INNOVATIVE & FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

Legendary Chicago-based fashion designer Maria Pinto has adorned countless leading women, including Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, with innovative yet functional designs. Pinto shares insights into her boutique’s recent move and the evolution of her collections.

1. Why the move?
The West Loop was home to my first store when we launched ten years ago. Today, our clients work, live or spend more time in the Gold Coast so, on the heels of the 10th anniversary, it felt like an opportune time to pursue a larger storefront in a new part of town.

2. How have you and your brand evolved over the last 10
years?
In concert with the move to my new Chicago storefront, the M2057 by Maria Pinto moniker that launched my ready-to-wear collection in 2013 has changed to Maria Pinto. The change symbolizes my continued transformation. Just as I encourage my clients to discover comfort and confidence in the diversity of their bodies and lives from year to year, I, too, try to boldly evolve and wanted to honor this new season of my career with the simplicity and realness of my name. I’ve always welcomed the freedom of moving into each moment of my life. It’s so critical that as women, we completely own the perfection of being ourselves at all stages. And really, I don’t believe in reinventing yourself. I am simply in a constant state of evolution.

3. What is today’s socially active, professional woman looking for in a style system?
I’d like to think that the garments I create are an essential staple for any active woman who consciously values her humble, yet powerful, place in the community. With a minimalist, architectural aesthetic for the everyday polished look, my clients love our “industrial meets elegant” pieces. They also lend to a seamless day-to-evening transition for the social professional. From neutral tones to vibrant monochromatic styles and artful prints, our designs are manufactured in the U.S. and crafted with fine European fabrics that are machine washable, stain resistant, wrinkle and fade-free with designs that stand the test of “style time.” These attributes alone speak to what women value today: time.

4. You launch new capsules nearly every two months. Where do you draw inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the environment all around me. Nature is definitely a big source, as you’ll see in several of our prints and even in the artwork that I personally create. As a trained artist, I am also fascinated by the use of color and patterns and am intrigued by the artistic works of others. Even architecture sparks ideas. I previously collaborated with architect Jeanne Gang to create a capsule collection that was inspired by her architecture. Today, I am working on a capsule collection in partnership with Chicago artist Amanda Williams, who has gained a tremendous amount of well-deserved acclaim for her studies in color. That collection will launch in 2024.

5. Pro Tip: You are traveling on a 2-day business trip, with an extra day of leisure tacked on. What are you packing?
I hear from clients all the time that they love traveling with Maria Pinto because of the pieces’ malleability and the ability to pack just a few staples. For a business trip, you can’t go wrong with our Zadie pant, a straight-leg pant that has a flattering elegance. The Vedder skirt is another favorite—a high-waisted piece with a soft A-line cut that reads pencil but brings some sway and shape as you move. Both garments are ideal for a business meeting with pumps followed by a dinner date with strappy heels when paired with one of our tops or jackets. The Delphine dress is so much fun and comfortable for everything from weddings to business to sightseeing. Its presence is beautiful and easy to take up or down with chic heels or a charming flat. And lastly, I always recommend traveling with a lightweight jacket. Our Hopper coat has been in massive demand. This mid-length jacket is light and airy—lending an ideal shape for layering. You can belt it for a cinched fit and even remove the bottom panel for a shorter cut. Wear it dressy or toss it over jeans and a tee for an effortless fashion statement while on the go.

For more information visit, mariapinto.com.