Paul Costelloe, the renowned designer who served as the personal stylist for Diana, Princess of Wales, has died at the age of 80. His family confirmed that he passed away in London after a short illness, surrounded by his wife and seven children. A statement from his fashion label expressed their sorrow, stating, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness. We kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the family during this time."

Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe began his illustrious career at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris. He later worked as a design assistant to Jacques Esterel before moving to Milan to assist Marks and Spencer in their attempt to penetrate the Italian market. Although this venture was not successful, Costelloe remained in Milan, designing for the luxury department store La Rinascente.

His career took him to the United States, where he became the designer for Anne Fogarty in New York. Eventually, he established his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections. In 1983, he was appointed as the personal designer to Princess Diana, a role he maintained until her untimely death in 1997. Costelloe was known for dressing Diana for formal events, and one of his most notable creations was a chiffon skirt that sparked controversy for its sheer quality when backlit.

Costelloe's brand continues to thrive, offering a wide range of products including womenswear, menswear, bags, accessories, homeware, jewellery, eyewear, and children's occasionwear. He also made significant contributions to corporate wear, designing uniforms for major companies and sports teams, including British Airways, Delta Airlines, and the Irish Olympic Team.

At this year's London Fashion Week, Costelloe's brand showcased a collection titled "Boulevard Of Dreams," celebrating the vibrant heritage of 1960s Beverly Hills. He remained actively involved in the design process until his death.

In recognition of his contributions to fashion, Costelloe was featured on a set of Irish postage stamps in 2010, alongside other notable designers such as Louise Kennedy and John Rocha. He also served as a celebrity guest judge on RTE Television’s Craft Master show in 2013, further solidifying his legacy in the fashion industry.