Red hot designer to famous and non-famous women, Michael Costello had a strong showing at fashion week. With a collection loaded with swanning smoke show gowns and slinky liquid floor-sleeping frocks you could conquer the world in, Costello’s collection was inspired by all that Parisian energy. Lucky for him, his work as a designer involves a lot of face time with divas who need this kind of swank for their wardrobes. After all, the man designed clothes for Beyonce’s On the Run tour, which ended up in a museum obviously.
After the show, we caught up with him to learn about how he makes the fabric look like an undulating river of gold, partying with best dressed Emmy attendee, Lady Gaga and how Kylie Jenner coming into her own.
Why do you think you in particular were made to create such powerful womanly things?
To be honest, I have no idea why God chose me to be this person or this type of designer. I have always believed in encouraging women to feel beautiful and strong, and I am blessed enough to have the talent to do that through my designs.
Where does your sense of liquid movement come from?
I love the body, in all its shapes and sizes. I believe in using fabric with motion and fluid to help highlight that.
What have you been OBSESSING over while you were designing this collection?
Paris. I took my first trip to France this past summer, and I really got inspired by the architecture, the light and the energy of the city. The balance that the Parisian woman has between cool and elegant is what I was hoping to achieve with Spring 2016.
Can you describe what you feel when you see a woman put on such a dreamy gown and you can tell she feels different — is there a change you notice in the way she moves and looks?
When a woman feels good in my designs it gives me life and inspiration for the future. I also feel a big sense of relief. Being in this business means dealing with a lot of deadlines and emotions. It is a great feeling when we can get it right and make someone feel good.
What does it do for you as a designer when Kylie Jenner wears something of yours?
I think it is always important as a designer to see your creations on different types of personalities. Kylie is becoming her own woman with her own distinctive style and essence. It is a pleasure to be chosen to be part of such an edgy campaign because as a designer I definitely have a side to myself that likes to push the boundaries.
How was partying with Lady Gaga?
She is so sweet and has such a beautiful spirit. Seeing her at the party will forever go down as one of my favorite moment of all time.
How did the museum exhibit of the clothes you made for Beyonce’s On the Run tour affect your career?
It was such an honor being featured in a museum. I brought my entire family out to see the exhibit because it meant to so much to me that after all these years being in the fashion business it was my first time being recognized in that way.
