MANILA – Renowned fashion designer Pitoy Moreno has passed away.

Moreno, dubbed the “Fashion Czar of Asia,” died due to cardiac arrest at 2:48 p.m. Monday, Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) confirmed to ABS-CBN News.

He was 87.

BPCI, the organization behind the national pageant, had long included Moreno as its executive committee member. It paid tribute to Moreno in 2013, by having candidates parade in his creations.

With a career spanning over 60 years, Moreno’s creations have appeared on the pages of international magazines, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

His signature “Maria Clara” terno has been worn by first ladies, heads of states, and even European royalty.

Moreno was among the batch of National Artists named in 2009, a decision by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which was later invalidated by the Supreme Court. - With a report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News