MARIA PATRINOS started her Oak Brook-based MKP brand three years ago—bringing statement pieces, outerwear, and accessories to the Western Suburbs where she saw a void in the market. “I have been passionate about fashion my entire life, so I was frustrated not being able to complete my looks with what I consider to be the wow factors,” she explains. In early 2019 she began the design and sourcing process for her business which manufactures pieces around the globe based on the region’s specialty. “My first piece was the Katerina coat which was an oversized denim coat that had detachable fox fur on the hood and the cuffs. It continues to be one of my best-selling coats. I then focused on cropped, fitted, and oversized leather jackets in bold colors, so people have options. Finally, my teddy coats and vests have been a big success.” While you can find her pieces in stores, Patrinos tends to focus predominantly on trunk shows where women can get together, have some cocktails, network, and shop. When she isn’t designing her latest custom piece, Patrinos enjoys spending time with her husband Jason, and her children Teddy and Zea, traveling, and supporting the Children’s Service Board at Lurie Children’s Hospital. The fashionista shares her favorites in the country and around town with us:

Mantra? YOLO. Best grooming tip? Don’t ever sleep with your makeup on! Guilty pleasure? Nachos. Favorite food? Sushi. Music you love? Miami Party Playlist on Spotify. Best advice ever given to you? Walk in a room with confidence. Best advice you’ve given? Own your look and don’t save anything for a later day. Wear it now. Earliest memory? Growing up in a hard-working, loving family. When you wake up, you? Put my Patchology eye gels on first thing. You can’t live without? My family. Love to escape to? The South of France. Advice you would give to your younger self? Never worry about what others think of you.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Sporty chic—think bodysuit, joggers, and designer sneakers. Can’t leave the house without? Oversized sunglasses and hoops. Transportation? Any car that I’m not driving. I hate driving! Driving music? Motivation Mix on Spotify. Place to eat? Nabuki. Shop? RedE Mas—I love Valerie! The perfect day is? Morning workout, then grabbing a Starbucks Grande Americano, and styling looks in my closet for the week and going over MKP orders and notes. Grabbing an afternoon lunch at Nabuki with my girlfriends, sipping on champagne, and talking about absolutely nothing. A quick shop at RedE Mas and a quick blowout, followed by a dinner date with my hubs.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Rocker chic. Transportation? Uber black XL. Place to eat? Joe’s Imports. Shop? I shop when I travel or with my contacts at Fendi, Bottega Veneta, and Saks on Fifth Avenue. Best thing about town? Energy, vibe, variety. Worst thing about town? Traffic. The perfect day is? Waking up at the Langham hotel. Starbucks. Soul Cycle. Brunch at Joe’s Imports. A blowout at Salon Buzz on Superior Street with Sophia Koliopoulos—she is the best! Shopping on Oak Street. Early cocktails and drinks with my hubby at Le Colonial.