Fashion Icon Paul Costelloe Dies at 80

Fashion icon Paul Costelloe, celebrated for his four-decade career, has passed away at the age of 80 in London. His death was announced on November 22 by his brand, with tributes highlighting his warmth, talent, and charisma. Costelloe was notably the personal designer for Princess Diana in the early 1980s, a period he recalled with great fondness and gratitude.

Costelloe's journey into designing for royalty began when Diana's ladies-in-waiting discovered his work. He shared a memorable experience of visiting Kensington Palace with 20 garment bags, where he fitted the Princess. He described Diana, a perfect size 10, as "so genteel, so feminine, so warm, so humorous," and cherished the moments designing for her.

Launching his womenswear line in 1978, Costelloe presented collections at London Fashion Week for 40 years, often collaborating with his wife and children. He had previously mused about retirement, dreaming of driving around France and painting, though he indicated this was still a decade away. He leaves behind a legacy of elegant design and cherished memories.