Ito Curata

Ito Mendoza Curata was born in Manila, Philippines, on November 2, 1959. Curata took up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines for a year. He got a scholarship at Clarion University of Pennsylvania but since their fine arts program was very limited, he decided to forfeit his scholarship and move to San Francisco. He then studied at the University of San Francisco where he obtained a bachelor of fine arts degree and at the Academy of Art University where he graduated from the university's Certificate program.[3]

Curata lived San Francisco in the United States for 26 years. While in San Francisco, Curata ran his own atelier and designed clothing for high profile public figures such as actress Sharon Stone and socialite Helena Maria Schulz.[4] Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Filipino actress Bea Alonzo were among his Philippine-based clients.[1]

Ito Curata with Sharon Stone in 1999.

At the first Miss Universe Philippines fashion show in 2019, Curata's works was among the featured in the exhibition.[4]

Ito Curata with 3 Miss Universe Philippine Contestants in his gowns.

He and his partner Miller were admitted to a hospital in mid march due to COVID-19 symptoms.[5] Curata died on March 26, 2020 due to pneumonia, a complication from COVID-19 infection, and kidney failure.

Curata had a partner named Robert Miller whom he met while living in San Francisco. Miller was an executive vice president for Visa Inc.. After Miller retired early in 2000 from his job, the couple decided to reside in the Philippines in 2004. Curata legally adopted a newborn baby with Miller as their son in 2006.[6][4]