The Kurosawa of style, Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, the fashion czar of Asia, introduced the words jusi, piña and lepanto to world fashion. His unsurpassed beadwork, embroidery and handpainting have adorned regal beauties and international royalties such as Nancy Reagan, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Queen Margarretta of Bulgaria, Queen Sophia of Spain, Princess Margaret of Britain, Princess Suga of Japan, the Marquesa de Villaverde, Cristina Ford, Margot Fonteyn, Deeda Blair, among countless others. The First Ladies of the Philippines have always been dressed by Pitoy, in his trademark ternos. His collections have circled the globe: from Malaysia to Moscow, Paris to Japan and from Barcelona to Bangkok. Wherever featured, his collections were met with praise by critics and patrons alike. Today, he is the best-known Filipino designer in the global fashion arena.
In 2004, philanthropist and multi-papal awardee Imelda Cojuangco presented Pitoy with the “Ginintuang Moreno: A Tribute to J. Moreno” by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in honor of his life and works. This year, Pitoy Moreno has been chosen as one of the awardees of the 2008 Gawad CCP Para sa Sining for his outstanding contributions in the field of allied arts (fashion design). On September 10 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Pitoy will exhibit his collection of barong, terno, Muslim, kimona, evening dresses, and piña. The distinguished Gawad CCP Para sa Sining is the highest award given by the CCP to Filipino artists and cultural workers. Congratulations and mabuhay, Pitoy!