Renowned fashion designer Paul Costelloe, known for dressing Princess Diana, has passed away at the age of 80 in London, as confirmed by his eponymous fashion label. He peacefully departed after a brief illness, surrounded by his wife and seven children. Costelloe, born in Dublin in 1945, kickstarted his career at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris before working with designer Jacques Esterel. He later ventured to Milan to support Marks and Spencer’s entry into the Italian market.
Although the Italian endeavor was unsuccessful, Costelloe remained in Milan as a designer for the luxury department store La Rinascente. Subsequently, he moved to New York, where he designed for Anne Fogarty before establishing his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections. Notably, from 1983 until her passing in 1997, Costelloe served as Princess Diana’s personal designer, creating elegant ensembles for formal events.
Costelloe’s brand, which offers a range of collections including womenswear, menswear, accessories, homeware, and children’s occasionwear, continues to thrive. Additionally, he excelled in creating corporate wear concepts for major companies and sports teams like British Airways, Delta Airlines, and the Irish Olympic Team.
In a tribute to his legacy, Costelloe’s brand recently showcased a collection at London Fashion Week titled Boulevard Of Dreams, inspired by the iconic Rodeo Drive in 1960s Beverly Hills. Despite his passing, Costelloe remained at the helm of his design team, leaving behind a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
In recognition of his contributions to Irish fashion, Costelloe was featured on a set of Irish postage stamps in 2010 alongside other notable designers. He also served as a guest judge on RTE Television’s Craft Master show in 2013.