By Alex Y. Vergara
Some people are an acquired taste whose goodness grows on you over time. Fashion designer Ito Curata wasn’t one of them.
He was one rare fellow whom you tended to like and gravitate to the minute you meet him. From his warm smile down to his quick, inoffensive wit, he had an easiness about him that instantly soothes and draws you in.
I met Ito years ago when he was a newbie in the Philippine fashion scene. Already a veteran fashion designer then who had made a name for himself in San Francisco, dressing up the likes of Sharon Stone, he decided to move back to the Philippines for good with his American partner Bob Miller.
We were doing a photo shoot featuring a rising talent, and Ito was assigned to dress her up. Soon after we were introduced, we hit it off. He was kind as he was funny, and I liked him instantly.
Over the years, I was privileged enough to feature not only Ito’s works, but also his home and shop somewhere in the south. His and Bob’s taste for the finer things in life are reflected in their beautiful home. And, oh, how they both love books, dedicating an entire room on the ground floor as a library that doubled as a den during parties.
“I also have a collection of antique Spanish fans,” Ito once shared with me proudly, as he showed me around his shop, a French provincial-inspired space featuring padded furniture pieces and vintage posters.
A place of honor on one of his shop’s walls is reserved for a framed photograph—an American magazine cover, actually, of Sharon wearing Ito’s strapless black and white dress. The sexy star, who was then transitioning into an A-list actress, was on the lookout for fresh talents. Ito, then still based in the West Coast, soon caught her attention, and the two collaborated.
It was only a matter of time before Ito and I became more than just acquaintances, as I eventually found myself one of their regular guests in the thematic parties they often threw in their home over the years.
Apart from being a fine host, Ito was also a superb cook, who took pride in his Filipino-Spanish and hearty meat dishes. These he shared with friends as part of the couple’s buffet spread during parties.
Invariably, Bob and I also became friends. After asking me to write about Tuloy sa Don Bosco, which Bob supports as one of the foundation’s benefactors, it was his turn to return the favor when he agreed to write for me about his life as a foreigner in the Philippines for a magazine I once edited.
I also had the chance to edit Ito’s bimonthly society column “The Ito Guy” ever since I joined PeoplesAsia a little over two years ago.
One of the last parties the couple hosted was Ito’s 60th birthday last November. No one had an inkling that it would be his last, as Ito, apart from experiencing sporadic bouts with gout, was fairly healthy.
“It’s been years since I threw a party on my actual birthday,” he said. “I was afraid no one would come because it’s a long holiday. But look at them. They all came! I just turned 60, but I don’t feel like it.”
Strong and brave enough was Ito, actually, that he reportedly drove himself to the ER less than two weeks ago after he felt unwell. Just a few days before that, Ito drove Bob to that same hospital where he still remains confined.
But while Bob’s condition remains critical, but stable, Ito’s took a turn for the worse earlier last week.
The designer who was once praised by Sharon herself for giving “me the ass of a 20 year-old” after she slipped into one of his creations, passed away last Thursday, March 26.
He may be gone, but jolly old Ito is one hard guy to forget. His dear friends, and he had a lot, are still in shock by the quick turn of events. Some even shared that they were still shaking and in tears, as we requested them to contribute to this tribute. Oh, Ito, you will be sorely missed.
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It seems like I have lost a brother and not only a good friend because Ito was like family to us. I’m still deeply hurt and in utter disbelief with his passing because it happened too fast without any goodbyes.
I will miss his voice and his laughter, as all his friends knew he had a great sense of humor. The parties he hosted at his beautiful home were always a hit and would definitely be missed. Time just seemed to fly when you were around such a charming man like Ito. We could always just chat and laugh the whole night through.
He was also a super nice and lovable guy that everyone adored having at their parties. He really made us all so happy simply with his endearing presence and warm smile. Celebrations will never be the same without him.
You were one of the most generous, talented, sincere, lovable and kind-hearted souls that anyone would be lucky to have called her friend. I will miss you, BFF Ito. —Linda Ley
Ito was well liked because he had a ready and warm welcoming smile. He was so easy to get along with that he was adored by his clients who eventually became his close friends.
It was always evident whenever he was at a party, talking to everyone while armed with his pocket camera. I can’t recall how many selfies I’ve had with him. But what I admire about him the most was his being grounded. He had no airs whatsoever. He was one person who’d give you the same amount of attention as he would give to, say, a diplomat.
He was also a great cook and an excellent host, but most of all he was a trooper. You could talk to him about anything and everything. I will miss bumping into him. What’s more, our little chit chat whenever we would see each other.—Dennis Lustico, fashion designer
Always interested in doing something new, Ito once asked me several years ago if he could design costumes for a Ballet Philippines performance. He was invited to design for a new work by Denisa Reyes, Every Woman, one of the numbers in a mixed bill titled Inamorata at the CCP in September 2011.
A perfectionist, he was frustrated with the workmanship of the resident seamstresses. So he supervised the finishing himself, showing up at the BP production room every day. Two years ago, for the cultural exchange performance in China, he sponsored the blazers for the dancers.
He and Bob Miller watched almost every performance of Ballet Philippines. And on opening nights, I was usually dressed in an Ito Curata gown.
