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, the 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.
Born in Dublin where his father ran a successful company making raincoats, Costelloe studied at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design before moving to Paris for further training. He established his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections, in 1979 and showcased his designs at prestigious events including London, Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks.
In 1983, he became the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a role he maintained until her tragic death in 1997. Costelloe’s work prominently featured traditional Irish fabrics such as linen and tweed.
Though he faced criticism in 1998 for comments suggesting Irish women lacked style, he later acknowledged that the fashion scene in Ireland had evolved significantly.
Expressions of condolence have been shared by prominent figures including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who recognized Costelloe's contributions to elevating Irish fashion worldwide. Martin stated, An icon of design, Paul elevated Irish fashion to the global stage.
Simon Harris, the Tánaiste (Deputy PM), described Costelloe as a pillar of modern Irish fashion whose legacy will continue to influence future generations.
