Irish fashion icon Paul Costelloe dies at 80, leaving a lasting legacy on global fashion
Dublin-born fashion designer Paul Costelloe, famed for dressing Princess Diana and for decades of dedication to quality tailoring and Irish textiles, has died at the age of 80 following a short illness. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully in London, surrounded by his wife and their seven children.
From Dublin beginnings to international style
Costelloe was born on 23 June 1945 in Dublin, the youngest of seven children. His father ran a raincoat manufacturing business, instilling in him an early love of cloth and craftsmanship.
He honed his skills across Europe, studying at the Grafton Academy, then training and working in Paris, Milan and New York, before returning to Ireland to launch his own label in 1979 with backing from the Northern Irish manufacturer Strelitz Ltd.
Costelloe quickly distinguished himself with a deep appreciation for Irish textiles, particularly linen and tweed — and a style that blended classical tailoring with understated elegance. His pieces ranged from smart daywear and suits to graceful evening wear.
A royal connection and global acclaim
His international breakthrough came in 1983 when a stylist for Princess Diana discovered one of his linen dresses, launching a collaboration that lasted until her death in 1997. That connection elevated Costelloe’s profile on the global fashion stage.
Not content to design only for high fashion, he also created iconic uniforms and corporate wear, including for Aer Lingus and the 2004 Irish Olympic team, and expanded into affordable ready-to-wear and homeware through a long-standing partnership with Irish retailer Dunnes Stores.
A career spanning decades, grounded in heritage
Over nearly five decades, Costelloe sustained a family-run business, balancing tradition with accessible design. He showed collections for more than 40 years at London Fashion Week, and his final collection in 2025 served as the closing show of the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week, a fitting capstone for a career deeply rooted in Irish identity even as it reached global audiences.
Tributes and legacy
Colleagues, celebrities and public figures, including Ireland’s political leaders, have described Costelloe as “a national asset” whose work brought Irish fashion to international prominence. His bold use of fabrics, discipline, and warm charisma left a mark on both the industry and those who followed his career.
He is survived by his wife, Anne, and their seven children, many of whom were involved in the business, ensuring that his eponymous fashion house and legacy will continue beyond his lifetime.