Cascading Cashmere

Illustration by fabulous young designer Kaitlin Campitelli

In a recent interview with WWD, Maria Pinto clued us in on a future Mrs. O ensemble: "a lean black cashmere number with a cascade effect in back" purchased from the designer's Chicago boutique a few months ago. We so enjoyed Miss Kaitlin's last illustration for us, we asked if she would do another. With only a loose description to work from, we love the thoughtful and inspired interpretation above - sleek, classic and the perfect canvas for a signature Mrs. O brooch. The only question that remains: when and where will Mrs. O debut it?

Plans this evening?

In their first post-election interview, Steve Kroft of 60 Minutes sits down with president-elect Mr. and Mrs. O. 7:00PM ET tonight on CBS.

Update: Luxaholics raises a good question: does anyone recognize Mrs. O's deep purple tweed ensemble? We've done a bit of research and talked to our contacts, but haven't had much luck thus far. The group effort has been successful in the past; let's try to crack this one together.

The Chicago Tribune has come to rescue: "Purple and Pinto prove a winning pair yet again for Michelle Obama. On 60 Minutes Sunday, Obama wore the 'Eme' top and 'Rani' skirt in an iris color, designed by Chicago's Maria Pinto. The ensemble is from Pinto's spring collection, but rendered in tweed for Obama, a loyal Pinto client. The sleeveless element was retained from the original design."

White House Debut for Maria Pinto Frock

Photo courtesy of the White House / Chris Greenberg

Mrs. O made this one easy on us. It turns out our election night prediction was off by a few days, as Mrs. O wore the coral-red Maria Pinto dress to visit the White House today (as many of you have already flagged - we love the group effort here).he coral-red silk crepe sheath features three-quarter sleeves, an empire waist and a high neckline with a burst of sunray pleats emanating from the collar. Purchased several months ago, but not yet worn to a major event, Pinto thought Mrs. O might debut it for election night. Mrs. O accessorized the look with simple gold hoop earrings and patent leather red heels.

We have to say, Mrs. O looked fresh-faced and well-rested today. The mini break post-election has really done her well. And the dress. The clean lines flatter her figure, while the pleating at the neckline adds just the right touch of detail. If this isn't Jackie-esque, we don't know what is. This also makes good on President-elect Mr. O's promise to Maria Pinto: "You're coming to D.C. with us!" he said to the designer as he greeted friends and family backstage at Grant Park last Tuesday evening.

Though there's never been much doubt, we can say confidently that Maria Pinto will soon hold the same clout Oleg Cassini did in the Jackie Kennedy era.

Update: Have a peek at this Washington Post video for full coverage. And these exclusive photos from inside the White House.

Date: November 10, 2008

Venue: President-elect Mr. O and future First Lady Mrs. O visit the White House

Election Night Style Prediction

Illustration by fabulous young designer Kaitlin Campitelli  

While we love tracking Mrs. O's style, there are of course bigger things at stake today. Still, we can't help but eagerly anticipate what Mrs. O will wear to the Obama Election Night event to be held at Chicago's Grant Park tonight. Win or lose, it's going to be a historic evening.

One possibility is a yet to be worn Maria Pinto frock. In an exclusive Heard on the Runway interview with Maria Pinto, the designer indicated that Mrs. O purchased a coral-red silk crepe sheath with three-quarter sleeves, an empire waist and a high neckline with a burst of sunray pleats emanating from the collar – but has yet to wear it to a major event. See our rendition of the dress above.

We imagine a patriotic palette is more than likely for this evening and coral-red seems to fit the bill. Further, Maria Pinto has historically been Mrs. O's designer of choice for landmark campaign events. Both of which make us believe the dress above is a strong election night contender. Also of interest in the interview was Maria Pinto's commentary on the cerulean blue dress Mrs. O wore for the final presidential debate:

“It’s one of the most basic pieces in the collection – if you came to my showroom, it’s probably the last piece I would show you,” she says. “I have all these blouses and laces and fabrics that I developed. But then here’s this simple but beautifully colored sheath that all of a sudden gets this crazy attention – go figure.”

Mrs. O's taste for simplicity reminds us of a quote from Jay Mulvaney's book Jackie: The Clothes of Camelot in which Jackie Kennedy relayed direction to her favored designer of the time, Oleg Cassini:

"Even though these clothes are for official life, please don't make them too dressy, as I'm sure I can continue to dress the way I like – simple and young clothes...."

Who knows what taste and style influence Mrs. O might bring to the White House. Here's hoping, very much so, that we get to find out.

Chicago Fashion, Part II

We're as eager for new Mrs. O fashion news as you are, but it seems Mrs. O is enjoying a well deserved mini-break from the public eye. She's scheduled to be back on the campaign trail tomorrow, so don't fret, there's bound to be more fashion goodness just around the corner. In the meantime we thought we'd follow up with Part II of our look at the Chicago style scene.

Our second and final stop was at the Maria Pinto boutique, the showroom of Mrs. O's signature designer and personal friend. The boutique is nestled among old warehouses and converted loft spaces on North Randolph Jefferson St. in Chicago’s West Loop. After a short flight of stairs up to the showroom floor, we were greeted by a friendly salesperson, Armand. The new store smell still fresh, he informed us that the boutique had opened just two months prior with production now housed on the 6th floor above. 

As we took in the store, a familiar turquoise frock immediately caught our eye. Upon closer inspection, we were surprised to find the fabric much lighter and more fluid than it had appeared on TV and in photos, akin to a light wool suiting material. The dress was displayed with Pinto's Fall ’08 collection, a cohesive mix of black and deep pinks in rich textures from silk to tweed. Across the showroom a selection of Maria Pinto eveningwear put a sparkle in our eye. A blush colored razor back dress with billowing cocoon skirt and a structured black evening dress with lace cut out at the back, both from Pinto’s Spring ’08 collection, were instant favorites.

The standout though was a piece from Pinto’s Fall ’08 collection, a short black evening dress with icicle-like sequins stemming up and down from the waist. Our taste of Chicago fashion was brief but delightfully rich - and in our assessment the buzz is well merited. It's no wonder that Mrs. O likes to keep her fashion local.