by JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ and ALEX Y. VERGARA
PeopleAsia’s beloved columnist and designer extraordinaire Ito Curata passed away Thursday, March 26, after bravely battling pneumonia at the ICU of Asian Hospital in the past weeks.
Ito, who had made a name for himself dressing Manila’s – and even Hollywood’s – finest to the nines, was also known as a gracious host and the life of the party – many of which he chronicled in his PeopleAsia column, aptly titled “The ITo Guy.”
Before becoming one of the country’s most sought-after designers, Ito, a native of Batangas, lived and practiced his craft in the West Coast, particularly in San Francisco. For several years, he was based there, catering to members of the Bay Area’s high society and fashion cognoscenti, including a certain rising star named Sharon Stone.
Ever the fashion plate, Sharon, who was then transitioning into an A-list actress, was looking for designers to help her up her game. Ito caught her attention and the two eventually collaborated.
“When she finally fitted the long dress I made for her, she was ecstatic,” Ito related years ago. “I will never forget what she said: ‘My God, Ito, what did you do? You gave me the ass of a 20-year-old.'”
Sharon wore the dress on the cover of a US magazine, which Ito later had framed and proudly displayed in his shop. He was also an avid collector of intricately painted Spanish fans, which also adorned the walls of his shop.
As a host, he, together with his partner Bob Miller, was also known for throwing fun thematic parties over the years, including Oscar- and Dynasty-themed events, in their Metro Manila home. He was also a fine cook who took pride in his caldereta and various hearty meat dishes. The last big party the pair hosted was when Ito turned 60 last November 2.
“This is the first time in years that I’ve thrown a party on my actual birthday,” he shared. “I wasn’t sure if people would come because it’s a long holiday. But, look, they all came! I’m 60, but I don’t feel like it.”
In 2015, Ito was honored as one of PeopleAsia magazine’s “Men Who Matter” awardees. In the interview, he revealed that the most real luxury in his life remains to be the family and friends who shower him with love. “Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness,” he shared.
