Keeping up with the Costelloes
Fashion is a family affair for veteran designer and f irst time grandpa Paul
AFTER five decades at the top of the fashion world, work is very much a family affair for designer Paul Costelloe.
As he prepares for his first Dublin show in years, Costelloe is working side-by-side with artist son William on their autumn/ winter collection at their Marylebone studio in London.
William is one of five sons who have now joined the family fashion business, and the show at the Shelbourne Hotel will be his first in Ireland.
And Paul has now added ‘grandpa’ to his repertoire as daughter Jessica has just had a baby girl.
Jessica and Italian husband Dr Francesco Strambi, recently announced the arrival of their first child, Valentina Anne Loriana Strambi, saying they are ‘in love’
‘I’ve not shown in Ireland for quite some time’
with their new bundle of joy.
Her designer dad, who was called upon recently to create christening gowns for the children of presenter Vogue Williams and actor and former model Nadia Forde, will likely be given the honour of dressing Valentina for her ceremony.
Meanwhile, the in-demand couturier and William are busy preparing their latest collection, which will debut in the capital in December.
Paul told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘We are showing the autumn/ winter collection in the Shelbourne at the start of December. The show is for the Jack And Jill Foundation. I’ve not shown in Ireland in quite some time so it’s always an absolute delight and honour to come home and do a show – and especially for such a great cause.’
And it’s clear that Paul is enjoying the creative process and letting his imagination run riot working alongside his son.
‘We are in studio now working on the collection. It’s a creative [process] so we will see where that takes us in terms of the finished items,’ he said.
William certainly seems to have inherited his father’s flair for design, with the pair working together to create beautiful pieces while living in very close quarters.
‘We both cycle in every day. We just work on whatever we have to do. But he [William] must be going crazy at having to come home and eat with his parents so he’s living, working, and eating with his parents. He’s very tolerant, luckily enough.’
However, father and son have quite different styles, according to Paul.
‘I think we are very different. He’s much better trained than I am. I never went to third level – whatever God gave me I just used and made the best off. He’s very skilled in drawing and in print and in colour.
‘I’m more laid back – I just throw it on and hope for the best.’
The new blood in Casa Costelloe has enticed an entire new generation of fans.
I’m A Celebrity winner Georgia Toffolo was recently photographed wearing a Costelloe tweed twopiece at Royal Ascot.
As well as working on his newest looks, Costelloe has been enlisted to cast his discerning eye over a very special piece of clothing for Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee.
The royal favourite, who was one of Princess Diana’s go-to designers, was tasked with overseeing a platinum jubilee sari designed by students, which will take pride of place in the jubilee pageant on June 5.
‘We’re very different. He’s much better trained’