Meet Maria Pinto, Michelle Obama’s Clothing Designer
14 August 2008, 5:15 PM. By Alex Alvarez
Maria Pinto is a Chicago-based designer responsible for, among other designs, the purple dress Michelle Obama wore while giving her husband the Terrorist Fist Jab seen ’round the world.
Her designs strike a balance between structured and romantic, much like a jabby fist swathed in Spanish lace. Says Pinto of one of her most famed clients:
“Michelle came in just like everyone else and said: ‘I need a few dresses. I need a suit for work,’ ” Ms. Pinto said.
While she does point out things Mrs. Obama might like, Ms. Pinto said she has never dressed her for events. Of the purple dress worn the night Mr. Obama claimed the nomination, Ms. Pinto said it was not planned. “Michelle is not scheming like her wardrobe should make certain points.”
That’s silly. Every outfit is worn to make a point, be it “I hope no one can tell I’m not wearing underwear” to “I’m too lazy to care.” A look at some of Ms. Pinto’s designs, after the jump:
This is one of the prettiest uses of lace we’ve seen in a while. We love how the peek-a-boo back adds a bit of interest to an otherwise demure dress.
No. This dress looks like the model just took a dump in it.
This reminds us of the dress Audrey Hepburn’s character wore during a party scene in Two For The Road where she’s fully come to terms with how much she does not love her cad of a husband.
This is a nice coat to wear when walking through a street in Paris and also you’re an assassin.
The top looks a little too reminiscent of window dressing for our taste, but we like this look overall.
Menacing, America-scaring fist bumps never looked so elegant.
An Obama Fashion Bump [NY Times]
Maria Pinto [Official Website]
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i have seen so many “dumped-in dresses” that I’ve got to wonder if many jessica mcclintock shoppers have a scat fetish
Ooh, that lace-backed dress looks gorgeous, as does that azure trench. I’m glad that Michelle Obama choose outfits that are flattering on her and not too matronly. I mean, she could easily go the pantsuits/skirt suits route, but it’s to her benefit that she hasn’t.
This comment is not against any designer but against the taste that Michelle Obama has in professional clothing! I have seen very few pics of her in “professional” looking clothes. Where did the floral prints come in at? She dresses so casual that it takes a lot of class away from her. She should be more “suited” to dress clothes and stay away from flat shoes! She tends to walk kind of clumsily and boyish. I know we all have our different ways, but to be in the limelight, you’d think she’d work on a few of these things.
This just shows that Michelle Obama is a real woman. Not every woman like heels nor will they pretend that they do. I do not think she has to pretend that she is something she is not. Not every female in the limelight walk like they are in a militant army or in a straight laced marching band.
So, if you even look at model walks or Princesses such as camel and Diana they do not walk with poise and grace as they should.
Just because you don’t like something on her does not mean others don’t like it. She doesn’t have to be suited and look all stuffy like Sarah Palin. That is not her style. She is a comfortable dress. She has grace just like Jackie Kennedy O’. Jackie has been pointed as wearing some great dresses and not all the time did she wear high heels.
I loved how Maria’s blue dress showed and flattered Michelle’s figure. The comment posted 09/30/08 was obviously posted by a jealous short person. Also, if Michelle spent more money, people would continue to say that they are elitist. I’m telling you, that some people just can’t be pleased. Michelle was stunning and her look was at a very reasonable cost, contrary to Pailin’s $5K jacket and McCain’s wife’s $280K earrings. Michelle is not a over-indulged model. She is a confident and professional woman…very confident in her own skin. She’s using simple and elegant clothes and accessories, showing her and the designer’s creativity, while bringing forth her Jackie O look.
Does anybody know the price of some of these dresses. I’m curious can’t find a price anywhere. Think michelle is using all that donated money to buy them.
Michelle’s dress on Nov. 4th was terrible. Would someone please give her some advice. This is embarassing for black women.
I agree, Mrs O does not move with much grace. Also, I have noticed from day one of her husband’s campaign that she does nto dress appropriately for any occasion, and I am surprised considering she supposedly worked for a hospital in Chicago–not a tacky city by any means. Until last night’s victory speech, I assumed that she was simply trying not to look elitist and that is why she always looked as though she was dressed for a local PTA meeting. The bare arms and never a jacket at even the debates seemed grossly inappropriate for a woman vying for our First Lady. But that god awful print that looked like the back of a black widow spider that she was wearing last night in Chicago really showed that she either has no taste in clothing at all or that she foolishly has hired the wrong dresser. The designs of Ms Pinto are rather unimaginative and amateurish. She makes a hit with her choice of vibrant colors occasionally, but that’s about it.
