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Maria Pinto Opens in West Loop

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Political Style

Most designers hope against hope that one day their designs will appear on a red carpet and launch their brand into the stratosphere. Well, it seems as though the killer combination of a purple dress, fist bump, and a political stage that announces the Democratic nominee does the job just as well. Maria Pinto (135 N. Jefferson St.; 312-648-1380), a beautiful new boutique in the West Loop, is the retail home of the designer behind Michelle Obama’s purple dress. Pinto is hardly a secret to Chicago’s socialite set, for whom she has been designing since 1991; but with a little help from Obama (who, when…

Two Chicago Models Dish

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Every year, models from the Midwest try to make it in the international fashion scene, walking in shows in Milan and Paris and then they go back to … swimming practice and SAT prep courses. That’s right, most runway models, especially the neophytes, are barely old enough to drive. With the fashion show cycle over for this season, I decided to check in with two new girls, both Chicago residents who signed with Ford Models and are doing well. Keep your eye out for their faces next time you’re flipping through your favorite fashion glossy…

Modlife Moves House

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Modern Love

Four-year-old Modlife (3061 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-868-0844, modlifehome.com) has relocated to new digs with twice the space and inventory. Owner Robert Zizzo said he had so much furniture in storage that half of it never made the display, so now he has more room to display his Danish Modern, Hollywood Regency, and other American works into vignettes. The store, which has become a must-stop for prop designers for movies, television, and local playhouses, stocks an incredible array of…

October 2008 Table of Contents

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Cover Story The Best for Less edited by Jennifer Tanaka In a recession, the old adage "Time is money" gets flipped on its head in favor of the other, more useful mantra: "Why pay more?" Why, indeed? Read our comprehensive guide for getting top-notch stuff at dramatic savings. Features Real Estate: Where to Buy Now … Read more

Lanvin: The Timeless Brands Will Inherit the Credit Cards

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Lanvin is much adored for its female-flattering looks. At the
entrance of the show on Sunday, as I watched the editors
come in, I was strangely reminded of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. No one
was in drag mind you (although the Paris Vogue editors certainly can
work a bondage look!), but it was more that cult feeling. Women come
to the Lanvin show knowing all the words to the song and knowing
they will like what they hear…

A Fashion Finale

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A designer who uses plus-sized models (Tennille White) . . . followed by an
entire collection from a bikini designer who’s riffing off a film noir
theme? You’re not in Oz, you’re at the closing show of Chicago’s weeklong
fashion celebration! I don’t mean this
unkindly. There’s a lot of diversity here in terms of designer backgrounds,
inspiration, and even what constitutes "style." Last night’s event—Macy’s
Presents the Designers of Chicago—did as much as any to illustrate that,
booking accomplished locals Lara Miller (who’s known for
her gauzy, convertible shapes and eco-fashion mindset) and…

Guest Blog: The Allure of Couture

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The emphasis of “The Allure of Couture” fashion show Monday at Millennium Park: wearability. Showcasing items from sweaters and jackets to dresses and pants, the event consisted of outfits that were in the realm of possibility from designers Sam Kori George, James De Colon, Maria Pinto, Mi Ri Uhm and Nick Cave, among others. The standout collection? Vatit Itthi. The clothes demanded attention, both for the bright colors (blue, hot pink, and yellow) and for their sleek elegance…

Zara Opens in Skokie

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Euro Fash

Few affordable stores inspire the devotion of Spanish-based Zara (Old Orchard, Skokie; 847-329-0808, zara.com). A steady stream of those who have shopped the brand in Europe or the coasts have poured into the Old Orchard store since it opened on Sept. 25th, expressing mostly the same sentiment: “Finally.” The excitement over the opening rivaled that of the Marc by Marc Jacobs in Bucktown, with a decidedly more pocket-friendly assortment of merchandise. And…

Louis Vuitton

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If good manners means starting your fashion show on time, Marc Jacobs has become the fashion equivalent of Emily Post. Scolded by critics for his notorious tardiness in previous seasons, he now aims for precision, by golly. This afternoon we received an e-mail from the press contact: “The show will start at 2:30 p.m. sharp.” Well, I arrived sweatily at the courtyard of the Louvre at…