Aurelio (Ray) Costarella

Aurelio Costarella began his career studying Architecture at Curtin University WA. In 1983, whilst in his second year of Architecture, Aurelio began experimenting with garments. He began selling via underground store CRÈME SODA and soon went into partnership with then owner Kerry Giles.

In 1987 Aurelio opened a new store Chapter 2 and began wholesaling his collection Australia wide.

In 1991 the first Ray Costarella store opened on Perth’s, Bayview Terrace in Claremont and in 1994, Ray Costarella opened in The Strand Arcade Sydney alongside, Jenny Kee, Morrissey Edmiston, Dinosaur Designs.

In 2000 the eponymous brand Aurelio Costarella was launched at Australian Fashion week in Sydney. Guest Editor for Harpers Bazaar, Cate Blanchett naming it the show of the week.

Costarella is known for creating Demi Couture pieces using vintage fabrics and beading sourced from across the globe. Working with layers of silk organza, silk chiffon and silk tulle draped directly on the dressmaker’s dummy, Costarella sees the design process as telling a story. The design approach is an organic one, the garment treated as a blank canvas.

Costarella’s work has been included in the 2007 Powerhouse exhibition ‘Smart Works: Design and the handmade” and a 30 Year Retrospective of his work was held at the WA Museum in 2013. Recently an Aurelio Costarella piece featured in the NGV exhibition, ‘200 years of Australian Fashion’.

Aurelio is a strong supporter of the WA Fashion industry and has mentored many young WA designers. He is an ambassador of LIFELINE, The Telethon Adventurers and supports charities such as StyleAID, Youth Focus, Telethon and Breast Cancer WA.

Aurelio Costarella is represented at his flagship boutique in Perth and David Jones nationally and seen on celebrities and red carpets worldwide.