Maria Pinto (right) stands next to one of her models, who's wearing a prefall halter-neck trapeze dress. Credit: Isa Giallorenzo

Street View is a fashion series in which Isa Giallorenzo spotlights some of the coolest styles seen in Chicago.

Acclaimed designer Maria Pinto has received multiple awards (including SAIC’s Legend of Fashion in 2009), had her own exhibit at the Field Museum, sold her garments at stores such as Barneys and Neiman Marcus, and dressed Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. M2057, her new and more accessible brand, was funded via Kickstarter in 2013.  The pieces are constructed on demand—clients can then try on all the sizes at her showroom and place an order.

With prices starting at $150 and dresses typically averaging between $275 and $500, M2057 isn’t exactly a bargain. But in the long run the pieces are comparably thrifty: the exclusive Italian fabric she uses is machine washable and doesn’t pill or lose shape. This means the garment will always look new, with a minimum amount of money or work invested in its care—it doesn’t even need to be ironed. Another advantage of the high-tech textile is that it doesn’t fray; the garments are impeccably cut, with no bulky hems in sight. However, her shapes are minimal and intricate, almost like origami. 

The line’s first exclusive print—plaid, in homage to a “square” theme this fall—will be available on August 24. In the meantime, prefall pieces can be purchased at www.m2057.com and at the M2057 Style Studio at 833 W Washington Blvd. Pinto is also currently selling geometric bags by Finell—the perfect complement to her practical, modern, and chic collection. 
 

Stylists Arlene Matthews and Brandon Frein learn about the new fall collection.
Stylists Arlene Matthews and Brandon Frein learn about the new fall collection.Credit: Isa Giallorenzo

Jessie Sardina of <i>CS</i> magazine
Jessie Sardina of CS magazineCredit: Isa Giallorenzo

Wardrobe stylist Whitney Middleton
Wardrobe stylist Whitney MiddletonCredit: Isa Giallorenzo

Prefall pieces by Maria Pinto inspired by the "square"
Prefall pieces by Maria Pinto inspired by the “square”Credit: Photo courtesy of M2057 by Maria Pinto

Another prefall piece
Another prefall pieceCredit: Photo courtesy of M2057 by Maria Pinto

Fall-collection dress featuring M2057's first exclusive print.
Fall-collection dress featuring M2057’s first exclusive print.Credit: Photo courtesy of M2057 by Maria Pinto

This Glenda skirt was made with one single piece of fabric.
This Glenda skirt was made with one single piece of fabric.Credit: Photo courtesy of M2057 by Maria Pinto

The Finell "Vox" bag
The Finell “Vox” bagCredit: Photo courtesy of M2057 by Maria Pinto

See more street style in the Chicago Looks blog.