Following the death of the beloved Irish designer Paul Costelloe last November, the company has just announced the appointment of his son William Costelloe as the new Creative Director.
William will now lead the development of all the brand’s collections into the future while championing the values of creativity, quality and craftsmanship laid down by Paul over more than 40 years.
“My father taught me to see fashion through the eyes of an artist; to respect materials, the process, the people. I am honoured to be continuing his legacy, and I approach this role with determination, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead for the Paul Costelloe brand,’ Willam said on his appointment.
Paul Costelloe sons modelling. Pic: WireImage
As Design Director to Paul Costelloe for the past seven years, William worked hand in hand with his father on the seasonal landmark catwalk collections. With him, he also led the design and development of collections for the brand’s retail and license partners globally, including ready-to-wear womenswear and menswear, homeware, bridal, children’s occasion wear, bags, and accessories.
Having studied fine art, William is known for his expertise in colour and material. Prior to working with Paul Costelloe, he worked as a print and textile designer for Portuguese bedding manufacturer Piubelle and homeware producer Matceramica.
Paul Costelloe and son William, the new Creative Director. Pic: Barry McCall
He was also a visual merchandiser and stylist for department store La Rinascente in Milan, the same retailer where Paul worked, early in his career. William received his formal womenswear design and textile training at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan. He also holds a BA Fine Art Painting from Camberwell College of Art and an MA from Chelsea College of Art, London.
He is one of seven Costelloe siblings – Jessica, William, Robert, Gavin, Justin, Paul-Emmet, and Nicholas. His sister Jessica also works with the company as Director of Marketing and Events while the brothers have modelled previously in their father’s menswear shows. In recent years, when Paul was suffering ill health, William and Jessica, both represented the brand at events including London Fashion Week and the designer’s last show at Dublin City Hall for Ireland Fashion Week, which proved to be his last ever. In retrospect, it was a poignant homecoming and a fitting finale to a long and celebrated career.
William Costelloe, son of Paul Costelloe on the catwalk, Paul Costelloe show. Pic: Shutterstock
Now William’s first collection as Creative Director will be the brand’s Autumn Winter 2026 collection, which will officially open London Fashion Week on February 19th. He will have significant shoes to fill but the experience gained with his father should ensure that the signature craftmanship and elegance of the brand will continue to be central in future collections.
Runway shots from the Paul Costelloe fashion show at the Rotunda of City Hall, Dublin, the closing show of the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week 2025. Pic: Anna Wickham
Runway shots from the Paul Costelloe fashion show at the Rotunda of City Hall, Dublin, the closing show of the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week 2025. Pic: Anna Wickham
Family was extremely important to Paul Costelloe with William recently admitting that his father will always be with him. Evolving a brand while remaining true to its original ethos is a challenge but William is expertly positioned to negotiate that fine balancing act and keep the Paul Costelloe legacy alive to honour his father’s illustrious career.