Gentleman of Style and Substance Paul Costelloe Passes Away at 80

It is with great sadness that the fashion world bids farewell to Paul Costelloe, the long-established and much-loved designer who passed away peacefully on 21 November 2025 in London, aged 80, following a short illness. 

For many who knew him, Paul Costelloe’s warmth, strong work ethic, and passion for his craft made him not just a brilliant designer, but a true gentleman of fashion. 

One memory that lingers is the open-studio press event shortly after lockdown to present his SS22 collection inspired by the ancient Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts of the Book of Kells.

Watching him sketch, illustrating his designs and explaining every carefully considered detail up close. It was an inspiration to see such dedication.

Born in Dublin in 1945 to a tailor, Paul Costelloe’s path in fashion was both artistic and international. He trained at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, then moved to Paris to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, soaking up the energy of the Ungaro and Cardin era. 

He began his career as a design assistant to Jacques Esterel, before relocating to Milan to work for Marks & Spencer and later the luxury department store La Rinascente. After a stint in New York designing for Anne Fogarty, he launched his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections, in 1979. 

A defining chapter in his life came in 1983, when he became the personal designer to Princess Diana, a role he continued until her tragic death in 1997. His designs for her, elegant yet modern, solidified his reputation and captured imaginations around the world.

Costelloe was deeply rooted in London’s fashion scene. He was a regular on the London Fashion Week schedule from its early days, often holding a coveted opening-day slot. His collections over the years spanned womenswear, menswear, accessories, homeware, jewellery, eyewear, children’s and bridal. 

Paul was not only devoted to design, but also to his family, he is survived by his wife Anne and seven children. He maintained a straightforward, grounded personality, often speaking candidly in interviews, painting watercolours in his spare time, and embracing a humble lifestyle even as his brand flourished. 

Leaders and peers in Ireland and the UK have expressed deep sorrow at his passing. Tánaiste Simon Harris called his career “a quite remarkable Irish success story,” praising his talent, discipline, and commitment to quality.  The business he built, a family-run fashion house, remains and his influence will be felt for generations.

Images by JoJo Iles