BEADING, SKIRT

Beaded Black Silk Skirt with Back Extension by Aurelio Costarella, Western Australia

This long black silk chiffon skirt was designed, constructed, and hand-beaded by the late Aurelio Costarella, a celebrated West Australian couturier known for his ability to weave emotion and elegance into every garment. With its back extension and graceful silhouette, the skirt features a sophisticated cascade of embellishment that shifts in density from waist to hem.

From waistband to hip, the skirt is densely embroidered with swirling patterns of black bugle and seed beads, punctuated by fine wisps of chiffon caught within the beadwork. The embellishment gently disperses from hip to knee and becomes increasingly sparse toward the hem, creating a dynamic sense of movement and visual rhythm.

Expert construction details include front and back darts, side French seams, and an invisible centre back zip. A rouleau loop and covered button provide a refined finish at the waistband. The skirt is unlabelled but recognisable for its craftsmanship and signature surface design, typical of Costarella’s timeless and emotionally resonant couture.

This piece reflects Costarella’s deep understanding of both structure and softness—layering narrative through texture while rejecting fleeting fashion trends. His work continues to be celebrated in major museum collections across Australia.