Maria Pinto is a contemporary American designer and artist who creates beautiful, versatile fashion with a modern, urban edge. She is passionate about designing clothing that makes today’s woman feel gorgeous and confident, and she has dressed some of the world’s most fashionable women, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Marcia Gay Harden, Brooke Shields, and Oprah Winfrey. Inspired by urban architecture and design, M2057 embodies Maria’s clean, minimalist aesthetic, giving women fashion that is versatile and chic.
Our mission is to give the time-starved woman a wardrobe that is accessible yet aspirational, functional yet flattering, effortless yet elegant—a blank canvas upon which to express herself and an armor that empowers and inspires, wherever life may take her.
"M2057 has a very architectural energy. It's where the industrial meets the elegant."— Maria Pinto, creative director and CEO
Read below to learn more about M2057 by Maria Pinto!
Who is answering these questions?
Sydney Roti, operations manager at M2057 by Maria Pinto. I've been working here for about a year and a half and am extremely excited about the future of the company!
How old is your business?
Eight years old! Established in 2013 by raising more than $270,000 on Kickstarter, becoming the crowdfunding platform's most successful womenswear campaign at the time.
How long have you been in the neighborhood?
Opened our flagship style studio in November of 2015 on Washington Blvd and Green St.After outgrowing our flagship studio, we moved to our current location on Morgan St in November of 2020.
Why the West Loop?
"I've felt at home in the West Loop for years, ever since I opened my previous store here more than ten years ago. Finally, the rest of the city is catching on! Our neighborhood is vibrant and artistic, where you can eat some of the city's most creative dishes, sip on fabulously crafted cocktails, shop at unique and custom boutiques, all within the backdrop of Chicago's industrial history. Whether you're visiting from out of town or a Chi-town native, I highly recommend checking out this dynamic scene." - Maria Pinto
What are your top challenges in growing your business?
At this point, one of our greatest challenges due to COVID-19 is knowing where she is at in regards to her wardrobe needs. This past year we've learned the importance of pivoting in order to meet her where she is at and also predict where she's going to be in a few days, months and even in a year. Today we're focusing on tops and mini tunics that are comfortable and interesting for Zoom calls but as the weather warms up we see she wants to look and feel good in more dresses and cotton pieces. Predicting the unpredictable is where our focus lies as we continue to grow M2057.
Why did you join the West Central Association?
While we've been in the neighborhood for almost six years now, we haven't had the opportunity to truly build great relationships with our neighbors. Now more than ever, we realize the importance of connecting with others, especially as a small business in this great community. We're looking to grow our business and support others in their endeavors to do the same, so felt joining the West Central Association was a great start!
What makes your business unique?
The label marries superior design quality—sculptural lines, luxe-feeling Italian fabrics—with ease and versatility—most of the pieces are machine washable and very travel friendly. The clothes are designed to fit a wide range of body types and sizes, and can be styled a number of ways to transition seamlessly from casual to formal events. It is a collection that makes women feel beautiful and keeps up with their busy lives. While our fabrics are imported from Italy, all our garments are produced and made in Chicago!
What gets you up in the morning?
The opportunity to deliver impeccable service to our client and filling her wardrobe with M2057 – high function, low maintenance pieces, so she opens her closet door and the frustration of dressing is over!
What’s your favorite part of the West Loop?
Our favorite part about the West Loop is that, while it has grown exponentially over the past few years, it still has a cozy neighborhood feel.
What does the future look like?
The future is bright! If we have learned anything over the past year, it is that you cannot take anything for granted. From now on, in our professional and personal lives, we will take advantage of the opportunities in front of us, be allies to those around us and live each day to its fullest potential.
Describe your business in 140 characters or less
M2057's vision is to create fashion that changes the way women view themselves, so they can boldly change the world.
Bonus Question: Tell us a fun fact about you or your business!
Maria Pinto was Michelle Obama's go-to designer during the 2008 campaign trail! Obama wore a Maria Pinto dress to a campaign speech, where she and her husband exchanged a fist bump that became known as "the fist bump heard 'round the world."