For his AW09 collection, Richard Nicoll collaborated with artist Linder Sterling on a kinky collection of corsetry and suspenders inspired by Linder’s work. In our Fall 2009, The Insi-De Outsi-De issue we found out more…
Originally appeared in The Insi-De Outsi-De Issue, Fall 2009.
PVC flasher macs, garters hooking space-age tops to thigh flashing pencil skirts, cardigans draped porno style under the breast, pink satin corsets embellished with ribbons and A-line dresses seductively mapped with brassieres were just some of the garments getting the audience all hot under the collar at Richard Nicoll’s autumn/winter 09 catwalk show. Saucy, sexy, and thoroughly modern, futuristic military jackets came buttoned up to the neck and cropped just below the shoulder and gold lame cigarette pants and body-con dresses provided the perfect after-dark attire for girls who want to look sexy, sophisticated and subversive.
“The collection was based on a character in Linder Sterling’s Neo Romantic collages who we named ‘Tan-ya’,” explains Richard. “Linder transported her from a life of 50s suburban soft porn drudgery and onto the catwalk.” Best known for her explicit album artwork for the Buzzcocks Orgasm Addict, and the fanzine Secret Public co-founded with Jon Savage, Linder’s genius was evident in the prints. “Working with Linder was a complete dream come true,” gushes Richard. “Apart from being hilarious, generous, compassionate and fascinating, she represents a type of anti-hero I admire.” Like kindred spirits, designer and artist got to know each other via creative brainstorming sessions on text and email, discussing the role of glamour and the ‘outsider’ in art. Yet somehow all discussion boomeranged back to the flame both harbor for British singer, songwriter Morrissey.
Text: Holly Shackleton
Photography: Tim Walker
Styling: Jacob K
Artwork: Linder Sterling
From left. Look one: Linder wears mac Richard Nicoll. Body Falke for Richard Nicoll. Surgical corset and breast plate Linders own. Gloves Ines. Tights Angels the Costumiers. Shoes Christian Louboutin for Richard Nicoll. Look two: Linder wears mac and skirt Richard Nicoll. Body Wolford. Surgical Breast plate Linders own. Gloves Ines. Tights Falke for Richard Nicoll. Richard Nicoll wears body Fogal. Briefs Rigby and Peller. Mask Linder Sterling archive for Richard Nicoll. Look three: Mac and vest Richard Nicoll. Bra Rigby and Peller. Mask Richard Nicoll. Gloves Conelia James for Richard Nicoll. Look four: Top Richard Nicoll.
