Irish-American Designer Paul Costello Passes Away at 80

Paul Costello, the Irish-American designer known for dressing the late Princess Diana, has died at the age of 80, as confirmed by his company.

Costello, who created eveningwear for Diana, founded a fashion house that was recognized for its luxurious fabrics and imaginative designs. He worked in family-owned manufacturing locations in London and Italy’s Ancona region.

In a statement released on Saturday, his label expressed profound sorrow over his passing following a brief illness. He died peacefully in London, surrounded by his wife and their seven children.

Born in Dublin in 1945, Costello was the son of a tailor crafting raincoats in a local factory. He kicked off his fashion career at the Chambre Syndical de la Haute Couture in Paris, though he often cited learning from peers like Emmanuel Ungaro and Pierre Cardin as much as from formal training.

His early career included being an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel and later moving to Milan to help British retailer Marks & Spencer try to break into the Italian market. While that venture didn’t succeed, Costello found work at the luxury department store La Rinascente.

Afterward, he relocated to the United States, where he designed for the Ann Fogerty label before establishing his own brand, which offers a variety of products, including menswear, womenswear, bags, and accessories.

In 1983, Costello was named the personal designer for Princess Diana, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997.

Their collaboration started when a lady-in-waiting for Diana recognized his designs and set up a meeting. Reflecting on that moment, Costello recalled looking out at Hyde Park and thinking to himself how remarkable it was to be in that position.