From whipping up his first garment on his mum’s Singer Treadle when he was 10, Aurelio Costarella’s first love was always fashion. For more than 30 years he was one of Australia’s top fashion designers. A regular and popular fixture at Sydney and New York Fashion Weeks, his clothes were favoured by celebrities all over the world, and he was inducted into the prestigious Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame.

But underneath all the glitz and glamour, it was a very different story.

Aurelio had always struggled with his mental health but had managed to keep it a secret from everyone for a very long time. His experiences have left him with a drive to change what he says is a flawed mental health system.

If you, or anyone you know, are affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please don’t go it alone - reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Story by Lee Steele

Written and produced by Ali Aitken

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