Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American fashion designer who famously dressed the late Princess Diana and became a cornerstone of the London fashion scene, has passed away at the age of 80. His company confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, revealing that he died peacefully in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe was the son of a tailor who crafted raincoats in the city’s Rathmines district. His journey into fashion began at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, where he absorbed the creative essence of iconic designers like Emanuel Ungaro and Pierre Cardin. Costelloe’s career took off as an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel, followed by a stint in Milan with British retailer Marks & Spencer. Although the venture into the Italian market faltered, he remained in Milan, working for the luxury department store La Rinascente. Later, he moved to the United States, designing for the Anne Fogarty label before establishing his own fashion house. His brand became synonymous with luxurious fabrics, innovative designs, and a diverse range of offerings, including womenswear, menswear, bags, and accessories. In 1983, Costelloe’s career reached new heights when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. The royal connection began when one of Diana’s ladies-in-waiting noticed his designs and arranged a meeting. Reflecting on the moment, Costelloe once recalled, “I looked out at Hyde Park and I said: ‘God, this is it, Paul, you have made it!’” His legacy as a designer who blended creativity with elegance continues to inspire the fashion world.
分类： entertainment
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
Renowned Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, celebrated for his influential contributions to British and Irish fashion, has passed away in London at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, expressing their profound sorrow over his death following a brief illness. Costelloe, who was surrounded by his wife and seven children, died peacefully in London. Born in Dublin, Costelloe’s journey into fashion began in his hometown, where his father managed a thriving raincoat manufacturing business. After honing his skills at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. In 1979, Costelloe established his eponymous label, Paul Costelloe Collections, and quickly rose to prominence, showcasing his designs at major fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan, and New York. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Costelloe was known for incorporating traditional Irish fabrics such as linen and tweed into his creations, blending heritage with modernity. He also collaborated with Dunnes Stores and played a pivotal role in the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year. Despite facing criticism in 1998 for his controversial remarks about Irish women’s sense of style, Costelloe later reflected on Ireland’s evolving fashion identity, noting its growing European influence in a recent interview with RTÉ. His legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion industry remains indelible.
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Team Elphaba or Team Glinda? Here’s how to nail the perfect outfit for either side
As the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical *Wicked: For Good* hits theaters, fashion enthusiasts are embracing the iconic styles of its protagonists, Elphaba and Glinda. The film, a sequel to the stage adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel *Wicked*, continues the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, respectively. The narrative blurs the lines between good and evil, but the costume design leaves no room for ambiguity. Elphaba’s signature black ensembles contrast sharply with Glinda’s pastel pink wardrobe, symbolizing their moral dichotomies. Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell explains, ‘Colours confirm who is good, and who is wicked.’ Yet, he adds depth to the characters, noting that Elphaba is ‘intelligent, compassionate, misunderstood,’ while Glinda ‘isn’t always kind.’ This nuanced portrayal has inspired a wave of fashion trends, with emerald green and glittering pink dominating the party season. From Dubai-based brand 1001 Stories’ updated Wizard of Oz ballet flats to Sophia Webster’s official *Wicked* collection, fans can choose between Team Elphaba’s edgy sophistication and Team Glinda’s ethereal elegance. Whether it’s vegan leather blazers or sparkling crystal pumps, the film’s influence extends beyond the screen, proving that fashion can be as magical as the story itself.
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Restaurant Review: A normal day is so much more than its name suggests
A Normal Day, a restaurant in Dubai, defies its modest name with an extraordinary dining experience that combines stylish interiors, inventive cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere. The venue seamlessly merges the chic ambiance of a Dubai café with a New York- or London-inspired menu of elevated small plates, crafted from high-quality ingredients and served in a 70s-inspired, intimate dining room. The standout dish, date bonbons, is a masterpiece of compressed Medjool dates layered with salted French butter, creating a creamy, sweet, and savory delight that leaves a lasting impression. The meal begins with an eggplant beetroot dip, a rich and decadent starter accompanied by a puffed bread reminiscent of the finest pizza crust. Mains include sirloin steak and chicken skewers, both expertly prepared and presented with a balance of flavor and texture. The steak, served beneath a mosaic of crisp potatoes, is a visual and culinary spectacle. The meal concludes with a return to the date bonbons and a double espresso, offering a serene and focused dining experience. A Normal Day is a must-visit for any food enthusiast seeking a memorable culinary adventure.
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Inside Louis Moinet’s Impulsion Titanium Green at Dubai Watch Week
Louis Moinet has once again pushed the boundaries of haute horology with the unveiling of its exclusive Impulsion Titanium Green at Dubai Watch Week 2025. This 12-piece limited edition timepiece redefines the brand’s signature tourbillon-chronograph architecture, blending bold aesthetics with technical mastery. Designed specifically for the prestigious event, the watch embodies Louis Moinet’s philosophy of merging mechanical precision with emotional resonance. The Impulsion Titanium Green is a statement piece, characterized by its striking green accents, sculptural titanium case, and intricate openworked design. The watch’s dial features a carbon fiber mainplate, smoked sapphire counters, and subtle red highlights that guide the eye across its complex mechanics. Powered by the hand-wound LM114 calibre, the watch boasts a 96-hour power reserve and a single-pusher column wheel chronograph. The flying tourbillon, completing a revolution every minute, adds a touch of elegance to the watch’s dynamic performance. With its lightweight grade 5 titanium case and dramatic interplay of light and shadow, the Impulsion Titanium Green is both a technical marvel and a visual masterpiece. Limited to just 12 pieces, this timepiece is a testament to Louis Moinet’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, making it a standout at Dubai Watch Week.
