By Biba Roesch
Columnist Biba Roesch, wearing a Maria Pinto design
My favorite things are a blend of people, places, and small daily pleasures—what Danish people call hygge or coziness: my family and friends, flowers, music and candles, long walks through Lincoln Park, watching the sun rise over the lake from my apartment, and Hygge They also include Copenhagen, my home country, and Chicago, which has been my home now for more than 60 years. Among these favorites is one that embodies style, creativity, and Chicago itself—fashion designer Maria Pinto.
With Mamie Walton, Biba is wearing a scarf designed by Maria Pinto
Chicago’s own Maria Pinto is a designer I have admired for decades. Earlier this week, I met her at her charming Wabash Street boutique. I have known Maria for much of that journey, and every conversation with her—especially about the stories and inspirations behind her designs—leaves me inspired all over again.
Biba at the studio wall of Maria Pinto designs
Biba Roesch at Maria Pinto’s studio
When I asked Maria about her favorite things, she mentioned supporting local artists, Sepia, and Green Florists.
For those who may not already know, Maria Pinto is a Chicago-based, internationally recognized designer now approaching her 35th year in the fashion industry. Though the current iteration of her namesake line is more accessible than her previous forays into luxury, Maria says she could not design the clothes she does today without her luxury background.
She describes her approach as “deconstructed couture” – creating high-quality pieces that are as timeless as they are functional for women leading busy lives. The brand’s signature fabrics are sourced from the finest Italian mills, and are machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, fade-proof, high-performance, and deceptively comfortable.
Designer Maria Pinto with columnist Biba Roesch
The fabrics do not crease, making them ideal for the well-traveled woman. Her garments have cut edges instead of heavy hems—the fabric does not fray or abrade—so they are easy to alter for a perfect fit.
Maria goes on to explain how sustainability is central to the brand’s identity. Each piece is ethically produced in the USA using sustainably sourced fabrics. In Maria’s own words, “Made in America, and made in Chicago.” Collections are made in limited runs, and no materials go to waste. Seasonal color lines draw inspiration from international cultures and artists—the current collection, Niigata, and its eponymous print were named after a city in Japan.
Maria’s designs specialize in thoughtful draping, architectural silhouettes, and sculptural shapes that evoke light, air, and movement. Her pieces are flattering across all ages and body types. As the proud owner of several of her pieces, I can attest to their age-less elegance. Maria turns a simple tunic into a work of art, with precisely designed sleeves and a double collar that stands to perfection.
Biba wearing Maria Pinto
When I asked Maria about her path into fashion, she explained that it began by way of visual art. She still paints and carries T-shirts printed with her work. Her first line—embroidered and beaded scarves and wraps—launched in 1991, selling at Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks, and Ultimo, among others. Even Mick Jagger became a fan, wearing one of her scarves during a Soldier Field performance.
“Women aren’t willing to forfeit comfort anymore,” says Maria, who launched this collection after two decades dressing some of Chicago’s most notable women, including Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama (who recently featured Maria in her fashion retrospective, The Look). Maria realized that women were changing after the 2008 recession, and she wanted to help them build versatile, chic capsule wardrobes that prioritized comfort and confidence. In both theory and practice, the same jacket styles seamlessly as suiting and layers effortlessly over a T-shirt for Sunday errands.
Since the opening of Maria Pinto’s Gold Coast boutique two and a half years ago, her staff has cultivated a warm, welcoming atmosphere unlike any other. Sophisticated Chicagoans who share Maria’s aesthetic sensibilities and disdain for style sacrifices will appreciate the community of likeminded women who shop—often exclusively—Maria Pinto.
Thank you to Maria Pinto and her team for being an inspiration to Chicago and the Arts.
To learn more about Maria, visit www.MariaPinto.com
