Tributes flow for celebrated fashion designer Aurelio Costarella
Fashion designer Aurelio Costarella — who has dressed the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Hawkins and Bec Judd — has been remembered for his “talent, kindness and humility” after his death aged 60.
Fiona Byrne
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Tributes have flowed from the Australian fashion and arts community after celebrated designer Aurelio Costarella passed away in Western Australia on Saturday aged 60.
Costarella, whose elegant, structural designs were worn by the likes of Jennifer Hawkins, Rebecca Judd, Jesinta Franklin, Lauren Phillips, Dannii Minogue, Queen Mary of Denmark, Cate Blanchett, Charlize Theron, Rihanna, Dita Von Teese, Tina Arena, Tyra Banks and Rachael Finch, and were stocked nationally by Myer and David Jones, was recently diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, according to The West Australian newspaper.
His sister was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in 2019.
Costarella was one of the brightest stars in Australian fashion in the 2000s creating modern yet timeless collections.
He studied architecture before going on to pursue a career in fashion as a self-taught designer and seamstress.
He was a red carpet go-to for some of the country’s most prominent celebrities.
Rebecca Judd wore show stopping Costarella creations to the Brownlow Medal in 2006, 2010 and 2011.
He showed at New York Fashion Week in 2006 and was stocked in international department stores Barneys, Harvey Nichols and Henri Bendel. His work was the subject of a retrospective at the Western Australian Museum in 2013 and he was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame in 2016.
In 2017 he shut down his beloved brand to focus on his battle with depression and anxiety and became an ambassador for Lifeline.
In recent years Costarella shifted focus to painting and creating prints for wallpaper murals, silk and textiles.
Costarella’s passing was marked with a heartfelt post on his official Instagram page on Saturday.
“RIP: AURELIO COSTARELLA peacefully left this world this morning to begin his journey to a new one. Sending love to all whose heart he has touched,” the post read.
Tributes flowed from friends and supporters.
“I am so very sad and sorry to hear this news. From fittings in the early mid-90s to Logies gowns over the years… Aurelio was a brilliant and generous artist and designer but even more so, a gentleman of note. My deepest condolences,” wrote Julia Morris.
Lauded designer Toni Maticevski posted: “Dear Aurelio, rest in peace dear friend.”
Sophia Barbagallo posted: “An absolute legend. Adored and admired by so many. Sending love to his family and closest of friends.”
Leading Melbourne designer Sonia Cappellazzo wrote: “This is so sad …… so sad . Your talent, your kindness and humility will be so missed.”
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