Paul Costelloe SS 2023 – London Fashion Week
For Spring/Summer 2023 Paul Costelloe has delved into a riot of colour, which premiered on the first day of London Fashion Week. From paintbox primary colours of bright yellows, orange and reds, to a flower-strewn paradise and closing in a watercolour dreamworld.
It’s not a surprise, that the name of this colourful, mesmerizing collection is “A Painters Palette of Dreams”. Even the designer is alwasy presenting his collection with a background of a beautiful watercolour mural.
Costelloe’s statement coats and jackets are crafted in summer woven fabrics whilst his whimsical, flounce silhouettes are presented in textured jacquards and luminous silks.
Cotton layering and refined cable knits compliment exaggerated trousers and long flowing skirts.
Dramatic tailoring and sculpted, graceful Midsummer dresses celebrate Paul Costelloe’s genius of form in this otherworldly fantasy.
Oversized weekend bags are presented in bright, lustrous shades with embossed totes and unique printed cotton clutch bags, whilst encrusted shell jewellery with delicate beading add the final brush strokes to this iconic collection.
Spring/Summer 2023 promises hope for the future alongside a strong creative presence for the present, showing a master craftsman at work.
The opening look, a black dress with a red rose was a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. at London Fashion Week.
Photos: Paul Costelloe
About the designer:
Irish-American designer Paul Costelloe is one of the most established names in British and Irish fashion. Since the establishment of the fashion house under his own name, this family owned and run business has been a leader in the use of hand-crafted, luxurious fabrics combined with cutting edge design, innovation and creativity. Based at his design studio in the heart of London’s fashion district, Paul works with renowned technicians, suppliers and manufacturers to deliver collections of the highest quality, texture and comfort. These include his sampling unit in central London as well as working with a family owned manufacturing unit in the Ancona region of central Italy.
Paul began his path in the fashion industry at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris but found he learnt more just by living in Paris during the era of Ungaro and Cardin. He was then appointed Design Assistant to Jacques Esterel before moving to Milan to support Marks & Spencer in their drive to enter the Italian market. Although this drive was not successful, Paul stayed on in Milan as designer for the luxury department store La Rinascente. A move to the USA was followed by his appointment as designer to Anne Fogarty in New York after which Paul established his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections.
In 1983 Paul was appointed as the personal designer to Diana, the Princess of Wales; a collaboration that flourished until her untimely death. With the fast growing success of the brand, Paul was invited to show at London Fashion Week in 1984. His upcoming Spring/Summer 2020 collection will celebrate the designer’s 35th year on the LFW catwalk.
The Paul Costelloe name today encompasses a wide range of collections including womenswear, menswear, bags and accessories, homeware, jewellery, eyewear and children’s occasionwear. He has also developed a highly successful business in developing corporate wear concepts for major multi-nationals and sports teams including British Airways, Delta Airlines and the Irish Olympic Team.
Today, Paul continues to lead development of all his collections from his studio in central London.