Remembering Paul Costelloe: Celebrated Irish Fashion Designer Passes Away at 80

Sun Nov 23 2025 04:52:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Paul Costelloe, renowned Irish fashion designer and former stylist for Princess Diana, has died at the age of 80. His contributions to fashion significantly elevated Irish representation on the global stage.

Paul Costelloe, the celebrated Irish fashion designer known for his elegant styles and personal designs for Diana, Princess of Wales, passed away in London at the age of 80. His family confirmed he died following a short illness, surrounded by loved ones. Costelloe's career spanned decades, establishing his label in 1979 and showcasing his work internationally. Remembered as an icon in fashion, he is survived by his wife and seven children.

Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died in London aged 80.

Costelloe became one of the best-known names in British and Irish fashion and was personal designer to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

His family issued a statement on Saturday saying they were deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness.

They added: He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London.

He was born in Dublin where his father ran a successful company making raincoats. After studying at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, he moved to Paris where he took a course at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.

Costelloe set up his own label in 1979, Paul Costelloe Collections, and presented collections at London Fashion Week, as well as in Paris, Milan and New York.

In 1983 he was appointed personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a collaboration which continued until her death in 1997. Costelloe often used traditional Irish fabrics and textiles in his designs.

He collaborated with Dunnes Stores and was the closing designer for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year.

Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin expressed his sorrow, stating that Costelloe was an icon of design who elevated Irish fashion globally. Tánaiste (Deputy PM) Simon Harris remarked on Costelloe's remarkable life and legacy within the Irish fashion industry.