Friends and fanily are collaborating in a nine-day novena for the clothier Pepito Albert, who died Saturday on the age of 63.

Albert, who had studied fashion and began his profession within the U.S., died of cancer at his home in Manila, based on fellow Filipino-born designer Josie Natori.

Albert graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles in 1986, and remained Stateside within the U.S. to enterprise into fashion. From the beginning the designer strived to appeal to strong women with a certain gravitas. He was also a fashion resource for the primary family within the Philippines including former first daughter Irene Marcos-Araneta. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reportedly wore Albert-designed barongs for such key appearances as King Charles’ coronation in London in May and a state visit to the U.S. to satisfy President Biden.

Having befriended Albert within the late ’90s, when she had formed the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, Natori said, “He was one among the leading designers within the Philippines. He had a really modern and clean approach. He was quite looked-up to. He had an incredible taste level and dressed plenty of the society women, including the primary lady [Liza Araneta Marcos] over the inauguration.”

Over time, Albert added accessories to his design portfolio and have become involved with the humanities, having amassed a large art collection. The eldest in a big family, Albert taken care of his siblings. “He had such a humorousness and was very opinionated. People, who loved him, loved him so,” said Natori. “But if you happen to crossed him….He was fun. He had absolutely amazing taste. Ultimately, he had rooms filled with art and he was buying and selling art.”

Within the late ’80s, Albert explained that his aim was to make women look smart, powerful and avant-garde, but not vulgar. After starting his eponymous company in 1987, the designer favored accentuated waistlines, narrow silhouettes, clean geometric lines, transparent touches and the occasional Grace Kelly-inspired sunglasses for added panache. Catering to specialty stores within the late ’80s, Albert generated about $400,000 in wholesale volume in 1998 — a good output for a set that retailed between $90 and $180.

Because the years peeled away, Albert elevated his creations and have become a favourite resource for socialites and political spouses. In 1992, he returned to the Philippines and opened a bespoke business. Albert also dabbled in jewelry. In 2009, he shifted gears a bit to launch his first full accessories collection called XVIA3 that drew upon cross-cultural references and was partially inspired by traditional Filipino jewelry.  Inclined so as to add elements that were intentionally “barely off,” akin to 14-karat yellow gold-dipped silver, Albert also touched upon his heritage with such accents because the national sampaguita flower and the “pabatin,” a pinata-like toy for youngsters.

Albert’s preferred accessory of alternative was a Spanish fan that gave the impression to be a wink at his elusive public persona. Testimony to that was his preference for group shows versus solo ones. Despite that, he had a loyal following of high-profile clients, including the actress Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo. In February, he participated in a bunch show on the Pintô Art Museum titled “Algodon” with JC Buendia, Tonichi Nocom, Barba, and Randy Ortiz. He was also keen on the model Jo Ann Bitagcol. Media-shy as Albert was, he was known to be a willing mentor to aspiring and young designers.

Natori enjoyed “plenty of Champagne dinners” with Albert, whom she last dined with a couple of months ago in Manila together with the outstanding chef Margarita Forés, and the friendly trio wrapped up the meal with some shopping at a Dior boutique. The 2 designers related to one another partially since Albert had began his profession within the U.S. When his health continued to falter in recent months, Natori kept the goodwill going by sending him steaks, a favourite indulgence, and books like Truman Capote’s “Unanswered Prayers.”

Albert’s friends and relatives had first began saying novenas for a cure for him a couple of years ago. The nine-day one which is underway is typically customary within the Philippines, in lieu of a wake or funeral. Natori said of “the one-of-a-kind” Albert, “I do know that he was loved by many.”

He’s survived by two of his brothers, whose names weren’t immediately known.