Fashion giant Paul Costelloe died aged 80 in November last year after a fall at his home
Designer Paul Costelloe(Image: Getty Images)
A personal fashion designer to Diana, Princess of Wales “elevated the runways of London Fashion Week”, his family has told an inquest following his death.
Fashion giant Paul Costelloe died aged 80 in November last year after a fall at his home in London two weeks prior, Westminster Coroner’s Court heard.
Coroner Jean Harkin concluded that Mr Costelloe’s death was accidental and contributed to by an underlying cause of acute myeloid leukaemia.
The court heard that Mr Costelloe had lived an independent life until his leukaemia diagnosis in June 2025.
Paul’s family have paid tribute (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
His health consequently deteriorated, and after the fall on November 7 he was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Mr Costelloe was transferred to St Mary’s Hospital and died surrounded by his wife and seven children on November 21.
A statement read out by the coroner in court on behalf of Mr Costelloe’s wife, Anne, and their children said he was “first and foremost a loving husband and father”.
It said: “Paul was an internationally recognised fashion designer who dressed Diana Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family.
“His collections elevated the runways of London Fashion week for more than 40 years.
“He cut his teeth in Paris, Milan and New York, but it was in his home town in Dublin where he returned to establish his fashion house.”
Mr Costelloe was born in Dublin on June 23 1945 and is best known for the 14 years he spent as Diana’s personal designer from 1983 until her death in 1997.
His designs, defined by uplifting colours, bold florals and exaggerated silhouettes, became closely associated with the princess’s 80s wardrobe and remain part of his enduring legacy.
In 1979, he launched Paul Costelloe Collections, and until his death he was the only person to have shown at every London Fashion Week since its inaugural show in 1984.
The fashion label has since been inherited by his son, William, who led his first show at London Fashion Week in February this year.
Mr Costelloe’s family added: “Despite the responsibilities of running a global fashion brand he was first and foremost a loving husband and father.
“Together Paul and Anne created a warm and happy home, and instilled values of kindness, humility and self-determination.
“Paul was always one to give praise and offer supportive critique.
“He is deeply missed but the united spirit in his children means the family business goes on.
“His love for his family will never be forgotten.”
Mrs Harkin, who described Mr Costelloe as a “very special man” with a “very distinguished career”, ruled his death was accidental and “hastened by underlying acute myeloid leukaemia”.
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