Friday, November 21st 2025, was just like any other Friday in Ireland. Little did the nation know that it would be plunged into a period of mourning when it was announced that Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe had sadly passed away.
Costelloe’s name is one that echoes throughout the walls of every household in this country. His designs for his collaboration with large retailer Dunnes have earned him a spot in Irish wardrobes for decades, making high-quality clothing and timeless designs accessible to the masses. In addition to being one of Ireland’s most prolific fashion designers, Costelloe was also a beloved public figure, appearing on The Late Late Show to discuss his lengthy career, his personal life and to offer fashion advice to viewers nationwide. It is a great understatement to say that his presence will be deeply missed not only in the fashion world but also in the everyday lives of the people of this country.
However, amongst all this mourning and darkness, a light is shining through: that emanating from the metaphorical torch Paul handed to his son William. William Costelloe had been Design Director at the brand for seven years before being promoted to Creative Director in January of this year. Since then, William Costelloe has unveiled a brand new Autumn/Winter collection at the most recent London Fashion Week.
The show consisted of 44 fabulous looks, with the overall vibe being chic, cohesive and classy. There was a strong focus on structure and shape, featuring blazers and dresses with sharp, strong shoulder pads with cinching at the waist, creating Schiaparelli-inspired silhouettes that are both feminine and subversive. Costelloe also toys with hem lengths, with each look either showcasing cheeky hot pants, scandalous mini skirts, or floor-sweeping, elegant gowns. The blazers were followed by a glorious, deliciously luxurious knitwear collection, consisting not only of sweaters, but also knitted skirts and dresses, ensuring that staying warm in the colder months doesn’t mean sacrificing style and looking chic.
Costelloe’s collection is operating in the conventional Autumn colour palette. The collection presented clothing in various shades of brown, beige, cream, white and also black. In doing so, the fashion house has created an assortment of pieces that all perform well together and can be mixed and matched to the heart’s content. However, despite playing it safe with the use of colours, Costelloe manages to keep things fresh and interesting with pattern. He blends the muted tones of the pieces with fun and interesting prints, maintaining a balance of both practicality and playfulness. He uses a mixture of classic tartans and tweeds, which have been forecasted to be the trending print of the upcoming Autumn/Winter season. Alongside this, the show also featured loud floral prints, an unusual choice for these seasons, but incorporated a feeling of femininity and freedom to the highly structured, workwear-inspired, and somewhat utilitarian collection of clothing.
The accessories of this collection are definitely not to be ignored. Costelloe pairs the incredible outfits with large, capacious, oversized bags, both clutches and shoulder bags, making these the perfect sidekick for the working woman. The featured jewellery was eye-catching and attention-demanding, large statement earrings hung like chandeliers, and chunky, unique rings adorning the models’ gloved fingers dazzled their way down the runway. A handful of models donned oversized sunglasses, bringing their looks to the height of sophistication and glamour. And last, but most definitely not least, the shoes. Costelloe continues the ongoing suede trend in the shoes, featuring both boots and pumps in the material. The footwear consisted of pointed toes and stiletto heels, a tried and tested ultra-feminine shape.
The future of the Paul Costelloe brand is very bright. It seems William has effortlessly stepped into his father’s shoes and is continuing his legacy of breathtaking womenswear that is both exuding femininity and sophistication, as well as practicality and versatility. The pieces are classic and timeless, much like his father’s, ensuring them a long existence in people’s wardrobes. In addition to this, William is also breathing new life into the fashion house. His subversive, trendy designs appeal to a younger audience, reshaping the longstanding notion that Paul Costelloe designs are most popular amongst middle-aged female buyers. William Costelloe is maintaining the balance of honouring the traditions and history of his father’s brand, while also widening the audience and putting out his own fresh and creative designs. William Costelloe has set himself a high standard, and all the eyes of the fashion world are on him to maintain his momentum.
