The British fashion world is in mourning following the announcement that Paul Costelloe, the esteemed designer who famously dressed Diana, Princess of Wales, has died at the age of 80.
His eponymous fashion brand confirmed the sad news, stating he passed away surrounded by his wife and seven children in London after a short illness. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
A Storied Career in Fashion
Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe's journey in fashion began at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris. He honed his skills as a design assistant to Jacques Esterel before moving to Milan. There, he played a key role in Marks and Spencer's attempt to enter the Italian market.
Although that venture was not successful, Costelloe remained in Italy, becoming a designer for the luxury department store La Rinascente. His career then took him across the Atlantic to New York, where he worked for Anne Fogarty before the pivotal moment of establishing his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections.
Defining Moments with Royalty
In 1983, Costelloe's career reached a new height when he was appointed as the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales. He collaborated with the Princess until her tragic death in 1997, crafting outfits primarily for her formal engagements.
One of his most memorable creations for Diana was a chiffon skirt that inadvertently became slightly see-through when backlit, generating significant media attention and becoming a iconic, if controversial, moment in royal fashion history.
Beyond his royal clientele, Costelloe was a fixture of the British fashion scene, presenting his collections at London Fashion Week for over 35 years. His final show, titled 'Boulevard Of Dreams' at this year's event, was an ode to 1960s Beverly Hills and epitomised his work over four decades.
A Lasting Legacy in Business and Design
Paul Costelloe's influence extended far beyond the catwalk. He built a formidable business empire that continues to thrive, offering womenswear, menswear, accessories, homeware, and jewellery.
He also developed a successful niche in corporate wear, creating concepts for major clients like British Airways, Delta Airlines, and the Irish Olympic Team.
In a testament to his status, he was one of six contemporary Irish fashion designers featured on a set of Irish postage stamps issued by An Post in 2010.
Irish Tanaiste Simon Harris led the tributes, calling Costelloe a "leading figure in Irish, UK and international fashion" and praising his "incredible talent, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality."
Costelloe remained at the helm of his company's design team right up until his death, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has indelibly shaped modern Irish and British fashion.
