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Paul Costelloe, the renowned fashion designer who served as Princess Diana’s personal dresser, has passed away at the age of 80. Costelloe, celebrated for crafting many of the late Princess’s outfits, including the infamous chiffon skirt that became slightly transparent under bright lights, died in London on Friday, November 21, 2025. He was surrounded by his family during his final moments.
A heartfelt statement from the fashion house that bears his name confirmed the news: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a brief illness. He was encircled by his loving wife and seven children, and he passed away peacefully in London.”
Fashion mogul Paul Costelloe
The fashion mogul – who made many of the late royal’s outfits, including the controversial chiffon skirt that became a tad see-through when backlit – passed away surrounded by his family in London on Friday (21.11.25).
A statement from his eponymous label – which he led up until his death – read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness.
“He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London.
“We kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the family during this time.”
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin, 65, and his deputy, Tanaiste Simon Harris, 39, are both saddened by Paul’s passing.
Mr. Martin penned on social media: “Very saddened to learn 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.”
And Mr. Harris added: “Paul led a remarkable life as a leading figure in Irish, UK and international fashion and business for decades. He built a hugely successful business through incredible talent, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
“His eponymous fashion house has built an extraordinary legacy that will live on. His was and is a quite remarkable Irish success story.
“His collaborations, including his memorable work with Princess Diana and long relationship with Dunnes Stores, reflected not just his skill but his abiding pride in his Irish roots, which often inspired his craftsmanship.
“He leaves behind a body of work that shaped modern Irish fashion and will continue to shape it in the years to come. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, his children, his wider family, friends and all those whom he was close to.”
Paul – who is survived by his wife Anne Cooper and their seven children, Jessica, William, Robert, Gavin, Justin, Paul-Emmet and Nicholas – was born in Dublin in 1945, and studied fashion at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design.
His career in the industry began at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, France.
Paul later moved to Milan, Italy, to help British retailer Marks and Spencer enter the Italian market – which proved unsuccessful.
In 1979, he decided to launch his label, Paul Costelloe Collections, and three years later, he was made the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, after she visited his shop in Windsor in 1982.
They worked with each other until her death in 1997, following a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, France, aged 36.
Some of the iconic outfits Paul made for the beloved Diana included a custom-made pink suit she wore for a tour of Canada in 1983, and a pink and white floral-patterned dress, which she took with her on a trip to Nigeria in 1990.
In 2020, Paul – who also designed outfits for Anne, Princess Royal, 75, and her 44-year-old daughter Zara Tindall – said Diana was “lovely to dress” and “a very honest, sincere person”.
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