From Project Runway to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York and the front page of The New York Times, Michael Costello is enjoying his trajectory to stardom.
His star will shine brightly in Palm Desert as a featured designer at Fashion Week El Paseo (March 20-28, 2011). Costello will present his dazzling new evening wear collection on March 23.
The sixth annual Fashion Week El Paseo, produced by Palm Springs Life in partnership with the City of Palm Desert, has emerged as the premier showcase for West Coast fashion design, providing a week of world-class events for consumers, as well as the fashion industry. The public can enjoy more than nine stylish and fun events — from runway shows by Costello, Oliver Tolentino, Trina Turk, Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), and others to be announced in the coming weeks.
Although he narrowly missed winning season 8 on Lifetime Channel’s Project Runway, Costello, who lives in Palm Springs, became a media darling and an audience favorite. “The events following Michael Costello’s disappointing elimination on Project Runway have proven to be poetic justice,” says Palm Springs Life Fashion Editor Susan Stein, adding that he now enjoys a high profile for his beautifully constructed elegant designs. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the runway during Fashion Week El Paseo — and to give his large fan base a sneak peek at his new collection.”
Costello, Los Angeles-born of Greek and Italian descent, began creating designs when he was only 4 years old. At 14, he designed his first couture collection, earning him a review and listing in Vogue magazine’s article, “Los Angeles’ Hidden Talent.” At 15, the wunderkind opened a boutique in Palm Springs.
Despite being completely self-taught, he qualified to attend Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising in Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter, he took a one-year internship with the celebrated show-biz designer Bob Mackie. After his internship, at 16, he took a job designing clothes for Clare’s Collection, famous for their red carpet and pageant.
Now 27, Costello designs for some of today’s hottest celebrities, including Toni Braxton, Paulina Rubio, Paris Hilton, Selma Hayak, Traci Bingham, Mary J. Bilge, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Celine Dion, and others. He has also created designs seen on The Real Housewives of Orange County and other TV shows. In 2009, he presented his first collection at LA Fashion Week.
Fashion Week El Paseo showcases luxury brands, and more than 50 participating merchants will host in-store events such as trunk shows, informal modeling, fashion seminars, champagne receptions, and more.
Fashion Week El Paseo is produced by Palm Springs Life and numerous sponsors, including the City of Palm Desert, El Paseo Merchants Association, The Gardens on El Paseo, El Paseo Village, and El Paseo Jewelers.
For more information, tickets, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Mathews, Marketing Director, Palm Springs Life, at 760-325-2333 or via e-mail at [email protected], For updates and tickets log on to www.fashionweekelpaseo.com.