Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe is a master of his craft and has been showing at London Fashion Week for 40 years.
Paul’s collections always have a couture feel. This is mostly due to his initial experience in fashion in Paris in the late ’60s and early ’70s which was very influential. At this time Paul was appointed design assistant to Jacques Esterel before moving to Milan.
The Paul Costelloe LFW SS25 “Le ciel est bleu” collection is modern and chic with an elegant feel. It shows his mastery of classic tailoring, couture influence and is his ‘Ode to Paris.’ The collection has a fresh crisp feel of springtime in Paris.
Opening the show were five of my favourite designs from the collection, all dresses in a gorgeous cornflower blue. All were made of Irish linen from Emblem Weavers.
Included in the collection were a combination of mini and maxi dresses, skirts, jumpsuits and separates with oversized blazers in soft pastel shades of pink, lemon, green, soft beige and white. The collection exuded a youthful spirit that was made of Irish linen, cotton, silk jacquards and silk linen tweeds. An in-house designed floral print by William Costelloe brought the colour palette together in Paul’s ‘Ode to Paris’ while smocking details and delicate ruffle trims complimented some of the garments. There was striped knitwear and ‘College Campus’ style cardigans that were paired with scarves.
Coco Chanel’s style suits in radiant pastel pink complemented the romantic mood.
The overall silhouettes were strong and feminine with a touch of a
laissez-faire 60’s vibe styled with heels, ‘big’ hair and natural make-up. Much of the collection was styled with a new line from Paul Costelloe, his hosiery line which added a modern twist.
Paul Costelloe finished the show with a debut of his bridalwear consisting of three gorgeous gowns that closed the show with high-fashion elegance.
“I am still seeking the Golden Fleece. Love Paul x”
by Kim Grahame
Photo credits: Ben Broomfield
Video: Paul Costelloe
www.paulcostelloe.com
