William Costelloe_s debut is a balance of tribute and future growth
The Paul Costelloe brand has been a regular fixture on the London Fashion Week schedule since its inception more than 40 years ago_ and this season_ new creative director William Costelloe presented an emotional tribute to his late father_ who passed away in November 2025_ as well as showcasing his vision for the brand moving forward_ rooted in the brand_s tailoring DNA.
William Costelloe_ who has worked alongside his father for the past nine years_ has been tasked with leading the development of all the brand_s collections moving forward and backstage he told FashionUnited that he believes the brand is poised for expansion_ both in the UK_ as well as Ireland_ where the brand is already well known through its collaboration with Dunnes_ and in the Asian market.
“This [season] was emotional_ but also an exciting look towards the future_” said William Costelloe. “Tailoring is our goal_ that_s our DNA_ our heritage_ and we feel we create exciting_ beautiful silhouettes that all women can wear and feel proud in. It_s really keeping within my father_s legacy_ but also pushing it further_ by adding my own little twist.”
William Costelloe plans to expand Paul Costelloe brand internationally
The starting point for the collection was rooted in the fabrics_ with 100 percent Irish wools and tweeds by Magee Fabrics_ purchased by the late Paul Costelloe before his death_ which William transformed into an exploration of modern tailoring. It was a collection driven by a play of proportions_ with sculpted silhouettes featuring structured_ exaggerated shoulders_ voluminous sleeves and oversized collars_ styled with wide pleated trousers and bubble skirts.
William added: “My father will always be my inspiration_ and I miss him greatly. He purchased all the fabrics_ it was kind of the last thing he was working on right till his death_ and the collection is how I felt the fabric should be interpreted_ which was actually a real joy to do_ experimenting on new silhouettes for the brand moving forward.”
The fabrics weren_t the only tribute to his late father; William also added an exclusive in-house print utilising archival sketches_ with the hand-drawn figures and architectural lines_ described as a “shared language of tailoring and form_” designed to honour the brand_s legacy_ while also evolving its vision of modern tailoring.
“This was kind of our last project together_” William expressed when discussing the sketch print. “I went through the archives of his drawings and then combined them with my own_ and we made the most beautiful print in three different colourways. It was really exciting when it came out on the roll of silk and then seeing it looking so beautiful in the finale dress.”
Other highlights include tailored coats softened with silk and organza blouses_ cashmere rib and cable-knit styles with exaggerated collars and shoulders_ while other pieces featured hand-crafted sculpted florals crafted from wool or large bow-like embellishments.
The collection was also styled with numerous bags from the brand_s leather accessories line_ which William said was intentional_ as he wants to create “a relationship between the garments and the bags working together”.
When looking to the future_ William added: “I want to really push the UK market. I know we_re already very big in Ireland_ and I want to extend that into the UK. This is where I live and where I_m based. I would like shops here_ and I want us to be in department stores.
“I_m also looking into the Asian market. I_m probably going to be doing Seoul Fashion Week in South Korea_ as I feel like our DNA and our heritage relate beautifully to the Asian market_ especially Korea_ where the women dress so elegantly.”
