Chicago - August 13, 2008

Ave Maria

Maria Pinto Boutique Opens

Big designers play both sides against the middle.

Or, more accurately, both coasts against the Midwest. (What’re we, chopped liver?)

Not Chicago native Maria Pinto. She loves her some middle America.

To prove it, she’s opening her first boutique today in the West Loop, and it’s guaranteed to please both longtime followers (Michelle Obama) and newbies.

Pinto’s fall collection takes cues from minimalist sculptor Richard Serra and traditional Ethiopian tribal costumes (flowy, seductive pieces with hand-sewn adornments). Also available: signature wraps; precious and semiprecious jewelry selected by Pinto; belts by Fahrenheit by Connie Bates; and sweaters by Mai, Wolford, and Armand Diradourian.

Through Saturday, Pinto will donate 15 percent of all proceeds to the Women’s Board of the MCA.

Reason enough to meet her in the middle.

Maria Pinto, 135 North Jefferson Street, between Randolph Street and Washington Boulevard (312-648-1335).

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