Costarella: Fashioning a Legacy

About this event

Celebrate the life and work of Aurelio Costarella (1964–2025), a Western Australian fashion designer whose timelessly elegant designs captivated audiences at home and abroad.

One of Australia's most celebrated fashion designers, Aurelio Costarella left an extraordinary mark on the local, national and international fashion industry. This exhibition honours his remarkable career, enduring artistry and connection to Western Australia.

Entirely self-taught, Costarella launched his career in Perth and established an internationally acclaimed fashion label renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate detail and timeless elegance.

His designs graced red carpets and runways around the world, worn by some of fashion's most recognised names, while he remained proudly based in Western Australia.

Beyond fashion, the exhibition explores another chapter of Costarella's creative and personal life.

In his later years, he embraced new forms of artistic expression through painting, wallpapers, scarves and prints. He also used his voice and influence to advocate for mental health, mentor others and champion greater support for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Featuring stunning garments, rarely seen archival material, objects and audiovisual content, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to step inside Aurelio Costarella's world.

Discover the stories and passion behind Aurelio Costarella's iconic designs and gain a deeper understanding of the man who became one of Australia's greatest fashion designers.

A WA Museum exhibition supported by Metal Manufactures Electrical Merchandising.