Paul Costelloe, an influential Irish fashion designer, has passed away in London at the age of 80. Known for his significant contributions to British and Irish fashion, Costelloe was a personal designer for Diana, Princess of Wales, from 1983 until her death in 1997. His family reported that he died after a brief illness, surrounded by his wife and seven children.
Born in Dublin, Costelloe’s early life involved exposure to fashion through his father’s raincoat manufacturing business. He attended the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design before pursuing further studies at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris. In 1979, he launched his own label, the Paul Costelloe Collections, showcasing his work at major fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan, and New York.
Throughout his career, Costelloe often incorporated traditional Irish fabrics, such as linen and tweed, into his designs. This commitment to Irish textiles highlighted his cultural roots and was a defining aspect of his body of work. Notably, he was involved with Dunnes Stores and was the closing designer for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week earlier this month.
In recent discussions, Costelloe expressed an evolution in his perspective on fashion in Ireland, acknowledging a shift towards European influences. He faced some controversy in 1998 when he remarked that Irish women struggled with style, pointing to cultural differences.
Responses to his passing have come from various political figures, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, who acknowledged his impact on the fashion industry. Harris noted Costelloe’s remarkable life, emphasizing his dedication to quality and his lasting influence on modern Irish fashion.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3w4we7gxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss