BEADING, JACKET

Beaded Dark Green Velvet Top by Aurelio Costarella, Western Australia

This richly embellished dark green velvet top was designed and hand-finished by renowned West Australian couturier Aurelio Costarella. A master of couture surface work, Costarella brings sculptural volume and painterly detail to this piece through striking beadwork and thoughtful construction.

The short, puffed cap sleeves, shirred shoulder panels, and asymmetrical hand-finished hem give the garment softness and silhouette. A centre-front bound slit opens from the round neckline, with side closures secured by hooks and eyes. The top is unlined, revealing the meticulous hand-stitching of the beadwork on its reverse.

The design features a unique arrangement of daisy-like floral motifs interspersed with a flowing rose-coloured band that arcs across the body—suggestive of a ribbon or the plumage of an imagined bird. Every bead is hand-applied, adding dimension and a quiet opulence to the rich velvet surface.

As with much of Costarella’s work, the garment sits at the intersection of couture technique and expressive narrative—crafted not only to dress the body but to evoke a mood, memory, or moment. His garments remain part of major Australian collections and are celebrated for their timeless elegance and emotional resonance.