Fashion World Mourns the Loss of a Design Legend
The British fashion industry is in mourning following the announcement that Paul Costelloe, the celebrated Irish-American designer who dressed the late Princess Diana, has died at the age of 80. His company confirmed he passed away peacefully in London on Saturday, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a short illness.
A Storied Career in Fashion
Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe's journey into fashion began with his father, a tailor who crafted raincoats in the city's Rathmines district. He formally entered the industry by studying at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris. However, the designer often noted that his education was equally shaped by immersing himself in the creative era of icons like Emanuel Ungaro and Pierre Cardin.
His professional path was both international and illustrious. He started as an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel before moving to Milan to work for British retailer Marks & Spencer during its attempt to enter the Italian market. After this venture, he remained in Italy, contributing his talents to the luxury department store La Rinascente. A subsequent move to the United States saw him designing for the Anne Fogarty label before he ultimately established his own eponymous fashion house.
Defining a Royal Style
Costelloe's career reached a pivotal moment in 1983 when he was appointed as a personal designer to Princess Diana, a role he cherished until her tragic death in 1997. The royal connection was sparked after one of Diana's ladies-in-waiting noticed his designs and arranged a meeting. Recalling the moment to Irish broadcaster RTE earlier this year, Costelloe described looking out at Hyde Park during that meeting and thinking, 'God, this is it, Paul, you have made it!'
Beyond creating evening wear for the Princess, Costelloe built a formidable fashion house renowned for its celebration of luxurious fabrics and boundless creativity. He operated from a base in central London and maintained a close connection to craftsmanship through a family-owned manufacturing site in the Ancona region of central Italy. His brand grew to encompass a broad range, including womenswear, menswear, bags, and accessories.
A Lasting Legacy in London and Beyond
Paul Costelloe's death marks the end of an era for the London fashion scene, where he became a stalwart presence. His company's statement expressed deep sadness, confirming his peaceful passing. His legacy is not only the beautiful clothing he created but also the indelible mark he left on British style, most famously through his work with one of the world's most beloved style icons. He is remembered as a designer who combined artistic vision with wearable elegance, securing his place in fashion history.
