Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Celebrated Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, known for his elegant creations and his role as the personal stylist for Princess Diana, has peacefully passed away in London at the age of 80. His family announced the news on Saturday, sharing their sorrow and noting that he spent his last moments surrounded by his wife and seven children after a brief illness.
Hailing from Dublin, Costelloe grew up in a family with strong ties to the raincoat industry. He pursued his love for fashion at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design and refined his skills in Paris at the esteemed Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
In 1979, he established his own brand, Paul Costelloe Collections. Throughout his illustrious career, he presented his designs at major fashion shows worldwide, including London Fashion Week, Paris, Milan, and New York, merging modern sophistication with classic Irish materials such as linen and tweed.
A notable chapter in Costelloe's career was his enduring relationship with Diana, Princess of Wales. Starting in 1983, he designed many of her iconic outfits, shaping her elegant persona until her tragic passing in 1997.
His influence transcended the high fashion domain; he collaborated with popular retailers like Dunnes Stores and was lauded as the closing designer for Ireland Fashion Week in October 2025, underscoring his lasting footprint in the industry.
While he faced criticism in 1998 for remarks about the style of Irish women, Costelloe later embraced a more optimistic perspective, acknowledging how Ireland's fashion had become more aligned with European trends.
Ireland's leaders expressed their condolences upon his passing. Taoiseach Micheál Martin referred to him as "an icon of design" who significantly advanced Irish fashion on a global scale. Tánaiste Simon Harris commended his exceptional talent, commitment, and dedication to quality, underscoring that his legacy would continue to influence Irish fashion for years to come.
Paul Costelloe's remarkable legacy as a pioneering designer who showcased Irish fashion to the world endures, with his timeless styles continuing to inspire. His contributions will be fondly remembered and honored in the fashion community and beyond.
English
