Australian fashion designer to the stars Aurelio Costarella died aged 60 in Western Australia on Saturday morning after a short battle with a rare brain disease. 

The Perth native was recently diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal condition which leads to progressive loss of brain function.

His death was announced on his Instagram account just hours after his passing from the condition, which also previously took the life of his sister Gracie. 

‘RIP: Aurelio Costarella peacefully left this world this morning to begin his journey to a new one. Sending love to all whose heart he has touched,’ read the caption.

Celebrities who worked with and befriended Aurelio quickly flooded the comments with their tributes and condolences. 

Network Ten TV star Narelda Jacobs kicked off the messages with: ‘Australia has lost a brilliant creator who touched the lives of so many. 

Australian fashion designer to the stars Aurelio Costarella died aged 60 on Saturday morning after a short battle with a rare brain disease

‘Aurelio was Perth’s gift to the world. His fashion made everyone lucky enough to wear it feel like a movie star. 

‘Thank you Aurelio for the special memories. My thoughts are with Paul and the Costarella family.’

‘What a talent. Very sad news, rest in peace,’ shoe designer Lana Wilkinson wrote. 

‘I am so very sad and sorry to hear this news,’ said I’m A Celebrity host Julia Morris.

‘From fittings in the early mid 90’s to Logies gowns over the years… Aurelio was a brilliant and generous artist and designer but even more so, a gentleman of note. 

‘My deepest condolences.’

Perth Nine News presenter Tracy Vo commented: ‘Aurelio, you beautiful human. Thank you for your warmth and nurturing nature. 

‘You and your brilliant creativity will be missed. Rest in peace.’

The Perth native was recently diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal condition which leads to progressive loss of brain function. Pictured with Jennifer Hawkins

‘How terribly sad. Such a talent that we all adore seeing his framing the celebration of women’s [sic]. RIP & fly high,’ added The Block judge Shaynna Blaze.

‘What a profound loss,’ wrote Australian singer Tina Arena. 

Australian model Laura Dundovic wrote: ‘So devastating. One of the kindest most talented souls this industry was blessed with. Rest in Peace dear friend.’ 

Aurelio was surrounded by loved ones when he died, including his brother Tony and his longtime business partner Paul O’Connor, reported The West Australian.

There was reportedly a pinboard in his hospital room which was filled with images from his very successful career and messages from his friends. 

Aurelio is known for dressing some of the biggest stars in the world, including homegrown icons Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Hawkins and Dannii Minogue.

His dramatic designs were worn also worn by the likes of popstar Rihanna, actor Charlize Theron, model Tyra Banks and Princess Mary of Denmark.

The fashion icon got his start in the 1990s as a self-taught designer opening Ray Costarella Designs in Sydney and Perth.

His death was announced on his Instagram account just hours after his passing from the condition, which also previously took the life of his sister Gracie. Pictured with Laura Dundovic

‘RIP: Aurelio Costarella peacefully left this world this morning to begin his journey to a new one. Sending love to all whose heart he has touched,’ read the caption

Celebrities who worked with and befriended Aurelio quickly flooded the comments with their tributes and condolences

He briefly moved into naturopathy after his business came to a sudden end, but he later launched another line under his own birth name in 2000. 

Aurelio made another debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Sydney and quickly became a staple name in Myer and David Jones.

It was at this fashion Aurelio also had his fated first meeting with movie star Cate Blanchett. 

‘I have such vivid memories of that,’ a tearful Aurelio told The West Australian at the time.

‘Cate was the guest editor of Harper’s Bazaar and she named my show as one of the highlights of the week. 

‘I thought well, this is the universe telling that I wasn’t meant to be a naturopath.’

Aurelio went on to become the first Western Australian label to show his work at New York Fashion Week in 2006.

Despite resounding success, Aurelio later closed his brand down in 2017 as he began to struggle with depression.

He committed himself to mental health advocacy work and became an ambassador for Lifeline, before channelling his creativity into painting wallpaper murals.  

The final gown Aurelio designed was the wedding dress for his niece Olivia Costarella.