Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80

LONDON, United Kingdom—The fashion world mourns the loss of Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American designer who served as Princess Diana’s personal stylist for over a decade. Costelloe passed away at the age of 80 in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement on Saturday. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe honed his craft as a design assistant in Paris before joining British retailer Marks and Spencer in Milan. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Reflecting on his time with the Princess, Costelloe once described her as approachable and down-to-earth, sharing anecdotes of her making tea and scones during their meetings. A fixture at London Fashion Week since its inception in 1984, Costelloe was celebrated for his romantic, tailored designs that blended classic styles with modern innovation, often featuring bold colors, tweed patterns, and floral motifs. His latest collection, inspired by the 1960s and titled ‘We stroll down Rodeo Drive,’ was showcased at London Fashion Week in September. Costelloe’s brand remains a family affair, with his son William serving as design director. In a 2024 interview with Vogue, Costelloe expressed his desire to eventually retire from fashion to travel and paint in France.