Irish designer Paul Costelloe, who showcased collections at London Fashion Week for more than 35 years, died on Saturday aged 80.
Tributes have been flooding in from around the world for the Irish designer.
One of the most prominent and recognisable figures in both Irish and British fashion, he passed away in London last night, reports RTE.
In a statement, his family said they are “deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness”.
It continued: “He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London,” reports RTE.
His family have requested privacy during this period.
Paul Costelloe’s career began at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design before he moved on to work in Milan, Paris, New York and later London, reports RTE.
He launched his own label in 1979 under the name Paul Costelloe Collections.
In 1983, he became the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a partnership that lasted until her death in 1997, reports RTE.
Paul Costelloe was no stranger to controversy; in 1998 he drew criticism for remarks claiming Irish women lacked style.
“Irish women have difficulty with style because it’s not in their inner nature… like the Italians,” he said, reports RTE.
But speaking to RTÉ this year, he said that his perspective had shifted and he felt Ireland had become more European than before.
“We have probably become nearly too confident now,” he told the *Insights with Sean O’Rourke* podcast in April this year, reports RTE.
He added that “Irish women are very cool, and they’ve got a good sense of humour which I hope they never lose”.
His first appearance at London Fashion Week came in 1984, and four decades later he described his design ethos as “still curious,” reports RTE.
“I’m still looking at options and different ways of approaching the industry, and I still think I’m a fairly good designer… and luckily, it comes from me. I have a system that I still do,” he said.
Paul Costelloe regularly reflected his Irish heritage in his work, using traditional materials such as Irish Linen and tweed, reports RTE.
For the past two decades, he collaborated with Dunnes Stores on a highly successful range of fashion and homeware.
Paul Costelloe served as the clothing designer for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week held in October, reports RTE.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “very saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Costelloe”.
“An icon of design, Paul elevated Irish fashion to the global stage. Deepest sympathies to his wife Anne and their family,” reports RTE.
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