Nigel Cabourn, a leading light of the British fashion industry in the 1980s and 90s and an enduringly influential designer, has died at the age of 77 after battling cancer. His death was announced on instagram.
The designer launched his debut brand, Cricket, while still studying at at Newcastle College of Art and Industrial Design almost six decades ago, but really hit his stride with his own label in the 80s.
He was a pioneer of the workwear-as-fashion movement and also included military and vintage references that inspired many other British labels. Functionality was always to the fore.
His fame also moved beyond Britain’s shores with his designs remaining particularly popular in the Japanese market where there are still 11 stores selling his brands under his licensing deal with Marubeni.
The multi-award winning designer chose to shun the London fashion scene and stay in Newcastle and was named Designer of the Year in 1985. During that decade he also worked with a number of major chains, as well as Woodhouse — one of the pioneering retailers in British high-end menswear.
He had continued working until his illness and as recently as last autumn teamed up with Swiss mountain sports brand Mammut on a collection paying homage to mountaineering. In 2024 he’d also launched a collaboration with Sunspel.
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