Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has paid a heartfelt tribute following the death of his close friend, legendary British fashion designer Nigel Cabourn, leaving fans deeply moved by his emotional words.
Cabourn, one of the UK’s most respected menswear designers, died on June 11 at the age of 77, bringing an end to an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades.
Nigel Cabourn’s Family Announces His Passing
The designer’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram, sharing a black-and-white portrait alongside a touching message.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Nigel Cabourn. 1949–2026. He lived a remarkable life, inspired many, will be greatly missed and his legacy will continue.”
The announcement quickly attracted thousands of tributes from friends, colleagues and admirers whose lives had been touched by Cabourn’s work.
Jamie Oliver’s Tribute Reveals Their Close Friendship
Among the many messages, Jamie Oliver’s stood out for its warmth and sincerity, offering a glimpse into the close bond the pair shared over the years.
The TV chef wrote:
“So very sad Nigel. We love you. Bless you and the family. Such a legend. I will miss following your curiosity and inspirations. Thank you for everything xxxx.”
Jamie later returned to the family’s page to leave a simple red heart emoji beneath a follow-up post announcing funeral arrangements—a quiet but powerful gesture that resonated with many fans.
Although best known for transforming home cooking, Jamie and Nigel shared a long-standing friendship built on mutual admiration and a love of authentic British craftsmanship.
Nigel had previously said that he “knows the chef quite well,” while Jamie was frequently seen wearing vintage Nigel Cabourn pieces, reflecting his appreciation for the designer’s timeless style.
A Designer Who Changed British Menswear
Nigel Cabourn became one of Britain’s most influential fashion designers thanks to his distinctive approach to menswear.
His collections blended vintage military uniforms, mountaineering gear and traditional workwear with meticulous historical research, creating pieces admired around the world.
Born near Scunthorpe in 1949, Cabourn launched his first clothing label, Cricket, in 1969 while studying at Newcastle College of Art and Industrial Design.
Throughout his career, he built an astonishing archive of more than 4,000 historic garments, using them as inspiration for designs that celebrated craftsmanship, durability and heritage.
His influence extended far beyond fashion, earning admiration from creatives, collectors and public figures alike.
Family Shares Emotional Funeral Message
In the days following his death, Cabourn’s family posted another emotional message as they prepared for his funeral.
They explained that Nigel had touched so many lives that they were worried about unintentionally leaving someone out.
The family wrote:
“We know Nige meant so much to so many people, and we’re concerned about unintentionally missing someone who was dear to him.”
