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FeedCouture Made Easy
Michael Costello showcased his recent designs in a show at Parker Palm Springs.
CREDIT: Gerry Maceda
A woman, covered from turban to sweatpants, walked into Michael Costello’s boutique on Tahquitz Canyon Way. She told the designer how happy she was to see a little glamour on the storefronts in Palm Springs. After recalling the town’s posh fashion venues of yesteryear, she took off her huge dark glasses. “I’m Faye.”
She was Faye Dunaway — the movie star who’d launched a look in Bonnie and Clyde and who portrayed Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest. “Look around,” Costello said. “No wire hangers.” He later dressed Dunaway in a knockout red gown for a Council of Fashion Designers of America ceremony.
“I think of myself as an evening-wear designer,” says Costello, who is fitting a pink number for Mariah Carey. “She loves pink.” It seems the singer wants it strapless and backless, something of a construction challenge considering her voluptuous figure.
Only 26, this couturier was born sketching, according to his mother. At 4, he infuriated his sisters by taking their clothes apart to see how they were made and began sewing a few years later.
Raised in Sherman Oaks, he frequently visited Palm Springs, where his family owned properties. One day on Palm Canyon Drive when he was 15, his father, George Costello, said (here Michael imitates his father’s Sopranos-like cadence), “Looka dat place up there. Let’s open a dress shop.” His father remains his financial angel.
His parents “love it when I bring celebrities around,” he says, “like ‘Oh, dat red bathin’ suit lady,’” referring to Pamela Anderson. His mother suggested he ask the Baywatch queen to accompany him to church. He does escort Traci Bingham (also a Baywatch alum) to fashion events and dresses (detractors might say undresses) her in revealing outfits.
But it’s clear his passion emanates from Hollywood’s golden era. His favorite designers reflect old-guard splendor: Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, and Carolina Herrera. “I love sparkly fabrics,” he says. And “every gown should have a train.”
He hopes to follow in the footsteps of William Travilla, known as Marilyn Monroe’s favorite costumer (i.e., The Seven Year Itch). Costello senses a kinship to Travilla. “So many similarities: [an aptitude for] sketching, draping, pleating. Self-taught, the Greek [descent] thing.”
When Costello’s mother inspected the interior of a Travilla frock, she spouted in Greek the equivalent of “Shut your mouth. Amazing. Just like you!”
Unapologetic, Costello aspires not to the perfect-inside James Galanos technique; simple, unfinished seams serve him well. As for staying power, he affirms that the garments hold together.
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Reader Comments:
Michael....I adore your fashions. Hold your head high to those jealous primma donnas on Project Runway. I have been an accomplished pianist my entire life and I know those 'artiste egos' all too well. They think they are know it alls and unfortunately they see how sensitive you are. I think they are feeding on that out of their own frustrations for not doing well in each challange. I think you are totally awesome, and extremely talented and I have loved all your designs. HOLD THAT HEAD HIGH!!!!!!! And never give up your dreams. :)
Judy Vigorito
Michael, you were involved with inferior judges and fellow contestants. Your designs were absolutely beautiful! Your dresses and gowns just flowed. Beautiful, Beautiful. Those judges said because you chose three similar colors you didn't deserve to go to Fashion Week. They are full of --it. Your designs were the only ones that looked like they belonged on a Runway. You are a marvelous designer. Don't give up.
You are a winner in my book!!!
michaele, you will go far. the time is right upon you. grab it now. your designs were as if i was staring at michael angelo creating one of his master peaces. your works of art spoke very loud to many women. please michaele greatest works of art are displayed in a variety of sizes, forms, and shapes. it is in your hands now please reread my message to you. your last show your colors were beautiful but yet yo left your meaning tacked onto your home wall. look up a natural play on color. its called aurora. that natural gift of beauty is waiting for you. good luck dear michaele, i will be watching for your name as your creations begin to take there place on the red carpet.
Michael - do you have a web site for your boutique? WOuld love to see what you may have available for sale. Your clothes are beautiful! You were the winner of Project Runway, in my eyes - and I wish you only the best. I'll be into your boutique one day in the future - I go to P.S. often. All the best to you.
