Today, we received the unfortunate news that we must say goodbye to Aurelio Costarella.
A gifted designer, visionary artist, and committed activist, he was also a generous supporter of our mission and a friend to BIC. He will be missed.
Aurelio was born in Perth, Western Australia. Not only was he a world-renowned fashion designer, with his creations worn by A-list stars like Rihanna and Cate Blanchett, but he was also an advocate for mental health and a benzodiazepine harm survivor.
Aurelio used his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of benzodiazepines. In a 2019 interview with ABC News, he shared:
“I’ve been through periods where I’m not able to leave the house for weeks at a time. Because my central nervous system has been so compromised by the benzos, walking into a supermarket is akin to walking into a nightclub. It’s just so overwhelming.”
In a 2018 interview with PerthNow, he stated:
“I feel lucky to be alive, to be honest, and that’s why I’ve decided to share my experience. The suicidal thoughts I’ve had over the last year are worse than when I was going through my darkest days with depression and anxiety.”
Though Aurelio’s symptoms eventually improved, he tragically passed away this week from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal condition that leads to the progressive loss of brain function. We do not believe his death is in any way related to his benzodiazepine harm.
Tributes have poured in from celebrities around the world, remembering Aurelio for his creativity, his kindness, and the mark he left on the fashion industry.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
We are deeply grateful for Aurelio’s dedication, his impactful work, and his unwavering support. We will honor his memory, and he will be missed.
I believe benzo should be taken off the market. They do more harm than good. They destroy peoples lives. Once it is in your body it is almost impossible to get it out. The newspapers should be writing about this more. the parma companies are making fortunes on peoples misery.
A brave Benzo warrior, i hope he is in heaven now.
There are a lot of similarities between Creutzfeldt Jakob and B.I.N.D.
I have been on benzodiazepines (alaprazalam ) 100 2 milligrams roughly 20 yrs! Plus pain medication and my dr. Retired leaving me 6 months refill and a referral to pain management! I am being tapered since September 24, but Feel to fast and sadly Dr. are afraid today to do anything! I wish they could endure what people are going thru and only then they might be more compassionate and make things easier! I’m trying my best, but taking them away isn’t helping my anxiety or mental state! Thank god I am strong but the physical aspects going thru is unexplainable ( PEOPLE NEED HELP NOT JUDGEMENT)
Rest in peace warrior.
May Aurelio fly high and my sincerest condolences to his family!
So sad. 😥