Deconstructed Couture with Maria Pinto
Written By Gavin Lipinski
Looking and feeling your best is something we prioritize at Letty Sparrow. Sometimes these two ideas are at odds. Often we have jobs that require us to wake up early - and we all know how important those last few minutes of sleep can truly be! So what do we wear? In many cases, our days don’t usually end at the office (even though we may want them too), so, we have to dress for whatever comes after hours! Whether it be a night out, drinks at the bar, or a casual grocery store run, wearing something that is able to go through the day just like you is vital.
Mario Pinto, legendary Chicago designer, recognized this issue, and began to design clothing for just that. For the woman who wants it all - her passions, her work day, and to be comfortable doing it all - and she deserves it! Inspired by her love of art, from the canvas pages to dress panels, foundational aspects of design have been present in what she dubs, “deconstructed Couture.”
With her foundations providing for a busy lifestyle, this pledge sees Pinto’s brand utilizing some of the finest Italian mill’s fabric to construct fully machine washable, sustainable garments in the USA. In addition to their washability, her clothes are hallmarked for their wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, fade-proof qualities - nearly indestructible! With her own fabric coming in different weights, each garment can easily be selected for your ideal wear. For example, liquid is known for its slinky yet never clingy attribute while gunatar is their “almost leather” fabric.
For 30 years Pinto has been selling her clothing, from clients like Michelle Obama to Oprah, Pinto has successfully designed clothing that can truly fit almost every occasion. In addition, her commitment to ethically and sustainably sourced garments has led her to exclusively creating them in the US from sustainable fabrics.
Photo: Charles Ommanney/Getty Images
Take for example the Momoko coat. Some key guiding qualities to a Pinto garment is the almost architectural quality she has to her designs. The way the raised neckline perfectly cups the neck before opening up into a very modern breakline- akin to something you would see in a Matrix movie. The pintucks, the very narrow decorative folds that create those almost raised lines, demand attention in a very subtle way. Then the whole look is truly brought together with a chic sleeve with that signature pintuck embellishment curving down the arm. The sleeve billows outward before being pulled inward at the cuff, almost like a princess’s sleeve, adding a very feminine touch to such a modern coat. Complete with pockets and a crop that screams sophistication, this coat can truly be worn with just about anything.
Letty tip: Try a pair of shorts, a cute top, white socks, and your coolest sneakers for a very “it girl” look!
Momoko coat
For something a bit more fancy, but nonetheless still versatile, try the Remick Skirt in plum. I know that color can be something very scary to work with, and plum feels a lot more daunting than it is, but trust us, this pencil skirt is gorgeous! Purple is the color of royalty, subtly, and passion, and this skirt finds the perfect hue. Forget the zipper and praise the almost shape-wear effect this skirt has. With its high waist and classic silhouette this is the perfect look to practice the age old tip of “tight bottom, baggy top.” Try a button up blouse tucked into the pencil skirt with a pair of tights and cute kitten heels for a more casual office look- one that can still enjoy drinks at the bars with friends!
Remick skirt in plum
For something a bit more show stopping, we recommend the Birkin Mini Tunic in denim 24. This fancy little number is rendered beautifully in denim, a material that is too often relegated to pants. We love a denim top, a denim jacket, or even a denim hat - the Canadian tuxedo! This mini dress, a silhouette complete with a crop above the thigh and sleeves above the wrist, is described as “your blank canvas for how your look comes together,” and we couldn’t agree more. Add a belt, maybe a cute pair of pants, the options are truly endless. What we really love best is the head-tuning effect this piece truly has - Pinto’s garments tend to have that effect!
Birkin Mini Tunic
When working within the confines of a busy day, being able to put together your outfit in a timely manner is just as important as being comfortable. Another aspect of Pinto’s clothes we hold dear is their ability to be mixed and matched with general ease. This comes from the neutral color palette and similar shaping to each of Pinto’s works. Any of her skirts would pair amazing with any of her tops!
When constructing an everyday look, we recommend you start with your basics, and then add your styling for the day on top. While far from basic, Pinto’s clothing serve the same purpose. You can quickly step into your Birkin Mini Tunic and slide on whatever is nearest and most comfortable. Maybe a cute tote bag to hold some wine for that Grant Park Music festival coming up and a ribbon in your hair to manage your hair in the ever changing Windy City. Maybe you’re feeling a bit colorful that day, and match every accessory to a bright color, perfectly in balance with Pinto’s structural design. Pinto’s structured almost neutrality to her pieces make them the perfect canvas to express yourself upon.
