Paul Costelloe: A Fashion Expert’s Insights from London Fashion Week and Memories with Princess Diana”
Paul Costelloe opened the London Fashion Week season and provided insights about his work and memories working with Princess Diana as her personal designer. With over 170 fashion events in London in 5 days, including popular fashion houses like Burberry, Paul showed his perspective on the style that will prevail in spring/summer 2024.
London Fashion Week is one of the “Big Four” fashion weeks, along with Paris, Milan, and New York, which influence the fashion trends for the upcoming seasons. The Irish-American fashion designer, one of the most established names in British and Irish fashion, has participated in London Fashion Week for over 35 years, leaving his mark in the industry.
This season’s show called “il Giardino” (The Garden) transferred us to a tranquil afternoon in Italy. Paul introduced us to garden party romantic outfits in this collection, with unstructured jackets, striped sky-blue linens, and in-house prints. The dominant hues were a palette of ecru and sand shades, pale blues, and white. High-waisted, wide-leg linen trousers, short tops, cotton knitwear with statement Vs, gold braid trims, and oversized bags were also the theme. A noticeable trend was having bold statement headpieces, braided hair, and a combination of attires in a balanced, elegant way.
In the interview Paul Costelloe provided, he spoke about the importance of individuality in fashion and his admiration for Princess Diana. The renowned designer, reflecting on his recent show, shared his emotions with a sense of relief, revealing a deep desire to start contemplating his next creative venture for winter 2024. He noted that what he particularly cherished about his latest collection was its ability to narrate a compelling story, evoking memories of his time in Milan.
In a touching moment, Paul remembered one of the most memorable highlights of his career as the personal designer of Princess Diana and designing uniforms for British Airways. He spoke fondly of the late princess, describing her as “a very charming, very elegant, very generous person and definitely not a snob. I had customers who are twice as snobbish as her, without having her popularity.” Costelloe emphasized her relatability to the people. He cherished the title of “People’s Princess” that Diana held and her genuine love for humanity.
Even after so many years, Costelloe showed his passion for his job and admitted: “Until I think I’ve lost my creativity, I will continue,” likening it to self-motivation and inspiration, especially when he sees his stunning models bringing his creations to life.
Discussing the challenges in his line of work, Paul emphasized the importance of having the right team. This includes having skilled technicians who can understand and interpret his creative vision and actualize his sketches. Regarding the expansion of his brand into various realms, from jewellery to homeware, Costelloe attributed his ability to maintain quality to his highly skilled team.
Paul stressed the importance of individuality in retail and the need for brands to stand out in a competitive online market. Reflecting on his design philosophy, Costelloe revealed that his designs are influenced by a global woman, reminiscent of his mother, bringing together a timeless style.
As the interview ended, Paul disclosed his vision for the brand for an upcoming exhibition of his own work. This multifaceted artist continues to leave his mark on the fashion world, painting a vivid narrative through his work and breathing life from his creativity.
Photos by Paul Winstone/Fabuk Magazine
Backstage Photos by Pip Dusadeevijai/Fabuk Magazine