By KINTA WALSH-COTTON FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 06:27 BST, 19 April 2025 | Updated: 06:40 BST, 19 April 2025

Australian fashion designer to the stars Aurelio Costarella died aged 60 in Western Australia on Saturday morning after a short battle with a rare brain disease. 

The Perth native was recently diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal condition which leads to progressive loss of brain function.

His death was announced on his Instagram account just hours after his passing from the condition, which also previously took the life of his sister Gracie. 

‘RIP: Aurelio Costarella peacefully left this world this morning to begin his journey to a new one. Sending love to all whose heart he has touched,’ read the caption.

Celebrities who worked with and befriended Aurelio quickly flooded the comments with their tributes and condolences. 

Network Ten TV star Narelda Jacobs kicked off the messages with: ‘Australia has lost a brilliant creator who touched the lives of so many. 

Australian fashion designer to the stars Aurelio Costarella died aged 60 on Saturday morning after a short battle with a rare brain disease

Australian fashion designer to the stars Aurelio Costarella died aged 60 on Saturday morning after a short battle with a rare brain disease

‘Aurelio was Perth’s gift to the world. His fashion made everyone lucky enough to wear it feel like a movie star. 

‘Thank you Aurelio for the special memories. My thoughts are with Paul and the Costarella family.’

‘What a talent. Very sad news, rest in peace,’ shoe designer Lana Wilkinson wrote. 

‘I am so very sad and sorry to hear this news,’ said I’m A Celebrity host Julia Morris.

‘From fittings in the early mid 90’s to Logies gowns over the years… Aurelio was a brilliant and generous artist and designer but even more so, a gentleman of note. 

‘My deepest condolences.’

Perth Nine News presenter Tracy Vo commented: ‘Aurelio, you beautiful human. Thank you for your warmth and nurturing nature. 

‘You and your brilliant creativity will be missed. Rest in peace.’

‘How terribly sad. Such a talent that we all adore seeing his framing the celebration of women’s [sic]. RIP & fly high,’ added The Block judge Shaynna Blaze.

‘What a profound loss,’ wrote Australian singer Tina Arena. 

Australian model Laura Dundovic wrote: ‘So devastating. One of the kindest most talented souls this industry was blessed with. Rest in Peace dear friend.’ 

Aurelio is known for dressing some of the biggest stars in the world, including homegrown icons Cate Blanchett and Jennifer Hawkins.

More to come. 

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Celebrity tributes roll in as Australian fashion designer Aurelio Costarella who dressed the likes of Cate Blanchett and Jennifer Hawkins dies aged 60 from a rare brain disease

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