Dublin-native, Paul Costelloe, who spearheaded his family-run, eponymous fashion label, passed away on Friday night in London following a short illness his family confirmed
Iconic Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died aged 80.
The Dublin-born creative force, who led his family’s renowned fashion empire, died peacefully on Friday night in London after a brief illness.
His family released a heartfelt statement expressing their profound grief over the loss of the legendary designer. “He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London,” the statement read. The family has requested privacy during this difficult period, reports the Irish Mirror.
READ MORE: Pope Leo changes law to appoint a woman to prominent Vatican positionREAD MORE: Woman who accuses Madeleine McCann suspect of rape blasts court U-turn allowing him to leave country
Born in Dublin in June 1945, Mr Costelloe became a defining figure in Irish fashion design after studying at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design. His illustrious career took him across the globe, with stints in London, Milan and New York.
He established his own brand, Paul Costelloe Collections, upon returning to Ireland in 1979. The enterprise remained a family-operated venture, with the designer recently serving as the grand finale for Ireland Fashion Week at Dublin’s City Hall.
That same year marked his marriage to Anne Cooper, and together they raised seven children – Jessica, William, Robert, Gavin, Justin, Paul-Emmet and Nicholas.
Beginning in 1983, he crafted exclusive pieces for Diana, Princess of Wales, maintaining this prestigious collaboration until her tragic death in 1997.
The fashion titan, whose clientele included Princess Diana and Vogue Williams, maintained a successful partnership with Dunnes Stores spanning two decades.
Following his remarkable career achievements, he had recently discussed modifications to his estate planning after reaching his 80th milestone.
“You kind of look into horrific things like wills and being prepared for the next life – whether it’s through religion or through your own family,” he told the Sunday Independent.
“You’d like to leave everything in order so that they’ll be happy.”
He revealed that his initial will had been drafted more than ten years prior, but he had experienced wonderful achievements in the intervening period.
“Surprisingly, I have done reasonably well over the last 10 years. So I just need to review everything and keep everything equal. No favoritism and no surprises.”
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the iconic fashion creator following news of his passing, with Tánaiste Simon Harris expressing in a statement, “I am saddened to learn today of the passing of Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish fashion designer.
READ MORE: ‘Secret’ Ukraine war peace deal being discussed by Russia and USA in a bid to end conflictREAD MORE: Armed gunmen storm Catholic school and kidnap dozens of students
“Paul led a remarkable life as a leading figure in Irish, UK and international fashion and business for decades. He built a hugely successful business through incredible talent, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
“His eponymous fashion house has built an extraordinary legacy that will live on. His was and is a quite remarkable Irish success story. His collaborations, including his memorable work with Princess Diana and long relationship with Dunnes Stores, reflected not just his skill but his abiding pride in his Irish roots which often inspired his craftsmanship.
“He leaves behind a body of work that shaped modern Irish fashion and will continue to shape it in the years to come. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, his children, his wider family, friends and all those whom he was close to.”