History with The Curio:

Maria Pinto of Maria Pinto has been a featured designer for our Fashion Show, “A Celebration of Chicago Style” 2024, and in 2023.

Recent News:

Maria Pinto hosted a Pop Up in Chevy, Chase outside Washington, D.C. in the Spring of 2025.

Maria Pinto was interviewed at NBC 5 to discuss her February 2025 panel discussion with The Costume Council. The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum presents Maria in conversation with Maggie Gillette of Curio discussing the secret to longevity and creativity in the fashion world.

Designer Bio:

As a forward-thinking fashion designer, Maria Pinto is constantly exploring new ways to innovate and make fashion more accessible. She offers a collection of timeless, ready-to-wear garments designed for sophisticated, stylish women. Maria’s mission to create fashion that empowers women to feel chic and confident—from day to night—was the driving force behind the creation of her brand. Her unique "deconstructed couture" approach blends the style, fit, and construction of luxury couture with the comfort and practicality women need every day.

A visionary designer, artist, and business leader, Maria’s passion for art and fashion has been evident since childhood. As a shy and introspective girl, she found inspiration in museums, studying the creative expressions and techniques of various artists. This deep connection to art led her to pursue both fashion and fine arts at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017. Maria continues to believe that art is all-encompassing, whether it manifests on a canvas or in the form of a dress.

Maria’s fashion journey began with an internship in New York City under the mentorship of renowned womenswear designer Geoffrey Beene. Beene’s focus on fabric, tailoring, and minimalist design had a lasting impact on Maria’s own design philosophy. In 1991, after returning to Chicago, she launched a line of embroidered and beaded scarves and wraps, which quickly gained popularity with top boutiques like Ultimo, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, and Saks. Her designs even caught the eye of Mick Jagger, who wore one of her scarves during a performance at Soldier Field.

Maria Pinto's illustrious career includes numerous milestones and achievements:

-1991: Launched the Maria Pinto luxury collection, sold internationally, including at Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys NYC

-2007: Dressed Michelle Obama

-2009: Awarded the “Legends of Fashion” award from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

-2009: Invited to join the Council of Fashion Designers of America

-2013: Launched M2057 by Maria Pinto, with collections available at her Chicago boutique and online style studio

-2016: Celebrated her 25th anniversary in fashion with a retrospective at Chicago's City Gallery

-2016: Featured her designs on the popular TV drama series *Empire* on FOX

-2017: Received an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

-2018: Showcased her artwork at the Holly Hunt Showroom

-2023: Celebrated the 10th anniversary of M2057 by Maria Pinto

-2023: Opens up new boutique on the Gold Coast

Maria Pinto’s dedication to creating sustainable and accessible collections has earned her a well-deserved place in the fashion world. By seamlessly merging art and fashion, her craftsmanship continues to break new boundaries, all while upholding her vision of helping women build smart, effortless style systems that allow their individuality to shine.