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 raincoat manufacturing business, Costelloe studied at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design before moving to Paris for further training. He launched his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections, in 1979, showcasing his work at major fashion weeks.
His appointment as personal designer to Princess Diana in 1983 marked a significant period in his career that continued until her untimely death in 1997. Costelloe was celebrated for integrating traditional Irish fabrics into his designs.
In addition to his illustrious career, he was a featured designer at the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October 2025, leaving a noteworthy legacy.
Following his passing, Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his condolences, lauding Costelloe as an icon who brought Irish fashion to the global stage. Tánaiste Simon Harris emphasized his remarkable life and lasting influence on modern Irish fashion.