At the CCP 50th anniversary gala, I proudly wore a perfectly made Ito Curata terno when I gave the opening remarks. When this pandemic is over, I pray that Bob and their son Taj will still come to the CCP and enjoy a performance.—Margie Moran-Floirendo, chairman, Cultural Center of the Philippines and former president, Ballet Philippines
Ito and I were instant friends, being both Batangueños. The minute we see each other we would switch into our “punto” (Batagueño accent) and often joke about our tummies. “Ay ang bata, kailan ga ang labas?” (When are we going to deliver?) We both love good food, but we’d also police each other from going for seconds.—JC Buendia, fashion designer
I have been fortunate to have known a remarkable human being in the persona of Ito Curata. He was loyal, endearing and above of all nurturing. Expect someone like Ito to come to your aid for moral support.
He was present in my moments of happiness and loneliness. Too generous, on many occasions, he would curate a thematic birthday party along with a group of friends simply because he enjoys throwing a shindig to those close to his heart.
He thrives in making other people feel special and happy. But most of all, with fondness, I enjoyed our intimate dinners in his beautiful home over meaningful conversations. He was quick-witted and time spent with him would definitely perk your spirit to a heightened state of happy intoxication! After all, he favored champagne and was always ready to give a toast to anyone who shared the same zest to enjoy life!—Francis de Leon, hotel and development consultant
Ito was one of the nicest and kindest persons I have ever met in the local fashion industry. I remember when I first got invited to one of his lavish parties in his home. My partner, Roland, and I, being shy ourselves, were quite anxious to leave early since we didn’t know anyone in the party.
What stopped us? We were greeted by Ito’s beautiful smile and he made sure that we felt just right at home. We also learned that night that Ito and his partner Bob were the most gracious hosts. Since then, we just hit it off and became good friends.—Noel Crisostomo, fashion designer
I have a short video taken not too long ago with Ito, and it always makes me smile whenever I view it. It was my birthday dinner hosted by Cris Albert at Hyatt BGC. He was one of the few special friends that I invited. As part of the evening’s activities, each of my friend had to say something about me.
As expected, I received powerful but kind words from Ito. He was a very fair person, very down to earth, humble and really a genuine friend. He never indulged in gossip nor entertained hearsay. In fact, he avoided people who did.
I will miss his good cooking, his creative, talented mind. I will miss the themed parties, birthday gatherings and informal get-togethers in his beautiful home. He was just the perfect host with the most.
Ito also had a very pleasing and magnetic personality, especially when his eyes sparkled like twinkling stars. It was easy to like him. He would always say, “Life is too short. Let’s enjoy it now.” Although I will miss Ito terribly, in my heart and mind, his memories will continue to live on.—Len Olbes
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I first met Ito when I was a health educator and, subsequently, executive director of the Filipino Task Force on AIDS in San Francisco. He owned a franchise of Miss Gay Universe, a pageant that became one of our venues for HIV/AIDS education for the gay community consisting of Filipino-Americans and other ethnicities, while we raised needed funds for our non-profit organization.
Ito and his partner were known to be generous in supporting many worthy causes in the US and the Philippines. One thing that I and many of our mutual friends will always cherish and miss is his trademark smile and round glasses—a window to his infectious, happy personality. Rest in peace, dear friend.—Dennis Deniega, one of Ito’s San Francisco-based friends
I will remember the time when I invited Ito and Bob to my birthday dinner. Although it was a simple affair, they didn’t think twice. They were there to show their love, and I was grateful and honored to have them both. From then on, Ito and I became closer.
As his friend, my words are not enough to describe how generous and kind-hearted he was. I’m so saddened by his passing. I’m praying that his soul find peace and eternal rest.— Bess Tonel, events organizer
We have so many special moments that will be forever kept in our hearts. One time, when I was upset with something and wanted to talk to him, I called Ito up and asked him if he had time to listen.
As usual, he was busy designing and making gowns for his clients. In short, he had pressing deadlines. He knew I was upset so he offered to drive to Makati to meet me. It wasn’t convenient for him, but he made time for me anyway.
He met me and listened to me for a couple of hours before driving back to Alabang to make up for lost time. I felt better then knowing that I have a friend like him. You will be dearly missed. I love you, BFF Ito Curata. —Hera Geriene
Ito and his partner Bob are one of the nicest and most genuine people I know. They’re not fake and never said anything bad about anyone. I remember the first time I went to Ito to have something made, he asked me what my style was and I told him surprise me.
With a twinkle in his eyes, he smiled and said, “I like you! So, I have carte blanche.”
From then on we became such good friends. His creations and creativity never ceased to amaze me. Ito will be greatly missed not only for his brilliance, but most especially for his kind and gentle soul.—Marivic Vazquez
Ito Curata will always have a soft spot in my heart. Aside from being my kababayan (provincemate) from Batangas, he was also my good neighbor. I could only think of happy memories of the many times he invited me to his thematic parties in his beautiful home.
What I would solely miss the most, however, were our impromptu luncheons or get-togethers in a nearby restaurant in community mall with his family and our common friends. He had this innate ray of sunshine about him, which radiated and gave people a glimpse of his good soul.
In one instance, he surprised me with a jacket that he personally created for my trip. I will always remember such a sweet gesture with fondness. Likewise, my heart is full of happiness whenever I reminisce our many bonding moments, especially when Ito, Bob and their son Taj spent a weekend in my farm in Lipa. Thank you Ito for the beautiful memories!–Glecy Mojares
