Feb 27, 2008 10:13 pm US/Central
Local Designer Keeps Michelle Obama Looking Sharp
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Michelle Obama is often spotted wearing clothes by local designer Maria Pinto, like this bright dress she wore while being interviewed by Katie Couric.
CBS
Michelle Obama's rise to the national stage, as she campaigns for her husband and presidential candidate Barack Obama, has brought with it quite a bit of media scrutiny.
Every word is examined, and sometimes, every outfit. And as CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez reports, for one local designer, this is a very good development.
Whether it's in a fresh version of the power blue suit, or a flowing floral gown, Michelle Obama is turning heads with her sense of style. So how does a mother of two squeeze in shopping while on a grueling campaign schedule?
Maria Pinto, a successful Chicago fashion designer, is Obama's secret weapon. Once destined for a career in the family restaurant business, Pinto traded in her apron at the age of 30, and turned to fashion full time.
She calls Michelle Obama "every designer's dream."
"She just has such a grace and poise, she's so comfortable with her body," Pinto said. "So she's comfortable with things that are very feminine, beautiful cuts, appropriate skin exposure… comfortable with her body in the sense of always being feminine and being true to that part of herself."
Obama was referred to Pinto by a mutual friend and their styles clicked. Ever since, she's often photographed wearing Pinto designs.
There was a conservative wool suit at Barack Obama's swearing-in for the U.S. Senate; a gown designed for the Grammy awards; and a classic suit that has become her trademark campaign attire.
"This is the feminine version of the power suit," Pinto said of the latter. "It's still valid in the wardrobe. I think when Michelle wore it, it just looked so beautiful."
While Pinto travels the world for fabrics and inspiration, her collections are created in a studio space in Chicago.
And, of the possibility that she could be dressing the next First Lady, Pinto said, "That would be extraordinary. I'm already visualizing gowns and whatever she'll need."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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