Narelda Jacobs

I'm Narelda Jacobs. I'm a Whadjuk Noongar journalist. I have worked at Network 10 since the year 2000 and it was through my work at 10 that I met Aurelio Costarella. When I became a newsreader in the year 2008, my girlfriend at the time and I would go to the same cafe as Aurelio and Paul in North Perth or Highgate and we would say hello, we were on hello terms, but not really much more than that until one day Aurelio comes over to our table and introduces himself and I'm just like, like starstruck and offers for me to come into the shop. He would like to dress me and gift me some clothing. It was just such a generous gesture. I think back to, you know, what did he see in me? And he must have thought that there was potential there. Those times going into his North Perth store were some really beautiful, happy memories. The first thing I think of is the smell. There was just this beautiful aroma of French perfumes and because there was a small homewares collection as well as fashion and just the most beautiful things from all around the world in this one exquisite space. You had Aurelio's 100% attention. He would be, you know, putting pins so clothing could be adjusted to fit you perfectly but his touch was so light and gentle but at the same time with a craftsmanship that you knew came with care, a love of what they were doing, a love of people, a real want for you to walk out of there the best you've ever felt in your life. You stepped out thinking you were in a movie or something. It was otherworldly. It would transport you to this high-end place, you know, and it just made you feel like you could do anything. I actually called it Costarella confidence. I was doing an event with world leaders once, prime ministers and presidents from around the world who were here for CHOGM. You know, having to introduce prime ministers to the stage was pretty daunting, but I remember feeling, I can do this. I've got Costarella confidence. I would describe his fashion style as soft yet opulent. He really paid tribute to the fabric and the fabrics that he chose were the basis for everything that he created.

The very best of leather, the very best of silk, everything in his space and in his orbit was the best. Aurelio Costarella was really one of the first high-end couture designers Perth has ever seen. That's his legacy. His legacy is leadership. During the time Aurelio Costarella was this juggernaut were two dates on the Perth calendar that were huge. Charity Balls, Boobalicious that raised money for breast cancer care and also Styleaid, which was raising money for the AIDS Council of WA. And they were huge supporters of both of these events and would dress me to MC both of these events.

When the spotlight's on you and there's a sea of just black, you know, you can't see anyone. And so I stepped out and thanked, of course, Aurelio for dressing me. And there was this enormous cheer. Like it wasn't just Aurelio and Paul. It was their whole table that had cheered. And so it wasn't just that they dressed you. They were with you all the way.