ROBIN, Brand Ambassador
I have been in the fashion business for many years and have worked in wholesale for such companies as Esprit and Max Studio, in retail for Barney's New York, and I started my own personal styling business. I live in Chicago with my husband, two kids, and big fluffy dog, Rocky.
Now I am so excited to be working with Maria Pinto and M2057. I love her clothes and the work she puts into each collection. She's creative, charitable, thoughtful, and the time and energy she commits to her company is inspiring! As a brand ambassador, I am passionate about putting clothes together for women so that they can be their best selves and feel fantastic about the way they look.
Top: Robin wears the Rati cotton top with the Jett 2 leather pants
There are so many features that I love about M2057, but some of the best are the raw edges, 2-way zippers, and of course the fabric! These details make each piece so versatile and easy to wear and care for, while keeping that edge that Maria is famous for. When I travel I love to pack M2057 because it doesn't wrinkle and is machine washable. On my last trip to L.A. I took theSusil top in two colors and theGrace 2 jacket.
I go for outfits that completely fit my lifestyle, so the new Rati cotton top with theJett 2 leather pants fit the bill and I love these fabrics. Similarly, theAshna top with theGlenda skirt is flattering and comfortable. They have different vibes, but I could wear either of these looks to many different occasions—meetings, luncheons, an art gallery party, the theater, or dinner on a Saturday night.
Bottom: Robin wears the Ashna top, Glenda skirt, and the Marchel bracelet
When recommending clothes for a client, I ask her about her lifestyle and if she is a pant or a dress girl. Maria has added new dress and pant styles this season in new fabrics like cotton and an "almost leather" that pair really well with our signature stretch fabric. There is really something for everyone!
The biggest fashion mistake that people make is wearing clothes that don't fit correctly. Never be afraid to tailor your clothing if you need to. Fortunately, M2057 is so easy to alter—I am petite and have had to take a few things in myself.
If I had to recommend a few pieces that every woman should have, I would say a shift dress like Diana, the Susil top, the New York pencil skirt, Natasha pant, and Reefer coat. This core wardrobe will take you anywhere!
MARISA, Store Manager
I am a newcomer to Chicago and only moved here from Copenhagen, Denmark, in the summer of 2017. I found Maria Pinto to be the perfect fit, with her eye for styling the modern and chic woman, as well with the architectural energy in her design and the innovative fabrics she uses. I come from a strong background in luxury retail. In Copenhagen I worked for five years at the Danish design company Georg Jensen, and afterwards I went on to take the role of Store Manager and Buyer for the French design house Hermes, were I was for 3.5 years.
I enjoy the creativity that fashion brings, and learning where great designers get their inspiration and how they realize it in a collection. I also love inspiring and encouraging others to be passionate about their work.
Top: Marisa wears the Seema top and Kate 2 pant
Right now we have some pieces that are really sharp and sleek. The Loujaya dress is extremely flattering, fun, and flirtatious. It’s a classic A-line silhouette, with updated features like small pockets and a zipper down the back. The Seema top is minimal with just that little sculptural flair, and for a layering piece I love the Bruna, with its fun and modern play with zippers and shape. I am also a fan of the new Kiara pants—the wide leg, high waist, and self-tie belt are very flattering on many different body types.
For spring, I think everyone should try our new cotton pieces. They are soft, comfortable, and washable, and a must-have for any vacations you have coming up. The Brook is a great little swingy jacket that adds a light layer. Finally, the black-and-white Stepwell print—which Maria introduced to the collection in homage to her recent trip to India—is a favorite of mine, because it’s an interesting twist on wearing neutrals.
Bottom: Marisa wears the Bruna top with the Chandra sheer top and Sylvia pant
One of my favorite parts of the job is foreseeing new trends or shapes, and introducing those to clients. It’s a balance between helping someone maybe step out of their comfort zone, but also not pushing a trend that doesn’t suit her style or personality. That is probably one of the biggest mistakes people make, I think.
My sister has always been one of my biggest inspiration sources, and she encourages me to take chances in life and push myself. I have always admired people who believe nothing is impossible, like Danish designer Henning Koppel. When he designed the Fish Tray for Georg Jensen, he was told that it couldn’t be done, but until this day it continues to be one of their most iconic pieces. It's worth going after something you believe in!
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