Paul Costelloe Makes A Colourful Splash At London Fashion Week

Paul Costelloe’s ready-to-wear SS18 collection was awash with gelato pastels.?

“It’s Paris, Washington, and a touch of day-dream?allure,” said Paul Costelloe of his SS18 ready-to-wear collection, which he presented?yesterday?at London Fashion Week.

Against the backdrop of The Waldorf Astoria (the designer’s favourite?location), Costelloe’sent models down the runway in a kaleidoscope of pretty?pastels and mixed silhouettes, borrowing inspiration from Jackie O. While the influence of the 1960s was certainly evident in’the trapeze dresses, pie-crust necklines and colour combinations, latex tights, bodysuits and bra tops added a more subversive edge, rarely seen in the designer’s?work. The unexpected textures?ensured the overall result wasn’t too’saccharine,?but felt?particularly modern when paired with more off-kilter shades. This playfulness was beautifully combined with romantic touches ??long statement dresses and billowing trousers in 100?per cent?Irish linen added a hint of heritage and a pop of poetry to the collection. The designer envisions a’spring flush with flounced coats, tailored’dresses in silk jacquard, summer-weight wool and appliqu’d cotton, as well as?an exclusive chequerboard print designed by’son, William. While it may take some persuasion to get Irish complexions to embrace the pastel colour palette come spring, Costelloe makes a convincing argument.

The sugared almond palette wasn’t restricted to womenswear, however, as the male models sported?candy stripes, and sharp powder pink and baby blue two-piece suits, highlighting?Costelloe’s signature tailoring. Irish model and TV presenter Vogue Williams closed the show to rapturous applause.