I agree with Marge. I’d like to know how much Michele spent on her campaign wardrobe. The media made such a big deal about the price of Sarah Palin’s clothes (the ones she didn’t even wear), but not one mention was made on how much Obama spent on her “designer dresses” - only that she’s being compaired to Jackie O. for her style. Unfair Liberal media??? I should think so!
Yes, I agree with Marge, Pam & Marynatha — the election day dress was hideous — and since it’s Narciso Rodriguez, it cost at least $1,000. So why haven’t the liberal news shows said anything about it?
She always dressed inappropriately for the events during the campaign. And I find it amazing (offensive) that ANYone could favorably compare her, or her style sense, to the inimitable, elegant, always appropriate Jackie O!
And trying to appear non-elitist went out the window when her daughter mentioned how when their dad comes in from out of town he leaves his suitcase in the “mud room” of their mansion in Chicago. They are trying to be all things to all people with his ghetto-speak (”get down,” “keepin’ it real”) when he’s on BET and “fist bumping” with his baby-mama, then when he talks to the whities, he’s suddenly Mr. Well-Spoken Ivy-Leaguer.
The 11/4/08 dress, no matter who it was by, was God awful. Please Michelle get a well known dresser who knows how the deal with the political scene. Sleevelessness is not appropriate for a professional look. If you are going to be sleeveless let it be in your nightgown. Sister don’t embarass us sisters anymore.
Will someone pleeeeeeeeeease hire a stylist for our new First Lady! Her wardrobe is not appropriate and is frankly hideous — especially the red and black Che Guevara-colored dress she wore on Nov. 4th — reminded me of a black widow spider. Not the look we want our First Lady to project around the world! Jackie-O would never have chosen any of these outfits!
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion as to Michelle Obama’s wardrobe. While I can’t say that I love ALL of her clothes that she has made public appearances in, that is no different than any other public figure, including both Mrs. Bushes — Laura and Barbara (I really cannot say that I can recall ANY memorable outfits — good OR bad — of both the former and soon-to-be former First Ladies), or Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie etc. etc. movie stars and singers. At a minimum, I have to say that I respect that she dares to be different and in doing so, makes a statement about herself as an individual, her personality and courage. I applaud her for that. And besides, who wants boring and dumpy! If that was the case, we wouldn’t have anything to talk about!
Arlene is so on point. Haters hate, like they are very sick people remember, hurt people hurt people.Iwish I was afriend of the marvelous and beautiful family.May God continue to bless America
I am not comfortable with a first lady showing cleavage front and side. Also, she has to walk a little bit more “ladylike”. She walks like a charging buffalo. Mr. Obama walks daintier than she does.No offense meant and no racism meant either. for a Harvard grad, she seems more scary than classy to me.
Yeah. how much are those designer dresses? I have not seen her all that time on TV during the campaigns but what dresses I have seen were not all that impressive nor distinctive. I am sure her fans will rip me to death,esp. those following “The View”.
And yeah, I like Sarah Palin’s classic look, even before McCain’s staff shopped for her, and tattled. With people like that in your team, is it any wonder they lost? McCain was boring without Palin at his side. Yet his staff trashed her. Idiots. Obama’s team were loyal, & worked flawlessly.
Not hating you, not jealous, just care about you and love you. Plz get some help. You are now First Lady, sister, come on. Represent!!!
Micelle Obama is a successful professional woman, As a attorney, it is natural that she would spend from $500 to $1200 per outfit. She can afford to buy her own clothes. The Obama’s taxes state that she earns about $250,000 and he earns about $150,000 plus other income their total was close to $1,000,000 last year. I’m sure Cindy McCain purchased her own wardrobe, with her own money as well. The discrepancy with Palin was that they money spent was not her own and that the clothes purchased were not what she would normally wear.
Waaaiiiitttttt!!!!! I thought the campaign made a big deal in a cover story by US Weekly that Michelle shopped at Target?
http://www.usmagazine.com/exclusive-barack-obama-michelle-is-an-extraordinary-mother
Will someone PLEASE get michelle obama a decent stylist? The First Lady of America has a reputation to uphold. She is not just another attorney in Chicago, she represents the entire USA to the WORLD. She is supposedly a well educated woman, but seems the only taste she has is in her mouth.
