The fashion world was rocked this week when the news broke that Irish designer Paul Costelloe had died.
One of the top fashion creators in the country, his death was confirmed on Saturday, with a spokesperson saying his wife and seven children surrounded him.’
Paul has been at the helm of Irish design and has often been compared to America’s Ralph Lauren for his love of immaculate tailoring. News reached fans and those with whom he had worked; EVOKE caught up with a few of them to get a sense of how amazing this man really was.
Rosanna Davison
Paul Costelloe and Rosanna Davison in 2004. Pic: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Checking in with EVOKE, Rosanna worked closely with the designer over the years.
She told us ‘I’ve had the honour of working with him and the brand several times over the past two decades, and as recently as last month. Paul, his family and his team have always been so kind and supportive. I remember a pep talk he gave me backstage at his London Fashion Week 2004 show. I was having pre-show jitters, so he hugged me and said, “Rosanna, you’re Miss World, you look beautiful, so go out there, smile and enjoy it!”
Miss Ireland Rosanna Davison is Crowned the 2003 Miss World at the Beauty Crown in Sanya Southern China’s Tropical Hainan Island Saturday 06 December 2003. Pic: REX
‘I’m so sad to hear the news of Paul. I think everyone is really shocked and upset at the news. Paul was such a key figure in Irish fashion. His work, his vision and his decades of creativity are woven into Ireland’s fashion history. He championed Irish talent and built a hugely successful international career that inspired so many of us along the way.
He was talented, kind, and so loved.’
Designer Claire Garvey
Designer Claire Garvey at the Make-A-Wish Christmas charity lunch at the Hampton Hotel, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
A fantastic designer in her own right, Claire Garvey remembered some happy memories she had with Paul.
‘So sad he was such an unbelievable talent and carved out a path for Irish Fashion. When I was in college, he was actually the head judge of Smirnoff Young Designer, with judge John Rocha. I won the Smirnoff Young Designer. Paul notoriously had a stutter, and we laughed about this later, but when he said the winner, which was me, he stuttered, and I didn’t realise for a minute or two that it was me.’
Looking back, she said, ‘Afterwards, he came up and apologised, can you imagine! What an absolutely beautiful soul to apologise to a small student, we laughed, and I said it made the anticipation more!’
Designer Claire Garvey at the Junk Kouture 2022 final at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
For Claire, she said, ‘I will always smile at that in years after he visited my shop in Temple Bar and said he remembered that experience, the pride I felt to have Paul Costelloe in my shop after being a timid student, his presence gave me such a stamp of approval. He was a real gent and believed in real work and was always and will always be a beacon of Irish fashion. I was a fan from a shy student to now.’
Model Rosalind Lipsett
I was lucky enough to have many interactions with Paul over the years. I worked as a fit model for his new bridal collection with Tamem Michael. I attended his shows at London Fashion Week, wearing pieces he stocks with the Irish retailer Curated. I most recently attended his stunning show closing Ireland Fashion Week.
He was incredibly kind, always sketching beautiful, signed drawings on the spot for anyone he met. He had such a lovely sense of humour and made everyone feel seen. I’m also lucky to know his son William and daughter Jessica, who have inherited that same kindness and charisma. His legacy will live on so strongly through them. Rest in peace.
Stylist Mandy Maher
Mandy Maher is pictured at the Dubarry Ladies Lunch at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. Pic: Brian McEvoy
One of the country’s top stylists, Mandy Maher, reflected on how Paul was an influence on her from a young age. ‘To me, Paul was one of the greatest Irish designers, and as a child, I always looked up to him, his designs that were so elegant, classical and chic and always on trend.
Such a talented man, Mandy highlighted how he was ‘always able to bring his designs from decade to decade,’ each one more popular than the last.
‘His quality and cut and his imagination stood to him- one of the greats is not just gone from Irish fashion, but from the world as well.’
Model Glenda Gilson
A close friend of the designer for many years, Glenda kept her message short and sweet on her social media.
She posted an array of pictures, including the time she teamed up with Paul to raise funds for the charity Jack and Jill.
In the caption, she wrote, ‘I am so sad to hear this news today. Rest in peace, Paul,’ followed by a heartbroken emoji.
Maia Dunphy
Pictures: G. McDonnell / VIPIRELAND.COM Maia Dunphy
Other celebrities took to social media to air their sorrow and admiration for the designer.
So very sad to hear this news. The very definition of a “character”, Paul didn’t shy away from strong opinions, but was so charming, funny and talented. Thoughts are with his family, what a legacy he leaves. 🙁 https://t.co/nCdWZna2ra
— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) November 22, 2025
Presenter Maia Dunphy said ‘So very sad to hear this news. The very definition of a ‘character,’ Paul didn’t shy away from strong opinions, but was so charming, funny and talented. Thoughts are with his family, what a legacy he leaves.’