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‘Beetlejuice’ musical brings Broadway-scale spectacle and local jokes to Abu Dhabi
The globally acclaimed ‘Beetlejuice’ musical has made its dazzling debut in Abu Dhabi, bringing Broadway-level theatrics and a touch of local humor to the UAE capital. Staged at the Etihad Arena on November 20, 2025, the production, based on Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film, has been lauded for its high-energy comedy, stunning visual effects, and audience engagement. Producer Michael Cassel emphasized Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class musicals, praising the city’s enthusiastic and receptive audience. The show, which has previously captivated audiences in the US, Korea, Japan, and Australia, remains faithful to its Broadway roots while incorporating subtle nods to Emirati culture, such as references to ‘Lulu Express’ and Arabic phrases like ‘shukran.’ The cast, including Andy Karl as Beetlejuice and Elise McCann as Barbara Maitland, highlighted the show’s blend of humor and heartfelt themes of family and loss. The production’s success underscores Yas Island’s ambition to become a premier destination for live entertainment, with plans to host more Broadway hits like ‘Mary Poppins’ in the near future. The musical’s irreverent humor and bold jokes have resonated deeply with Abu Dhabi audiences, solidifying its status as a must-see spectacle.
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Superman copy found in mum’s attic is most valuable comic ever at $9.12m
In a remarkable turn of events, three brothers discovered a pristine copy of the first edition Superman comic from June 1939 while cleaning out their late mother’s attic in California last Christmas. The comic, found under a stack of faded newspapers in a cardboard box, has now become the most valuable comic book ever sold, fetching an astounding $9.12 million at auction. The sale was hosted by Texas-based Heritage Auctions, which described the find as the ‘pinnacle of comic collecting.’ The brothers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, are in their 50s and 60s and were unaware of their mother’s valuable collection until the discovery. Their mother had preserved the comics since purchasing them between the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. The cool northern California climate played a crucial role in maintaining the comic’s excellent condition, earning it a 9.0 rating from CGC, a leading third-party comics grading service. This rating surpasses the previous record of 8.5 for a Superman #1 comic. The sale price of over $9 million, including the buyer’s premium, easily eclipsed the previous record of $6 million set by Action Comics No. 1 last year. The youngest brother reflected on the discovery, stating that it was not just about a collectible but a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past resurfaces.
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Dubai Shopping Festival to begin on December 5; prizes up to Dh400,000
The much-anticipated Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is set to return for its 31st edition, running from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This year’s festival promises to transform Dubai into a vibrant winter wonderland, offering an array of shopping, entertainment, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. Spanning 38 days, the festival will feature a series of events, competitions, and giveaways designed to captivate both residents and visitors alike. Shoppers spending Dh200 or more will have the opportunity to win daily prizes, including a brand-new Nissan and Dh100,000 in cash. The grand finale will see one lucky winner take home a staggering Dh400,000. Additionally, weekly draws will distribute over Dh2.6 million worth of gold, adding to the festival’s allure. The DSF has become a hallmark of Dubai’s festive season, drawing millions of participants each year. This edition aims to surpass previous years in scale and excitement, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for shopping and entertainment. With its blend of luxury, culture, and community spirit, the Dubai Shopping Festival continues to be a must-attend event on the international calendar.
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SRK gets his own tower in Dubai: Danube launches ‘SHAHRUKHZ by Danube’
In a historic move, Danube Properties has unveiled ‘SHAHRUKHZ by Danube’, a state-of-the-art commercial tower named after Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan. This 55-storey marvel, located on Dubai’s prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road, commemorates 33 years of excellence for both Khan and Danube Group, symbolizing their shared ethos of resilience, innovation, and relentless ambition. The tower, designed for visionaries and empire builders, is set to redefine Dubai’s skyline as a beacon of luxury and success. The announcement was made at a grand gala event at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, attended by Khan and Danube’s founder, Rizwan Sajan, alongside prominent influencers, business leaders, and media personalities. Khan expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘Dubai has always been a city of dreams, and this tower is a testament to the power of belief and hard work.’ Sajan echoed this sentiment, highlighting their shared journey of humble beginnings and global impact. Spanning over 1 million sqft, SHAHRUKHZ by Danube offers world-class amenities, including a sky pool, helipad, and exclusive business lounges, with prices starting at $475,000. Its strategic location near landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai International Airport further enhances its appeal. Danube’s innovative 1% monthly payment plan continues to make premium real estate accessible, reinforcing its commitment to value-driven investments.
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Natuzzi Italia honoured Dubai Design Week as the region’s top destination for design innovation
Dubai Design Week 2025, the region’s premier design festival, celebrated its 11th edition with Natuzzi Italia taking center stage. The renowned Italian brand unveiled its latest collection, ‘Rooted in Harmony,’ through an immersive installation at Downtown Design, the festival’s flagship event. Held from November 5 to 9 in the Dubai Design District (d3), the exhibition showcased Natuzzi Italia’s commitment to design innovation and cultural fusion. Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, the brand’s project and contract chief officer, emphasized Dubai Design Week’s role as a hub for pioneering design and innovation, expressing pride in the brand’s continued participation and success during VIP Day. The event, a global meeting point for architects, designers, and developers from over 100 countries, highlighted Natuzzi Italia’s collaboration with Studio Etereo, a leading UAE-based design studio. Together, they transformed the traditional exhibition space into a multisensory residential environment, reflecting the brand’s vision for contemporary living. With over 22,000 visitors and the presence of international brands, Downtown Design solidified its reputation as a leading platform for contemporary design in the region. Natuzzi Italia’s participation not only reinforced its global positioning but also underscored its dedication to bespoke and branded residential concepts tailored to modern lifestyles.