The British fashion world is in mourning following the announcement that Paul Costelloe, the esteemed designer who famously dressed Princess Diana, has died at the age of 80.
His eponymous fashion label confirmed the sad news, stating he passed away peacefully in London while surrounded by his wife and seven children following a short illness.
A Storied Career in Fashion
Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe's fashion journey 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 to support Marks and Spencer's expansion into the Italian market.
Although that venture proved unsuccessful, Costelloe remained in Milan as a designer for the luxury department store La Rinascente. His career then took him across the Atlantic to New York, where he was appointed designer to Anne Fogarty before ultimately establishing his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections.
Royal Patronage and Memorable Designs
In 1983, Costelloe reached a career pinnacle when he was appointed as personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales. He maintained this prestigious role, collaborating closely with the Princess until her tragic death in 1997.
While he primarily created formal occasion wear for Diana, one of his most talked-about designs was a chiffon skirt that became slightly see-through when backlit, creating a moment of controversy that highlighted the intense scrutiny the Princess faced.
Lasting Legacy and Diverse Portfolio
Costelloe's influence extended far beyond royal fashion. He built a successful business developing corporate wear concepts for major clients including British Airways, Delta Airlines, and the Irish Olympic Team.
His brand continues to thrive today, offering collections spanning womenswear, menswear, bags, accessories, homeware, jewellery, eyewear and children's occasionwear.
Just this year at London Fashion Week, his brand presented a show titled 'Boulevard Of Dreams' – an ode to 1960s Beverly Hills that epitomised his work over the past four decades. He continued to lead his design team until his death.
In recognition of his contribution to fashion, Costelloe was one of six contemporary Irish designers featured on a set of Irish postage stamps issued by An Post in 2010, alongside other luminaries like Philip Treacy and Orla Kiely.
He also served as a celebrity guest judge for the 2013 final of RTE Television's Craft Master show, sharing his expertise with a new generation of designers.
The fashion industry has lost one of its most enduring and versatile talents, whose work dressed both royalty and the everyday consumer with equal dedication to quality and style.
