Ireland mourns the loss of one of its most influential fashion designers. Paul Costelloe, the Dublin-born visionary known for his timeless style and embrace of Irish fabrics, has died at the age of 80.
He passed peacefully in London on 21 November 2025, following a brief illness, with his wife, Anne, and their seven children at his side.
His family publicly announced his passing on 22 November, expressing profound sorrow at the loss.
Born on 23 June 1945 in Dublin, Costelloe grew up immersed in the world of textiles.
His father, originally from Limerick, ran a raincoat company, while his American mother encouraged his early interest in design.
At 19, he moved to Paris to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, training under the guidance of Jacques Esterel.
Costelloe’s early career spanned Europe and the United States.
He worked in Milan with Marks & Spencer and La Rinascente, before moving to the US to collaborate with designer Anne Fogarty.
Eventually, he returned to Ireland, where he launched Paul Costelloe Collections in 1979 at the Strelitz factory in Moygashel near Dungannon.
Rooted in his Irish heritage, Costelloe often incorporated linen and tweed into his designs, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary elegance.
Over the years, his brand expanded to include womenswear, menswear, accessories, homeware, jewelry, eyewear, and children’s occasion wear.
A landmark in his career came in 1983, when he was appointed personal designer to Princess Diana, a role he held until her passing in 1997.
For more than three decades, he regularly presented his collections at London Fashion Week, earning acclaim for his understated, refined aesthetic.
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For the last 20 years, Costelloe collaborated with Dunnes Stores, producing fashion and homeware lines, and created corporate attire for major organizations, including British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and the Irish Olympic team.
Even in his final days, he remained deeply involved in the creative process, managing his collections from his London studio.
Earlier in 2025, he unveiled his first bridal line, Primavera, reflecting his enduring passion for design.
Tributes have poured in from across the fashion world, recognizing Costelloe not only for his design brilliance but also for his steadfast connection to Irish culture.
His legacy lives on in the elegance, craftsmanship, and heritage he championed, leaving a lasting imprint on generations of designers and fashion lovers alike.