Did You Know? Princess Margaret Once Wore a Filipino-Designed Creation in 1980

The piece by Pitoy Moreno is on exhibit at Kensington Palace until November 30.

Published on Aug 18, 2025

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/GREAT BRITISH TEA PARTY VIA HULTON ARCHIVE

On April 2, 1980, Princess Margaret made a state visit to the Philippines, making her the first member of the British Royal Family to ever set foot in the country. The Countess of Snowdown did a grand tour of Manila, with her itinerary including a visit to Luneta Park, an appearance at the inauguration of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and a gala at Malacañang Palace.

On one occasion, Princess Margaret stepped out in a green embroidered gown, adorned with hand-stitched floral motifs—a bespoke creation by Pitoy Moreno, one of the country’s most celebrated couturiers.

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Pitoy Moreno is regarded as a pillar of Philippine fashion. Over his career, he’s dressed global dignitaries, including U.S. First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Pat Nixon, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Tsaritsa Margarita of Bulgaria, Queen Sofia of Spain, Princess Suga of Japan, and the UK's Princess Margaret. His international acclaim effectively earned him the title of the “Fashion Czar of Asia.”

The gown for Princess Margaret was a prime example of “diplomatic dressing,” using clothing to honor a host nation’s culture while meeting the formal standards of a state visit. It also aligned with the Princess’ vibrant sartorial choices and her well-known penchant for discovering new designers during her lifetime.

Pitoy Moreno’s Custom Piece for Princess Margaret

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Princess Margaret's Pitoy Moreno gown on display at Kensignton Palace. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/GREAT BRITISH PARTY.

According to the listing on Kerry Taylor Auctions, a globally-renowned auction house in vintage fashion, the bespoke piece was made from green organza with fine pulled and drawn threadwork, embroidered with large satin-stitched floral motifs. It featured a bow defining the waist, a square neckline, and a Dior London ivory taffeta petticoat.

Details of Princess Margaret's evening gown by Pitoy Moreno.

Details of the evening gown. PHOTOS: KERRY TAYLOR AUCTIONS

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Pitoy Moreno's inside tag. PHOTO: KERRY TAYLOR AUCTIONS.

Princess Margaret first wore the gown during her April 1980 visit to Manila. Later that same year, she was photographed in the same piece at another engagement in the United Kingdom.

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Princess Margaret in the U.K., circa 1980. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/GREAT BRITISH TEA PARTY VIA HULTON ARCHIVE.

The gown is currently part of "Dress Codes," an ongoing exhibition at Kensington Palace featuring rare and iconic garments from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, which houses 10,000 pieces spanning five centuries, preserved by the Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) organization. Notable highlights include attire worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret, and Queen Victoria.

The exhibition runs until November 30, 2025. Admission tickets, which grant access to both Dress Codes and the palace’s public areas and gardens, start at £24.70 (approximately P1,910.76) for regular adults. Purchases can be made via the Historic Royal Palaces’ official website.

Pitoy Moreno's gown for Princess margaret on display at Kensington Palace

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PHOTO: FACEBOOK/HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES.

Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with headphones on, coffee in hand, and likely dressed in an oversized blazer and floor-grazing jeans.