Michael, I loved watching you on Project Runway. Your clothes are beautiful and wearable. Do you have a website? I am looking for a dress for my daughter's wedding next April. Do you custom design? I would love to come to Palm Springs and see what you have available in your boutique. Light47
Dear Michael - I wept with you when you were dismissed, and I rooted for you along the way. I think your confidence was shattered, and I wonder how much the sniping of Ivy, April and yes, even Gretchen and Andy had to do with that.
The excuses given for not moving you on to Fashion Week were ludicrous - palette? Christian won last year with a black palette. Gretchen's "granola" wardrobe was the most unattractive thing I've ever seen, and I haven't talked to anyone who would wear it. What in the world was that pooper-scooper on the rear of her dress? Andy's silver "evening dress" had a crotch so high in the back I was surprised the model wasn't screaming or grabbing at it. Only Mondo could match your talent, and your class.
To read some wonderful comments about your work, please go to Threadsmagazine.com, a website for dressmakers and seamstresses. We appreciate fine design and craftsmanship. And we question the design sensibilities of minor actresses who are the current guest judges, and Michael, Nina and Heidi, who seem to have taken a few too many dips in the nasty pool, all in the name of "entertainment."
I think you are a wonderful designer. I wish I could afford you. I am one of the "wheelchair people" Michael Kors sneers at. Nothing looks good on me. I sit all the time, and after a few years my body has changed - everything seems to settle in the middle. Inactivity and lots of meds don't do much for the figure, either.
Anyway, if I ever get a lot of money, I will go to Palm Springs and have you design a something for me. I think you are a very special designer, with a special empathy for your clients.
Peace and Joy - Pastor Diane Mettam
Dear Michael - I wept with you when you were dismissed, and I rooted for you along the way. I think your confidence was shattered, and I wonder how much the sniping of Ivy, April and yes, even Gretchen and Andy had to do with that.
The excuses given for not moving you on to Fashion Week were ludicrous - palette? Christian won last year with a black palette. Gretchen's "granola" wardrobe was the most unattractive thing I've ever seen, and I haven't talked to anyone who would wear it. What in the world was that pooper-scooper on the rear of her dress? Andy's silver "evening dress" had a crotch so high in the back I was surprised the model wasn't screaming or grabbing at it. Only Mondo could match your talent, and your class.
To read some wonderful comments about your work, please go to Threadsmagazine.com, a website for dressmakers and seamstresses. We appreciate fine design and craftsmanship. And we question the design sensibilities of minor actresses who are the current guest judges, and Michael, Nina and Heidi, who seem to have taken a few too many dips in the nasty pool, all in the name of "entertainment."
I think you are a wonderful designer. I wish I could afford you. I am one of the "wheelchair people" Michael Kors sneers at. Nothing looks good on me. I sit all the time, and after a few years my body has changed - everything seems to settle in the middle. Inactivity and lots of meds don't do much for the figure, either.
Anyway, if I ever get a lot of money, I will go to Palm Springs and have you design a something for me. I think you are a very special designer, with a special empathy for your clients.
Peace and Joy - Pastor Diane Mettam
Michael, that contest was rigged and totally unfair. I am ashamed for Gretchen; she doesn't belong there. No matter, people have seen your work and I can't wait until you have clothing for us to buy. Your line was awe-inspiring. Thank you and keep creating beautiful clothing.
Michael, I couldn't believe PR did nothing to stop Gretchen from manipulating the other contestants into a nasty gang to bully a more talented contestant the entire season. I was so sickened by it, I recorded the shows so I could skip to the end to see how you did. I couldn't stand to watch the terrible way these people acted and how the show/network did nothing about it. Then they topped that with not letting you go to the final when you had the best clothes on the runway and Gretchen's looked like they came from a thrift store. Totally unfair. I was especially disappointed that we didn't even get to see the rest of your designs. I felt like we (the viewers) got cheated out of seeing your entire collection. Is there anywhere online where they can be seen? I hope it is some consulation that so many viewers know you should have won. I'm sure that you will go on to be very successful because you are so talented.
You were my favorite designer ever to grace the presence of Project Runway. I was torn when you didn't get first place. But, as you see above, you're first in many hearts. Your style is epic and memorable. and I can't wait to see your line so I can grab a few pieces. Much love, Michael!