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!
Discover the manifestation of century-old techniques realised with modern technologies
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.
The Naomi Milgrom Foundation has announced the commission for the third annual MPavilion has been awarded to acclaimed Indian architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai.
Takt is designing architecture that is sustainable, sensitive and desirable. This studio is leading the way as a beating architectural heart in the regions and is in sync not only with the landscape but with the local communities who call it their home.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
The latest print magazine is about to arrive! With Guest Editor Adam Haddow in the hot seat, we are delighted to share some of the highlights.
An entry by MuseLAB, in The Retail Space in the 2024 INDE.Awards, takes shoppers to another planet where diamonds and great interior design make a lasting impression.
Welcome to the year of the Design Effect. This year’s theme aims to showcase the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. Join in shaping this narrative by contributing your perspective before May 3, 2024, and become a part of the Design Effect movement.