News

New exhibition celebrates iconic WA designer at Museum of Geraldton

The Museum of Geraldton will shine a spotlight on the life, creativity and lasting impact of  Western Australian fashion designer Aurelio Costarella when Costarella: Fashioning a Legacy opens on 26 September and runs until 31 January 2027.

One of Australia's most celebrated fashion designers, Aurelio Costarella (1964–2025) left an extraordinary mark on the local, national and international fashion industry. This exhibition honours his remarkable career, enduring artistry and connection to Western Australia.​

Entirely self-taught, Costarella launched his career in Perth and established an internationally acclaimed fashion label renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate detail and timeless elegance. His designs graced red carpets and runways around the world, worn by some of fashion's most recognised names, while he remained proudly based in Western Australia.​

Beyond fashion, the exhibition explores another chapter of Costarella’s creative and personal life. In his later years, he embraced new forms of artistic expression through painting, wallpapers, scarves and prints, while using his voice and influence to advocate for mental health, mentor others and champion greater support for those experiencing mental health challenges.​

Featuring stunning garments, rarely seen archival material, objects and audiovisual content, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to step inside Aurelio Costarella's world.​

Discover the stories behind Aurelio Costarella's iconic designs and explore the artistry, craftsmanship and vision that established him as one of Western Australia's greatest fashion designers.​

The regional tour is proudly supported by Metal Manufactures Electrical Merchandising, which has partnered with the WA Museum to bring significant State collections to regional communities.

Author

Annie Robertson

Media and Publicity Officer

Western Australian Museum