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Michael Costello is the go-to custom couturier of the moment, and he has come quite a long way since first gaining recognition in the fashion world and public eye as a “Project Runway” contestant in 2010. A fan favorite on the show, Costello’s uber feminine yet daring designs were so well received by the fashion community that he found himself exhibiting his collection at New York Fashion Week in the fall of that same year. The expert craftsmanship and unique aesthetic of Costello’s creations quickly attracted a wide array of celebrity clientele including Michelle Williams, Celine Dion, and Nicole Richie.
In January of 2014, Costello solidified himself as a household name when Beyonce attended the Grammy Awards wearing one of his custom made couture pieces; a jaw-dropping, sheer, white lace gown that was so exquisite, it did not even need the oxygen of the red carpet to become the most coveted look of the evening. The exposure has catapulted Costello into the stratospheres of high fashion, and the latest presentation of his Spring/Summer 2015 collection at New York Fashion Week had us seeing stars – literally!
Backstage, we spotted Michael Costello Couture client, Paris Hilton, on her way to congratulate her friend on his latest collection. DOWNTOWN also stopped by before the show to chat with Mr. Costello.
We’re drooling over every dress, we can’t wait to see them come down the runway!
I think that’s when they really come alive when you see them on the body. For me, you see them on a hanger and I can tell you what went into it, what we did to make them, how they were made, but when they are actually on the runway that’s when my dream comes true. People always ask me if I’m excited, I’m never excited. It’s more nerve racking because I want to steam, I want to iron, I want to get the models in the dresses already. I want the show to start so it can be over so then I can celebrate. That’s when the real celebration starts for me.
Do you have a mantra that helps you get through the craziness of Fashion Week?
Yes, I just pray to God. I’ll close my eyes and say, “Oh, Father God, Jesus. Thank you for all of these blessings that you’ve given me, none of this is possible without you. Please take the craziness away so I can make it through the day.” And that helps. Or I’ll call my mom and she’ll say a couple of words here and there, just to put me back in check. It sounds crazy, but sometimes I’ll even call my ex! Because, even though we aren’t together anymore, we’re good friends and sometimes he can whip me back into shape. He’ll be like “Stop it! You got this, you can do it. Don’t be an idiot!” And sometimes I need to hear that.
What is the inspiration behind your Spring/Summer 2015 collection?
You know what, I think the inspiration for the collection definitely comes from just things that I wanted to play with. It happened very organically, maybe it comes from my customer because she loves mermaid silhouettes, and she loves them in very rich fabrics and different hues, and she likes the plunging neckline and the open back. She’s been wanting a cocktail dress here and there, so I’m trying my best to give her that cocktail dress and different options. So, I guess it’s inspired by my customer.
What are some trends we can expect to see for spring?
Gosh, I don’t even know if there are any trends. I’m hoping to make some with the show tonight! I love this baby blush/nude color, and I think that graphic lines are coming back. Graphic lines are really hot. Graphic lines and blacks for spring, and smokey colors, definitely.
Have you ever considered doing a menswear collection?
I do actually have a menswear line, it’s called Costello Menswear. We specialize in men’s accessories, cufflinks, ties, bow ties, lapel details. You can follow it on Instagram: @CostelloMenswear. It’s really cool.
Costello’s whimsical Spring/Summer 2015 collection looks like it walked right out of the pages of a fairytale storybook and onto the runway. Channel your inner fantasy by visiting Michael Costello Couture!
-Catherine Lynch
Photography: Douglas Smallwood
Paris Hilton checks her Instagram notifications as she heads backstage before Michael’s show.
“Real Housewives” stars Adriana de Moura, Kenya Moore, Cynthia Bailey, and Mohammed Hadid (far right) sitting front row during the runway show.
Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, posing with a fan after the show.
Michael giving some last minute directions backstage before the show.