London, November 27, 2025
Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe died in London on November 21, 2025, at the age of 80, following a brief illness. Surrounded by his wife and seven children, Costelloe left behind a distinguished legacy in the fashion industry, notably as Princess Diana’s personal designer for 14 years.
Paul Costelloe’s death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned multiple fashion capitals including Milan, Paris, New York, and London. He founded Paul Costelloe Collections in 1979, becoming a leading figure in British and Irish fashion through his innovative use of Irish textiles.
He rose to international prominence as the personal designer to Princess Diana from 1983 until her death in 1997. This longstanding collaboration significantly influenced his professional reputation and secured his place in royal fashion history.
Beyond haute couture, Costelloe’s work reached wider consumers through retail partnerships, most notably with Dunnes Stores in Ireland since the early 2000s. His contributions to Irish fashion were formally recognized in 2010 when he was featured on a special series of Irish postage stamps issued by An Post, highlighting contemporary Irish designers.
Costelloe’s family issued a statement expressing that he passed peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones. His legacy encompasses both his creative achievements and his impact on fashion culture across Ireland and the UK.