MANILA – The fashion industry mourns the death of Pitoy Moreno, who passed away early this week at the age of 87.

With a career spanning over 60 years, Moreno has been known for his signature “Maria Clara” terno, and his work has been featured in international magazines.

As we look back on his life, here are five things you probably didn’t know about Moreno as mentioned in an article by Aurelio Icasiano which appeared on the November 2011 issue of Metro Society and republished on the Metro.Style website.

1. He initially planned on taking up law, but he was late for the exams.

Moreno ended up enrolling at the College of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines. It was in UP where he developed “a finer sense of the fashion world” as he designed clothes for his classmates and relatives.

2. Women of noble blood asked for his designs.

Moreno did almost 50 shows across the globe, from Tokyo to Madrid. He was featured in various publications, and drew the attention of the likes of Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Queen Margarite of Bulgaria, Princess Sofia of Greece, Princess Margaret of Britain, and Princess Suga of Japan.

3. He got the title “Fashion Czar of Asia” from a French tabloid.

It was the French tabloid Le Figaro which dubbed Moreno as the “Fashion Czar of Asia,” sealing his status as fashion royalty.

4. The first wedding gown he designed was worn by acclaimed painter Araceli Dans.

“Pitoy gifted me with the first wedding gown he designed. He was still unknown at the time,” recalled Dans, who became close to Moreno during their college days. He also created a gown for Dans upon learning that she was invited to a fraternity dance.

5. Despite his success, he never forgot his roots.

Even if he was already a renowned designer, Moreno still made an effort to accommodate people from all walks of life. A model who chose to remain anonymous recalled that she saw Moreno agreeing to create a wedding gown, fully aware that the client is unable to afford it.