If he were still alive today, Jose “Pitoy” Moreno (25 February 1925 to 15 January 2018) would be turning 100 years old. The pioneering fashion designer, who gained recognition locally and globally as a leading figure in the fashion world of his time, is being honored with an exhibition and accompanying book entitled Timeless: J. Moreno at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M Museum) in BGC.

Pitoy Moreno promoted traditional Philippine textiles such as jusi and piña, bringing them into the global fashion spotlight. He revived interest in the Maria Clara and played a pivotal role in popularizing the Barong Tagalog for both men and women. This revitalization of traditional Filipino garments attracted a distinguished international clientele, including French couturier Pierre Cardin, the Emperor of Japan, and the kings of Morocco and Malaysia.

His clientele for his exquisite evening dresses, formal gowns and ternos, was equally star-studded: Philippine first ladies, socialites, movie stars — including Rita Moreno, who accepted her Oscar award in 1962 wearing a Pitoy Moreno creation, and attended the 2018 Academy Awards in the same dress — and royalty, such as the United Kingdom’s Princess Margaret.

Timeless: J Moreno is curated by New York-based art historian Dr. Florina H. Capistrano-Baker, assisted by co-curator Ditas R. Samson, and Los Angeles-based fashion curator Clarissa M. Esguerra, and The M’s curatorial department in close collaboration with exhibition and graphic designers Stanley Ruiz, Stephanie Yerba and Cocoy Lumbao. This groundbreaking multimedia exhibition celebrates the centennial of Moreno’s birth.

Timeless: J. Moreno opens to the public on 27 February 2025. This exhibition is made possible by the Jusi at Piña Legacy Foundation.

For more information, please contact info@metmuseummanila.org.