Collette Swindells meets a playful milliner creating iconic design pieces.
July 13th, 2010
Recognised as one of Australia’s most talented milliners, Richard Nylon’s work is nothing short of iconic.
While being respectful of tradition, his hats do not use traditional forms, and often play with the notion of conventionality.
Using a range of self-taught techniques, he creates original pieces of hand-manipulated wearable art – sculptural creations of innovative design and imagination.
Born and bred in country Victoria, Richard moved to Melbourne and immediately buried himself in the fashion world of the 80s, studying fashion and producing amazing outfits to go with his lifestyle.
His early work caught the attention of cutting-edge designers at the Fashion Design Council – known at the time for their flamboyant, theatrically choreographed annual fashion parades – and was featured at their retail outlet in Collins Street.
But it is his 11-year collaboration with Melbourne fashion designer Gwendolynne that Richard says really took his work to the next level.
“People did know my name back in the 80s, when I was doing stuff for the Fashion Design Council,” he says, “But it was really with the hats, and putting them on the catwalk with Gwendolynne that made the difference for me.”
Falling into the role the milliner, Richard has now firmly established himself as a leader in the elite field, teaching regular classes at RMIT and appearing at the recent Hats Off to Melbourne International Millinery Convention.
His work continues to push boundaries, recently being awarded as a finalist in The Hat Designer of the Year competition, held annually at the Premiere Classe trade fair in Paris, during Fashion Week, and will be included in next year’s prestigious Powerhouse Museum International Lace Award competition.
And with plans to experiment with lighting as well, it will be interesting to see how his signature feather-work and transparency translate.
Richard Nylon
richardnylon.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Now these same round, soft and sinuous shapes are repeated in a seating system which includes different typologies: from the linear sofa to the terminal elements, from the armchair with back in two heights, to the chaise lounge and to the new ottomans. Fat-Sofa can be upholstered in fabric or leather and is available in […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Overcoming pandemic hurdles to redefine guest experiences amidst Sydney’s bustling entertainment precinct, The Darling has undergone a two-year restoration that melds Art Deco interiors with the necessities of hotel living.
Available now across Australia, Eden TPO is setting new standards in terms of not just sustainability, but also style.