👑 The Tailor of Royalty: Iconic Irish Designer Paul Costelloe Dies at 80
👑 The Tailor of Royalty: Iconic Irish Designer Paul Costelloe Dies at 80
The world of fashion is mourning the loss of one of its most enduring and beloved figures, Paul Costelloe, the iconic Irish-American designer renowned for dressing Diana, Princess of Wales. Costelloe died peacefully at his home in London on Friday, November 21, 2025, following a short illness. He was 80 years old.
The news was confirmed in a statement released by his eponymous fashion label on Saturday, November 22, which stated he was surrounded by his wife, Anne, and their seven children at the time of his passing.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness. He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London. We kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the family during this time."
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I. The Diana Years: An Enduring Royal Connection
Paul Costelloe's name became internationally recognized through his pivotal role as the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Appointment: His association with the Princess began in 1983, shortly after he established his brand in London. A lady-in-waiting to the Princess noticed his designs, which led to a meeting and a partnership that would last until Diana's tragic death in 1997.
A Defining Style: Costelloe helped define Diana's wardrobe during a period when she was transitioning from a shy young royal to a global fashion icon. He was best known for crafting her elegant, tailored daywear and formal attire, which often featured bold colours and clean lines that perfectly suited the Princess's youthful and dynamic spirit.
Personal Rapport: Costelloe frequently spoke of his warm relationship with Diana, famously recounting that she was "very human" and made a "very good cup of tea and some scones." His ability to mix high fashion with a charming, approachable personality was key to the success of their collaboration.
The international exposure gained through dressing Diana was instrumental, leading to Costelloe being invited to show at the inaugural London Fashion Week in 1984, an event where he would remain a steadfast fixture for over 40 years. He presented his final collection, an ode to 1960s Beverly Hills titled "We stroll down Rodeo Drive," just two months ago in September 2025.
II. A Career Defined by Craftsmanship and Commerce
Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe was the son of a tailor, a background that instilled in him an early respect for impeccable craftsmanship.
Early Career and Training
Global Education: Costelloe's training took him across Europe and the United States. He studied at the revered Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, where he was exposed to the work of masters like Pierre Cardin and Emanuel Ungaro.
International Experience: He moved to Milan, working as a designer for the luxury department store La Rinascente, before spending time in New York.
The Label: He launched his eponymous label, Paul Costelloe Collections, in the UK in 1979, built on a philosophy of using luxurious Italian and Irish fabrics combined with classical, enduring silhouettes.
Beyond the Catwalk
Costelloe was a rare blend of a couturier and a shrewd businessman. While his London Fashion Week shows catered to high fashion, his commercial success was equally significant:
Retail Partnerships: For the last two decades, he maintained a hugely successful partnership with Irish retailer Dunnes Stores, creating affordable lines of menswear, womenswear, and homeware, bringing his refined aesthetic to a wider audience.
Corporate Design: His influence stretched into corporate identity, with his firm designing uniforms for major entities, including British Airways, Delta Airlines, and the Irish Olympic Team.
A Family Legacy
The Costelloe brand has been a deep family affair. Paul and his wife Anne, whom he married in 1979, raised seven children, many of whom became involved in the business. His son, William, serves as the design director, creating the prints and backdrops for the label's collections, ensuring the Costelloe aesthetic continues.
III. Tributes and Impact
Tributes have poured in from the fashion industry and public figures across Ireland and the UK, reflecting his dual influence in high fashion and popular culture.
Simon Harris, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste), issued a statement emphasizing Costelloe's impact: "Paul led a remarkable life as a leading figure in Irish, UK and international fashion... His collaborations, including his memorable work with Princess Diana and long relationship with Dunnes Stores, reflected not just his skill but his abiding pride in his Irish roots which often inspired his craftsmanship. He leaves behind a body of work that shaped modern Irish fashion and will continue to shape it in the years to come."
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Paul Costelloe was not just a designer; he was a standard-bearer for classic elegance and accessibility in fashion, whose work will continue to influence style for decades to come.
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