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March Luncheon: Designing for What's Next with Maria Pinto, moderated by Keli Frazier-Cox
Renowned for her sophisticated designs, Maria Pinto has earned a singular place in the fashion world, with clients ranging from Michelle Obama to Mick Jagger. As a fashion futurist and business icon, Maria’s craftsmanship continues to explore new boundaries every year. Since launching her Chicago-based retail storefront and online boutique in 2013, her work has centered on the ever-changing needs of women — prioritizing access, convenience, and smart style systems that champion timelessness over trends.
In this fireside chat with PWCC Sponsor Keli Frazier-Cox, Maria will share a look at her own entrepreneurial journey, why constant evolution is critical to the success of any business, and ideas to help leaders across industries respond to their customers’ changing needs.
Plus, be among the first to shop Maria’s brand-new spring collection at a free exclusive sip and shop event at her boutique that evening! RSVP here.
About Maria Pinto
As a fashion futurist and business icon, Maria Pinto has always sought new ways to innovate, making fashion more accessible to women of all ages worldwide.
With a label by the same name, Maria Pinto offers a collection of timeless, ready-to-wear garments for sophisticated, stylish women. Maria’s desire to make fashion that empowers women to feel chic and confident – from day to night – fueled the creation of her brand. Her "deconstructed couture" method allows her to provide the style, fit, and construction of luxury ready to wear with the comfort and function women need and desire every single day.
Whether she knew it or not, Maria’s trajectory has always been one that celebrated a futuristic outlook. A visionary fashion designer, artist and business leader, her passion for art and fashion was evident even at childhood. As a shy and introspective girl, she found solace in museums, where she studied various artists' creative expressions and techniques. Her dedication to art led her to study both fashion and fine arts at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017. To this day, Maria believes that art is all-encompassing, whether it appears on a canvas or a dress.
Her journey in the world of fashion began with an internship in New York City under the guidance of renowned womenswear designer Geoffrey Beene. Beene's focus on fabric, tailoring, and minimalist design greatly influenced Maria and continues to shape her work today. Upon returning to Chicago in 1991, she launched a line of embroidered and beaded scarves and wraps, which quickly gained popularity among leading boutiques such as Ultimo, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, and Saks. Even Mick Jagger became a fan, wearing one of Maria's scarves during a performance at Soldier Field.
Maria has been lauded extensively in global news outlets spanning Forbes, VOGUE, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Modern Luxury, Crain’s Chicago Business and more.
Ticket prices increase $10 if reservation is received after Friday, March 6, 2026.
Agenda
11:00am-11:30am PWCC Meet & Greet (Optional: first-time guests encouraged to attend!)
11:30am - 11:45am Open Networking
11:45am - 12:35pm Speaker Presentation
12:35pm - 1:15pm Lunch & Table Networking
Menu
Standard Option: Smoked Brisket of Beef with Boiled Potato, Kale Green (gluten-free, dairy-free)
Vegetarian Option: Grains Risotto with Spring Peas & Asparagus Salad with Ramps
Dessert: Guinness Brownie with Milk Chocolate Mousse (gluten-free, nut-free)
These Entrees do not contain Pork, Nuts or Shellfish
This menu does contain Dairy
