Ray Costarella began a career in architecture but in 1983 started to work in fashion. He opened his first flagship store, Ray Costarella, in Perth, WA, in 1987. In 2000 he launched a new label, Aurelio Costarella, at Mercedes Australia Fashion Week, and in 2004 followed with his ready-to-wear line and youthful diffusion label, Whitewheel.

Costarella is known for using vintage fabrics from around the world, designing one-off and limited production couture. Working directly with the fabric on a dressmaker’s form, Costarella sees the design process as creating a story. This unfolds as he works with the fabric, colour, form and embellishment. He now works with a small studio-based team who develop the samples, create patterns and complete the intricate bead and embroidery work that is a feature of his designs.

You can see Costarella's work in the new exhibition Smart works: design and the handmade, from 30 March 2007 at the Powerhouse Museum.

Smart works: design and the handmade

TAGS
+ Smart works: design and the handmade
+ Handmade
+ Mass-production
+ Studio production