Tributes have been pouring in from the fashion world and beyond for designer Richard Nicoll who has died aged 39.

The British-born designer was found dead at his apartment in Sydney at around 11am on Friday morning and police say an investigation is currently underway. They are not however treating his death as suspicious.

Nicoll graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2002 with a MA in Womenswear. In 2009 he was named Best Young Designer at the Elle Style Awards during London Fashion Week .

Early in his career he was known as the creative mastermind behind Topshop, before launching his first collection at London Fashion Week in February 2006. However he had recently decided to put his namesake brand on hold to return to Australia.

On Instagram fellow fashion designer Victoria Beckham paid tribute writing: "So sad to hear of Richard Nicoll's passing, such a tragic loss for the industry and everyone who knew and loved him."

Her former Spice Girls bandmate Emma Bunton tweeted: “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. (sic).”

Singer Lily Allen also paid her respects tweeting, “Really sad to hear about the passing of Richard Nicholl. Privileged to have known him and to have worn many of his beautiful creations. (sic)”

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

"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."