Famous Irish Designer Paul Costelloe, Princess Diana’s Stylist, Dies at 80

Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, renowned for his timeless designs and his role as personal designer to Princess Diana, has passed away peacefully in London at the age of 80. His family shared the news on Saturday, expressing their deep sadness and noting that he was surrounded by his wife and seven children during his final moments following a brief illness.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Paul Costelloe grew up in a family involved in the raincoat business. He pursued his passion for fashion at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design before further honing his skills in Paris at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.

In 1979, Costelloe launched his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections. Over the years, he showcased his work at major fashion events around the world, including London Fashion Week, Paris, Milan, and New York. His style was known for blending modern elegance with traditional Irish textiles like linen and tweed, reflecting his Irish heritage.

A significant highlight of Costelloe’s career was his long-standing collaboration with Diana, Princess of Wales. Beginning in 1983, he served as her personal designer, creating many iconic looks that defined her elegant style until her untimely death in 1997.

Costelloe’s influence extended beyond high fashion. He worked with popular retail chains such as Dunnes Stores and was honored as the closing designer for Ireland Fashion Week in October 2025, showcasing his continued impact on the fashion world.

Though he faced some criticism in 1998 for a controversial comment about Irish women's style, Costelloe later expressed a more positive view, acknowledging that Ireland had become more European in its fashion sensibilities.

Leaders in Ireland mourned his passing. The Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin called him "an icon of design" who helped elevate Irish fashion globally. Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris praised Costelloe's talent, discipline, and dedication to quality, emphasizing that his legacy will continue to shape Irish fashion for years to come.

Paul Costelloe leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a talented designer who brought Irish fashion to the world stage and created timeless styles that remain influential today. His contributions will be remembered and celebrated by the fashion community and beyond.