Sportsgirl has certainly come a long way since its humble beginnings as Sportscraft’s younger sister back in 1948. Nowadays the Sportsgirl empire spans nearly a hundred stores nationally and continues to tap into the ever-changing whims of the youth market and fast fashion. But Richard Nicoll is the most dynamic designer collaboration for the brand to date.

Born in London and raised in Perth, Nicholl graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins Master’s course in 2002. Since then his inventive collections have garnered international acclaim and support. He’s been awarded the prestigious French ANDAM award (National Award for the Development of Fashion) three times and has recently been shortlisted for this year’s British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

The nine signature pieces for Sportsgirl showcase Nicoll’s penchant for classic tailoring and juxtaposition, albeit with a youthful style. The range features masculine fabrics like houndstooth plaid, fine checks and narrow stripes softened by feminine tailoring.

It’s great to see the collection including some more sophisticated pieces, like the checked cigarette pants with navy detailing and the tweed A-line skirt.

This is a range that demonstrates Nicoll’s ability to capture a target market. It stays true to his own aesthetic while appealing to a very mainstream Sportsgirl market.

The collection will be available in selected stores and online from March 28.

sportsgirl.com.au