights, including his inclusion in the top talent identification scheme NEWGEN and being shortlisted for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

"We are all deeply saddened by the news that the wonderful, kind hearted and talented Richard Nicoll passed away," she said.

Vogue Australia's editor-in-chief Edwina McCann described Nicoll as an extraordinarily talented designer and said the magazine would "celebrate and remember his unique talents, always".

Vogue's creative director at large Alison Veness said Nicholl had recently been working with musician Jess Kent. His last text message to her was about Kent's new music video, which he helped produce.

"Since he arrived back in his home country we had got to know him really well. He came to Ten (Veness' website) towers and had cups of tea and we talked about all the plans and all he was going to do," she said.

"After he ended his business in the UK ... he had spent the past year here, regrouping, gathering new energy, new friends, and inspiring so many people around him."

Jamie Perlman of British Vogue said Nicholl was excited to embark on his Adidas journey, and it was sad he never got to do it.

"However, it's comforting to think about the optimistic and positive mind set he was in before he passed," he said.

The Twittersphere lit up with tributes. Emily Sheffield, deputy editor of British Vogue, tweeted: "Literally one of the nicest men in fashion. A tragic cutting short of a life."

Singer Lily Allen tweeted: "Privileged to have known him and to have worn many of his beautiful creations."

Designer Victoria Beckham posted on Instagram: "Such a tragic loss for the industry and everyone who knew and loved him".