Irishman Paul Costelloe, Princess Diana’s personal stylist, died in London, aged 80, his family said in a statement released this Saturday, November 22.
“After a brief illness”, Costelloe “passed away peacefully”, surrounded “by his wife and seven children” in London, according to the note, cited by local media.
One of the leading figures in British and Irish fashion, Paul Costelloe was appointed Diana’s personal stylist in 1983, a collaboration that continued until the princess’ death in 1997 in a car accident in Paris.
Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe studied at Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, moving to Paris, where he continued his studies at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
It was in 1979 that he created his brand, Paul Costelloe Collections, whose collections, in which he frequently used traditional Irish fabrics and textile materials, were presented at fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan and New York.
Last October, the designer, who collaborated with the Dunnes Stores chain, participated in the first edition of Irish Fashion Week.
“Paul has had a remarkable life as a leading figure in Irish, British and international fashion and business for decades,” the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland said in a statement.
For Simon Harris, Costelloe “has built a hugely successful business through incredible talent, discipline and an unwavering commitment to quality.” “His story was and is a very remarkable Irish success story”, he highlighted.
“His collaborations, including his memorable work with Princess Diana and his long partnership with Dunnes Stores, reflected not only his ability, but also his deep pride in his Irish roots, which often inspired his craftsmanship”, said the official.