BEADING, TOP

Beaded Black Silk Crepe Blouse with Cape Detail by Aurelio Costarella, Western Australia

Designed and hand-embellished by celebrated West Australian couturier Aurelio Costarella, this black silk crepe blouse exemplifies his signature blend of sculptural form and meticulous surface decoration. The blouse features short raglan sleeves with integrated shoulder pads, enhancing the strong, structured silhouette.

Across the front, the silk crepe is richly encrusted with a complex arrangement of beadwork in layered paisley and leaf motifs—each formed from a mix of bead types that lend shimmer, depth, and texture. The back of the blouse is defined by a dramatic cape panel, lined in black crepe and falling to a softly curved fishtail hem. An 11 cm invisible zip is inserted at the back neckline for closure.

The combination of architectural shaping, ornamental beadwork, and unexpected cape detail makes this a standout example of Costarella’s emotionally expressive and visually powerful design language. Always more than decorative, his embellishments suggest movement, memory, and the interplay between concealment and revelation.

Label: "Aurelio Costarella"