Fashion icon Paul Costelloe dies

Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died at the age of 80, his family announced today, November 22. He passed away peacefully in London after a short illness.

A post on his official Instagram page reads,

‘In loving memory of Paul Costelloe, who died in London aged 80, surrounded by his wife and seven children.

Paul has always been so grateful for the support you have all shown over his more than 40 years at the forefront of fashion.

Our deepest thanks for the outpouring of love and tributes as we go through this difficult time.

The Costelloe family and team.’

Paul Costelloe’s iconic fashion career and expat lifestyle

Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe trained at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris before moving on to Milan and New York. He founded his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections, and in 1983 became the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a relationship that significantly raised his profile. His brand expanded to womenswear, menswear, accessories, and homeware, and he remained a fixture at London Fashion Week across decades.

A key part of Costelloe’s business was his long-standing manufacturing company in Italy, where much of his tailoring was produced. In interviews over the years, he frequently highlighted how Italian craftsmanship and small specialised factories enabled the high-quality structure, cut and fabrics that became signatures of his collections.

Paul once infamously said that “Irish women wouldn’t know style if it tottered up to them in 10-inch heels.”

Costelloe’s career spanned Ireland, the UK, France, Italy and the US – echoing the journey of many expats who choose to live and work across Europe. His brand’s international reach reinforces how European design and lifestyle connect across nations.

For expats, Costelloe’s story offers a reminder that creativity crosses borders, and so do opportunities and legacies.

View all celebrity news.

View all the latest news stories by Euro Weekly News.