Michael Costello was a finalist on Project Runway; but his success certainly did not stop there. Project Runway, which he describes as a “stressful but unreal experience”, was only the beginning of the 33-year-old Los Angeles based designers climb to fame over the past few years. The experience gained from the show taught him how, “…as a designer you really have to push yourself, and it’s hard to wake up everyday and be ready to create. But being around all of the energy of the judges, and other designers helped make the entire experience worth every moment.” Now an established designer, Michael Costello talks to Designow about his philosophy as a designer, his collaborations and his plans for the future.
Costello is notorious for his dresses that exude sex appeal while always remaining classic and fashion-forward. His brand is self-described as “unique, sexy, and when women put on [his] designs they feel confident and luminous.”
Perhaps what people love most about Costello’s designs are his appreciation and consideration for the woman he is making it for. This mentality of his is present from the very beginning of the design process. “I think of each dress as the representation of the woman who will wear it,” Costello tells Designow, “so as I go I try and just help bring her to life.” He is inspired by every type of woman, refusing to stick to the representation of just one demographic. His mantra? “Every woman is my ideal woman.” We love it – and we are not the only ones! No high-profile event is complete without at least one or more of Michael Costello’s dresses. His dedication to working with women of all different sizes and body types is what makes him the perfect celebrity designer.
Michael Costello Designs
Today, Costello’s gowns can be spotted everywhere. From styling Kim Kardashian and Caitlyn Jenner (ESPYs, I Am Cait) on Keeping Up With The Kardashians!, to the Billboard Music Awards (11 looks for the event, not including the outfit Costello wore for the big night), to Ciara’s bridesmaid dresses, to J.Lo, to a collaboration with Nicki Minaj for her new app launched with Glu Mobile, and so much more in between. Adding to the list, Michael Costello lists dressing Beyonce for the Grammy’s as one of the best moments of his career. For him, the challenge is not adapting to different body types, but rather the fact that “a lot of things happen at the last minute, so at times [he] has to be on-call, like a doctor.”
Michael Costello Designs
Through it all, Costello attributes his success to God, [his] family and [his] team.
“It takes a village to do anything right,” he explains, “and that idea is not lost on me.” To all young designers, he advises to always “Give your design life, let the fabric speak to you, follow what comes organically through you and trust your vision.” Ultimately, fashion is alive, constantly morphing, and needs to be lived. It is because of this that Costello has  agreed to sell for the 1st time at retail this collaboration at Madonna & Co, making his designs more readily accessible for the masses. Now, everyone can have a Costello piece in their wardrobe.
Hope to see all you Glam Gals on Thursday, December 14th for a Holiday Party
(4-8pm) featuring these amazing designs, affordable for all!
202 East 60th Street
NYC, NY
212.226.3363
https://madonnaandco.com
All images courtesy of Michael Costello Studio & DESIGNOW
