London-born fashion designer Richard Nicoll, who was raised in Perth, has died at the age of 39 in Sydney

The designer’s death is not being treated as suspicious following the discovery of his body on Friday morning, amid reports of a suspected heart attack.

Pop star Kylie Minogue, who wore his designs, tweeted: “So sorry to hear about the passing of designer (hashtag) RichardNicoll. Condolences and love to his family. Xx”

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

— kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) October 21, 2016

British Vogue’s deputy editor Emily Sheffield, the sister of Samantha Cameron, wrote on Twitter: “Shocked and saddened by news of Richard Nicoll’s death; literally one of the nicest men in fashion. A tragic cutting short of a life.”

Former Spice Girls star Emma Bunton said: “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.”

Singer Lily Allen said she is “really sad” and that she is “privileged to have known him and to have worn many of his beautiful creations”.

Vogue Australia’s editor-in-chief Edwina McCann said: “Richard was an extraordinarily talented designer and a wonderful, warm, generous human being.

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

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time, and at Vogue we will celebrate and remember his unique talents, always.”

Local police were called to a unit in Sydney at around 11am after his body was found and an investigation into his death is under way.

A 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.”

Julianne Moore wore Nicoll’s designs. Photo: AAP.

Nicoll was born in London and raised in Perth, Australia, before returning to the British capital to gain an MA in womenswear at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

His 2002 graduate collection was purchased by leading fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana, catapulting him into the spotlight.

He launched his eponymous fashion label in 2005 and was a regular fixture at the London Fashion Week shows for a decade before closing it down.

In 2006, he was awarded the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Forward Award and he was named the Best Young Designer at the Elle Style Awards in 2009.

During his career, Nicoll acted as creative director of luxury Parisian label Cerruti and he previously worked for Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton.

He produced collections for British clothing brand Jack Wills, high-street giant Topshop and fashion label Fred Perry.

Nicoll’s designs, known for being modern and masculine in style, have been worn by celebrities including Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Julianne Moore.