Ito Curata


Ito Curata was a Filipino fashion designer who specialized in conceptualizing bridal gowns and Filipiniana clothing. Among his notable clients were Hollywood actress Sharon Stone, former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Filipino actress Bea Alonzo.

Early Life and education

Ito Mendoza Curata was born in Manila, Philippines, on November 2, 1959 and was raised in Batangas City. Curata took up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines for a year. He got a scholarship at Clarion University of Pennsylvania but since their fine arts program was very limited, he decided to forfeit his scholarship and move to San Francisco. He then studied at the University of San Francisco where he obtained a bachelor of fine arts degree and at the Academy of Art University where he graduated from the university's Certificate program.

Career

Curata lived San Francisco in the United States for 26 years. While in San Francisco, Curata ran his own atelier and designed clothing for high profile public figures such as actress Sharon Stone and socialite Helena Maria Schulz. He was the first Filipino-American designer to be spotlighted by the Hollywood press. In the early 2000s, Curata moved back to The Philippines and continued to design clothing for some of the Philippines top socialites. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Filipina actress and singer Bea Alonzo were among his Philippine-based clients.
At the first Miss Universe Philippines fashion show in 2019, Curata's works was among the featured in the exhibition.

Death

He and his partner Miller were admitted to a hospital in mid march due to COVID-19 symptoms. Curata died on March 26, 2020 due to pneumonia, a complication from COVID-19 infection, and kidney failure.

Personal life

Curata had a partner named Robert Miller whom he met while living in San Francisco. Miller was an executive vice president for Visa Inc.. After Miller retired early in 2000 from his job, the couple decided to reside in the Philippines in 2004. Curata legally adopted a newborn baby with Miller as their son in 2006.