Skip to Content

Passion for fashion? Visit the new StyleList!

Michelle Obama's style secret: Maria Pinto

Filed under: Style in the News, Celebrities with Style


We're enjoying all of the Wall Street Journal coverage about Michelle Obama and her sartorial choices. Last week it was about what she wore on The View. This week's Michelle missive reveals the name of the designer behind the purple "fist bump" sheath dress, and so many of Michelle's great looks: Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto.

Maria Pinto designs

(click thumbnails to view gallery)

  • White blouse with high color
  • Lace back dress
  • Halter tunic and white pants
  • Turquoise floor length overcoat
  • Portrait collar jacket and floor length skirt


Maria's designs are deceptively simple, with sculptural but unfussy details. In addition to some lovely formal wear and cocktail dresses, she has a luxurious line of wraps made from exotic materials, including velvet and feathers. Don't get scared by the materials, this isn't a Renn-Faire line! Oprah and her BFF Gayle King are also fans of Maria, and you certainly won't see them at a jousting tournament.

You can find Maria's clothes and accessories, which range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys and Takashimaya in New York. She also has a Chicago boutique in the works, and we expect she will be extremely busy between now and November 4th.

Check out some highlights from the Spring and Fall collections in the gallery.

How You Voted

    Curly or Straight?
    While 30% of you think she's so beautiful that her hair doesn't even matter, 49% of you prefer her curls. Get the full story here.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images | Jon Furniss, WireImage

    Offensive or artistic?
    Just over 50% of StyleList readers said they weren't offended by this shirt, but didn't know if it was totally appropriate to wear in public. Unfortunately, that wasn't the opinion in Dubai. Get the full story here.

    Photo: eBay

    ebay

    Strapless dresses on 13-year-olds
    StyleList readers think strapless dresses should be saved for older girls -- 41% of you think the look is too mature. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Is Megan the new Angelina?
    Half of you think Megan needs to get her own identity and quit copying Angie, but more than a quarter said Jolie doesn't stand a chance against this Fox. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Did Calvin Klein respond to public's outcry?
    The controversial "threesome" billboard in Soho has been replaced with this one, but 51% of you believe it was just to keep people talking about the brand, not because CK caved. Get the full story here.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Calvin Klein's Racy Ad
    Is it art or practically pornography? About 40% of StyleList readers found this billboard obscene. Get the full story.

    Maggie Coughlan, AOL

    Palin's Pedi
    Do you think Sarah Palin's funky pedicure was appropriate? If so, you're in good company -- 68% of you said it was fun and fabulous. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Bright, Light, or Dark as Night?
    How do you like your toenails painted? Over half of StyleList readers prefer their piggies with bright, perky polish. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Nipple cream as lip balm?
    StyleList readers are willing to try anything! 80% of you either love the idea or, at the very least, think it's worth a try. Get the full story.

    notsogoodphotography on flickr

    Skip the skinny jeans
    Skinny jeans might be bad for you, but more than 50 percent of you never wore them anyway! Get the full story.

    Getty Images

Featured Galleries

StyleList Fashion Blog bloggers (30 days)

#BloggerPostsCmts
1Bee-Shyuan Chang530
2Maureen Dempsey350
3Kristen Seymour290
4Marissa Gold230
5Amber Stolec200
6Jessica B. Matlin170
7Courtney Dunlop160
8Ben Widdicombe110
9Sarah Cristobal70
10Melissa Foss40