Renowned Irish designer Paul Costelloe has died in London at the age of 80 after a short illness.
His family said he was at home, surrounded by his wife and seven children when he passed.
Born and raised in Dublin, Costelloe grew up in a household connected to clothing—his father ran a raincoat business.
He trained at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design before traveling to Paris to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
He launched Paul Costelloe Collections in 1979 and built a reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.
His shows were regular fixtures at London Fashion Week and he also presented collections in Paris, Milan and New York.
A defining chapter of his career began in 1983 when he became the go-to designer for Diana, Princess of Wales, a working relationship that continued until her death in 1997.
That association raised his profile and brought his tailoring to a global audience.
Costelloe often wove traditional Irish materials into his work, favouring linen and tweed and celebrating heritage textiles.
He also partnered with retailers including Dunnes Stores and was chosen to close the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week this October.
His career was not without controversy; a remark in 1998 about Irish women and style attracted criticism.
In recent years he told Irish broadcaster RTÉ he saw the country becoming more European in outlook.
Irish leaders paid tribute after news of his death.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Costelloe as a figure who helped put Irish fashion on the world map, while Tánaiste Simon Harris praised his talent, discipline and dedication to quality.
Costelloe leaves behind a large body of work and a commercial fashion house that helped shape contemporary Irish design.
He will be remembered both for his craftsmanship and for bringing Irish textiles to international runways.
