UPDATE: Paul Costelloe, the acclaimed designer who famously dressed Princess Diana, has passed away at the age of 80. His company confirmed the news today, stating that he died peacefully in London after a short illness, surrounded by his wife and their seven children.
This news comes as a significant loss to the fashion world, where Costelloe was a prominent figure known for his exquisite evening wear and luxurious fabric choices. His contributions to fashion were exemplified through his work with Diana, which began in 1983 and continued until her tragic death in 1997.
Costelloe, born in Dublin in 1945, grew up in a tailoring family, which deeply influenced his career. He studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, but it was the vibrant fashion scene of the 1970s that truly shaped his style. The designer later moved to London, where he established his own fashion house, celebrated for its creativity and craftsmanship.
His association with Princess Diana began serendipitously when one of her ladies-in-waiting noticed his designs. Costelloe recounted the moment during an interview with Irish broadcaster RTE earlier this year, expressing his awe: “I looked out at Hyde Park and I said: ‘God, this is it, Paul, you have made it!’”
Beyond his work with royalty, Costelloe’s career spanned various roles, including time in Milan with luxury retailer La Rinascente and the Anne Fogarty label in the United States. His fashion house has since expanded into a wide range of offerings, including menswear, accessories, and more.
His passing not only marks the end of an era for those who admired his designs but also for the many who were inspired by his journey from a small tailoring workshop in Dublin to the heights of the fashion industry. Costelloe’s legacy will surely endure through the countless garments he crafted and the lives he touched.
As the fashion community mourns this profound loss, tributes are expected to pour in from around the globe. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
