AURELIO COSTARELLA

'The creative process is one of self-exploration and a means of telling my story via visual language. 

Each piece is a very personal and heartfelt account of my journey from darkness to light. 

The work is layered, evoking emotion, feeling, thought and memory. 

Using sgraffito to scratch back into layers of deep-seated emotion revealing hidden parts of the human experience speaks to my journey, the process both therapeutic and cathartic.'

Born in Perth, Western Australia, to parents who emigrated from Calabria, Italy - Aurelio Costarella is a designer and artist whose work has been showcased on runways globally and worn by celebrities and royalty, including Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Tina Arena and Charlize Theron. 

Renowned in the fashion world for his exquisite gowns and Demi-Couture, Aurelio initially studied Architecture at Curtin University before pursuing a career in fashion. 

Self-taught, Aurelio’s designs rejected relentless, trend-driven seasonality, rather producing thoughtful, timeless investment pieces.

Aurelio presented his collections at New York Fashion Week, Australian Fashion Week. He showcased his work via PR /Sales showrooms in Paris, New York, London and Los Angeles. His work is housed in gallery collections, including the WA MUSEUM, Powerhouse Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria. 

Aurelio’s significant contribution to Australian fashion was showcased in 2013 when the Western Australian Museum exhibition - Aurelio Costarella: A 30 Year Retrospective. 

In July 2015, Aurelio decided that it was time to talk openly about his life-long struggle with his mental un-wellness in a candid interview. Aurelio was appointed an Ambassador for Lifeline in July 2015, spoke of his lived experience, and began advocating for those living with Mental Health issues. 

In 2016, Aurelio was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), Hall of Fame. 

Since shuttering his fashion business in July 2017, Aurelio has shifted his focus to painting. 

Aurelio has channelled his art practice into a collaboration with Scandinavian Wallpaper Décor to produce a range of wall coverings and murals.