Cover Pitoy Moreno poses with models for the April 2009 issue of Tatler Philippines
Pitoy Moreno poses with models for the April 2009 issue of Tatler Philippines
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An exhibition honouring fashion designer Jose “Pitoy” Moreno is set to open at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila this February
In the course of Filipino fashion history, few designers have garnered the same level of prestige and international acclaim as Jose “Pitoy” Moreno. The pioneering couturier will be the centre of an exhibition, entitled “Timeless: J Moreno,” at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, held from February 27 to June 29 at the museum’s North Gallery.
Moreno was an ardent supporter of utilising Philippine textiles such as piña, jusi and lepanto in the local fashion industry. He was credited with reviving interest in the Maria Clara and played a significant role in popularising the Barong Tagalog for both men and women—inspired by the paintings of Juan Luna and Felix Resurrección Hidalgo, among other colonial-era artists.
More from Tatler: Inside Jor-El Espina’s first atelier in Manila
Above Pitoy Moreno pictured with Princess Margaret and Imelda Marcos
Above A portrait of Filipino couturier Pitoy Moreno (Photo: Courtesy of Pitoy Moreno Archives)
Pitoy Moreno pictured with Princess Margaret and Imelda Marcos
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His clientele included the likes of Pierre Cardin, Imelda Marcos, and Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom. Rita Moreno, the first Latin American actress to receive an Oscar, wore one of his creations when she received her trophy at the ceremony in 1962. The gown consists of a black bateau top with a heavily brocaded skirt made of Japanese obi fabric. She would then go on to re-wear the ensemble 56 years later at the 90th Academy Awards.
Moreno’s evening dresses, formal gowns and ternos were a staple of Philippine high society wardrobes, recognised for their intricate embroidery and beadwork. Over the course of his career, he held 25 foreign shows, amplifying the voices of Filipino designers on a global scale with exhibits at the Seattle and New York World Fairs.
See also: Style and Heritage: Dennis Lustico celebrates his silver year in fashion at the Goldenberg Mansion
Above Rita Moreno tearfully accepts her Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in the 1961 film West Side Story at the 34th Academy Awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Rita Moreno attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards (Photo: Getty Images/Frazer Harrison)
Rita Moreno tearfully accepts her Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in the 1961 film West Side Story at the 34th Academy Awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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The exhibition is curated by art historian Dr Florina H Capistrano Baker, assisted by co-curator Ditas R Samson and fashion curator Clarissa M Esguerra of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The project coincides with the centennial anniversary of Moreno’s birth.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
