Daddy’s girl takes to catwalk to kick off Fashion Week

PAUL COSTELLOE’s only daughter, Jessica, took to the catwalk like a seasoned professional when she helped her dad kick off London Fashion Week for the 10th season running.

The Irish designer looked on proudly as his ‘Lady in Red’ showed off one of his glamorous autumn-winter 2011 creations using metallic fabrics infused with shimmering threads.

Jessica, 24, a stunning redhead, has just graduated from the Juilliard School in New York where she studied vocal arts and is set to launch a career as an opera singer.

Last September Costelloe’s six sons, ranging in age from 16 to 28, received cheers and catcalls when they modelled suits designed by their father for London Fashion Weeks spring/summer 2011 collection.

Jessica, the middle child in the Costelloe family who set her heart on becoming an opera singer years ago, said she hoped it would be the first and last time she would model clothes for her dad.

“It was my first time on the catwalk and while it was a wonderful experience and I was very proud to do it, it will probably be my last time too,” she said.

“I have never modelled clothes before but it did not feel strange to be on the catwalk. I was brought up looking at fashion shows so I suppose it was in me,” she said.

Jessica, who also trained to be an opera singer at the Royal Academy of Music, has rebuffed lots of approaches by model agents asking her to consider a modelling career.

“I did not want to get distracted from my main focus which was music. Right now I am going through the process of auditioning for companies and young artist programmes in Britain, France and Germany,” she said.

“I am still at a young age so the voice still has to mature a bit. At this stage the more experience I can get singing the better I’ll become.”

Mr Costelloe said his latest collection, which mostly features fabrics produced in Britain and Ireland, was all about positivity.

“It is about being proud of our surrounding islands and making the most of our incredible creativity and resources,” he pointed out.

His latest show, which emphasises natural fabrics, superior tailoring and wearable designs, began with an Irish burst of emerald green before moving into a soft and very autumnal red.

Tartan was in evidence and used mainly to create boxy, wide-necked jackets which showcased the Dublin designer’s fine tailoring.

“I have got a very good response from the show. The rag trade is still tough going but being optimistic is half the battle,” said Mr Costelloe.

“You can blame everybody but sometimes you have just got to look at yourself and the problem could be there,” he said.