The Waldorf Hilton Hotel’s opulent Palm court ballroom, set the stage for the well established Irish designer Paul Costelloe, as he showcased his new A/W collection 2020 during London Fashion Week. Among the array of celebs spotted front row were ; Vogue Williams, Tallia Storm, Egypt, Chloe Lewis, Diana Vickers, Eyal Booker to name a few.
Paul Costelloe’s philosophy and aim was to ‘make life easier on the treadmill of Fashion’, his Autumn/Winter 2020 collection echoed this. And was made with the pre and post sport city individual in mind, those that are health conscience, but with comfort being the main focus. He says that he got the idea for his new collection, as he watched women heading to the gym every morning in London, wearing trainers and other comfortable gear.
As the models descended down the steps, and sashayed onto the catwalk to a soundtrack of eighties pop tunes, Paul’s Autumnal athleisure and evening wear collection, showcased classic elegance and comfort. But yet he somehow managed to fuse beauty with sleek, bodysuits and tights. Which created a hybrid of what could be seen as futuristic active wear with the Costelloe timelessness, perfect for any city dweller.
The models were adorned with beaten metal jewellery from uber talented jewellers Liars and Lovers. Following on from the designers ‘sports-luxe’ theme, International Artistic Director Indira Schauwecker and the TONI & GUY Session Team created a ‘wet look’ triple ponytail, with Label M UK gel, guaranteed to last from gym through to a ‘Paul party!’. Make-up by Yin lee and the AOF make-up team using Kevin Aucoin to give that post work out glow. Strong, modern graphic eyes with a metallic gold eyeshadow, dewy, beautiful skin achieved by using Dermalogica skin care range, and pink hued lips. Silver glitter nails with pops of yellow, done by Sophia Stylianou and her team using the brand Peacci.
High tech bodysuits and leggings in in-house designed graphic prints are worn under oversized wool and tweed coats sourced from the Scottish Highlands and the lakes of Como. This is a precision sportswear with a timeless beauty. Colours of ink, latte, antique gold, chocolate, slate greys and bursts of cloud blues are represented in Paul’s masterful genius in textiles, through chunky knitwear, cropped hooded jackets displaying the “Green by Paul Costelloe” logo, high waisted slouch pants and luxe silk and satin blouses. Evening-wear is presented in luxurious silk jacquards worn with beaten metal accessories in silver and gold. Paul Costelloe Bags are created in soft, flexible leathers in the easy weekend, versatile shapes.
Paul’s son William, created the graphic prints on the high tech body suits and leggings, which were a counterpoint to his father’s fine tailoring. The printed leggings really stood out, worn with lime green and beige stiletto boots. The colour palette of grey, cornflower blue, fuschia, chartreuse, and brown tones, alongside floral, and water colour print, and plaids, all beautiful contrasts, with the odd splash of yellow, amongst the otherwise muted palette were reminiscent of the British weather.
Only Paul Costelloe could mix tailoring with streetwear so effortlessly; the elongated bell sleeves, various silhouettes, bold prints, day to night pieces, mix of chunky and tight fitting, fluid floaty dresses, all tied together are a luxe vibe. He seems to have mastered this marriage of athleisure and tailored couture, and ran down the aisle with it. This collection is one of beautiful brilliance, Paul Costelloe has taken what’s on trend and made it into fashion.
“The collection represents today’s ethos of buy less and invest in the pieces that you love…. A legacy for your future!” – Paul Costelloe
By Li Thane-Kitson