Jennifer Lopez’s Fashion Designer Creates 2 Dream Dresses for Teen Fan With Rare ‘Aging Disease’

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Fashion designer Michael Costello has an impressive resumé. The talented dressmaker has worked with stars like Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Alicia Keys, among others, but in December 2019, the designer turned his talents to making 13-year-old J. Lo fan Adalia Rose Pallante’s dreams come true.

Costello had met the fashion-loving teen, who suffers from a rare genetic condition called progeria, a few months previously. The pair chatted about all things fashion, and Costello cooked up a plan: he designed and made two beautiful dresses for Adalia’s birthday in December.

Costello poses at his presentation during New York Fashion Week at Robert Miller Gallery on Sept. 8, 2017. ©Getty Images | Robin Marchant

In a heartwarming clip that Adalia shared on her Instagram page, the teen unwraps her 13th birthday gift from Costello and exclaims in delight. First, out comes a turquoise two-piece inspired by Princess Jasmine from “Aladdin.“ Then comes Costello’s surprise second gift: a pink floor-length gown with a huge statement bow on the shoulder.

The delighted teen thanked Costello for his generous birthday gift on social media. “They are so perfect,” Adalia began, as quoted by People, “and I even want to wear them while I’m just at home!”

Nicole Guerriero, Adalia Rose, and Kandee Johnson at the IPSY Gen Beauty event at the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 25, 2018 ©Getty Images | Vivien Killilea

“Michael Costello you did such an amazing job making everything,” she continued. “I wish you can make all my clothes! I love you so so so much and I send you a million hugs.”

Costello, 36, responded to Adalia’s joyful video, saying that the teen had reminded him of the reason he got started in the first place. “Thank you for just being you,” Costello posted, as quoted by Insider; “wishing you a very happy birthday.”

Adalia and Costello first met several months prior to the 13-year-old’s birthday. Adalia reached out after hearing that her fashion idol was in town; the “Project Runway” alum responded and met Adalia for dinner in Austin, Texas, where the pair got on like a house on fire.

“It was the cutest,” Costello later told People. “She was so adorable and so sweet,” he added, before explaining where the inspiration for Adalia’s second, surprise birthday gown came from.

“She said she loves J. Lo and anything that J. Lo wears she likes to wear, and she loves flowy fabrics and sparkles,” he regaled. “I said, ‘Okay, you’re my ideal client. You are the Michael Costello girl.’”

Costello took dress measurements and worked with Adalia and her mom to create the perfect “Princess Jasmine” look. The finished garment, along with Costello’s surprise, made-to-measure pink number, made Adalia’s day; the teen often struggles to find clothes that fit her small frame.

According to the Progeria Research Foundation, Adalia’s condition is a rare, fatal genetic condition that simulates the appearance of accelerated ageing in children. Other symptoms include a lack of growth, loss of body fat and hair, joint stiffness, hip dislocation, heart disease, and stroke.

Tragically, the average life expectancy for children with progeria is just 13 years of age.

Adalia and her family: (L–R) Marcelo, Ryan, Emiliano, Natalia, and Niko Pallante at the IPSY Gen Beauty event at the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 25, 2018 ©Getty Images | Vivien Killilea

Adalia is a social media sensation and vocal advocate for children and teens with progeria. She has more than 13 million Facebook followers, almost 2.5 million YouTube subscribers, and over 309,000 followers on Instagram.

“I feel like I’ve done so much and I’ve been blessed so much,” Costello reflected, “and now what I really want to do is start meeting more people like Adalia. I just wanted to make her birthday dreams come true.”