I think the only problem with Michelle Obama (MO) isn’t how she dresses but the fact that she has no sense of thankfullness and appreciation for how good she really has it over many Americans. She has had a first class education from among the best that the USA has to offer and her husband is a US Senator but she said on the campaign trail for President that for the first time in her life she is proud of America. This is from a woman who has visited Kenya where far more of her husband’s father’s countrymen live in dirt floor huts than people in this country. People on welfare in most areas of the US would be considered rich in places like Kenya. Such comments from MO show how totally clueless she really is.
So much for her education from Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
God help us with people like the Obama’s in the White House.
I think the only problem with Michelle Obama (MO) isn’t how she dresses but the fact that she has no sense of thankfullness and appreciation for how good she really has it over many Americans. She has had a first class education from among the best that the USA has to offer and her husband is a US Senator but she said on the campaign trail for President that for the first time in her life she is proud of America. This is from a woman who has visited Kenya where far more of her husband’s father’s countrymen live in dirt floor huts than people in this country. People on welfare in most areas of the US would be considered rich in places like Kenya. Such comments from MO show how totally clueless she really is.
So much for her education from Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
God help us with people like the Obama’s in the White House.
The comment about the mud room was idiotic.
Poor people in rural areas even have a mud room.
Its just a walkin back area like a laundry room where you take off your boots and muddy clothing.
Foolish nonsense. Have some class people.
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Whats all this?Michelle is tall and elegant and looks good in anything.Let her celebrate her body and dress in the clothes that suit her.She does a good job at that.Way to go Michelle!!!!
trb-president -elect Obamas income alone was 2.4 million last year.
taree-have you seen pictures of the Obama mansion? Its really quite beautiful. The Obamas purchased additional property next to the house from the Chcago slum lord Tony Rezko.
You have been blessed good job
You have been blessed good job
You have been blessed good job
You have been blessed good job
“This comment is not against any designer but against the taste that Michelle Obama has in professional clothing! I have seen very few pics of her in “professional” looking clothes. Where did the floral prints come in at? She dresses so casual that it takes a lot of class away from her. She should be more “suited” to dress clothes and stay away from flat shoes! She tends to walk kind of clumsily and boyish. I know we all have our different ways, but to be in the limelight, you’d think she’d work on a few of these things.”
Posted by Lana Chandler | September 30, 2008
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Oh my! The above comment is the most shallow thing I have seen in a long time. Michelle Obama is a classy lady and when she dresses up for the occasion she looks fantastic, but I love that the mother of 2 young children is as casual as she is. She always looks great. Can’t wait to see what she wears to the Inaugural. Please, sophisticates among you, remember that millions and millions of women appreciate a First Lady who relates to us and can dress up or down depending on the occasion.
Michelle O is very attractive lady..but I think
she tries to hard to look like the rest of us.
I think those 2 years on the Vanity Fair
best-dressed list speaks a lot..you don’t
get on that list by wearing J. Crew sundresses.
you are all jealous of her, shut the hell up.
Michelle Obama is truly embarrassing. She walks like a drunken sailor. She has no femininity and no class. Knowing her imminent role as a First Lady she should have been taking few lesson on posture and “bon ton”.
As a beginning, quite disappointing. Someone should remind her that she represents all the U S’s women.
Jackie must be rolling in the grave….
While you are commenting on Mrs. Obama’s dress, I’m sure there are more important subjects you could be addressing at this time. Michelle is not an an embarassment by any means. Nor does she try to emulate Jackie are anyone else for that matter. She is very sure of herself, happy in her skin and her roles in life. You complainers will always be complainers. Always looking for any negative you can fine. Should Michelle spend mega amounts on clothing you will complain about that too, forgetting about how beautiful she looked. As for her hair. It is her hair, to wear in any style she pleases. Remember, these are all your opinions and they are just that…opinions. Now, get off your posterior and go make a positive contribution to the world. Better yet, arm yourself and go jump into a fox hole to help fight the war. Bet you’re complaining about that…….And if Jackie is rolling, then roll on Jackie! Do you need reminding that the U.S. has never represented all people, so why should Michelle be held to such high standards? posted by h. b.Shep
I was happy to see that Michelle was wearing clothes made out of recycled fabric.
Silly Mimi
It is no wonder that young American ladies shove spoons down their throat to vomit, get boyfriends who are way older than them to get them what they want, shop lift for things they can’t afford, and fraud items to make them look like people they’re not. wake up Americans. Wake up! Are you going to spend thousands of money that you don’t have to a cosmetologist to change the way u look or dress to please 1 koonoomoonoo that tels you, you look horrible? in that case the designer is not the one that’s amateur. you are! and that’s so sad.