Are you familiar with Chicago-based upscale clothing designer Maria Pinto? If you’d never even heard of her name until recently, you certainly are not alone. Pinto’s exclusive designs have been worn for the better part of a decade by many of Illinois’ best-dressed group and socialites, but the rest of the world wasn’t introduced to her simple, yet elegant, style until First Lady Michelle Obama brought it into the spotlight.
First Lady Of Style
Throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, Michelle Obama selected some of Pinto’s unique designs for a variety of appearances that were highly-publicized. Perhaps the most famous of the many Pinto looks the first lady wore is a purple-toned sheath paired with large faux pearls that set of her figure, and also set the fashion bar extremely high. There is also a turquoise Pinto dress that captured much media attention for its simple but elegant lines.
A Flurry Of Media Coverage
Rumor has it that Obama was first introduced to Pinto’s designs about five years ago, just before her husband was sworn in as senator. Since then, she has remained a loyal customer, turning to Pinto’s creations for numerous occasions. In fact, in a family photo early in the presidential campaign, Michelle and her daughters were photographed wearing coats that were designed by Pinto. In addition, during the presidential campaign, the now-president’s wife was included in Vanity Fair’s “Best Dressed” list of 2007, and when asked what designers she wears, Michelle named Pinto as her favorite. Such publicity helped transform the small-scale designer with a small, but exclusive clientele, into someone whose work is suddenly well-known and in high demand.
Style Is Contagious
Inspired by Obama’s unique sense of style, a handful of other celebrities and well-known names are also wearing Pinto’s beautiful designs. For instance, Oprah has been photographed in a Pinto original, and also selected Pinto’s clothing for viewer style makeovers on the show. Other notables who have been seen in Pinto’s designs include Courteney Cox, Sharon Stone and Christina Ricci. Further, Pinto is said to have designed sparkling eveningwear for at least a dozen inauguration ball participants in January of 2009.
