Posted on 03/13/2010 7:55:50 PM PST by afraidfortherepublic
CHICAGO: US first lady Michelle Obama's favourite city-based designer Maria Pinto is going out of business as sales have waned in a bad economy.
Pinto, whose clientele also includes talk show host Oprah Winfrey, is closing her store Lola Black LLC. In a five-day sale starting here next week, her collection of daywear, eveningwear and accessories would be liquidated at 50-70 per cent off.
Her designs were carried by major stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys and Takashimaya in New York, as well as high-end boutiques across the country, reported Chicago Tribune.
But the designer hit a rough patch after sales to retailers started dwindling. She decided to close her shop and cease wholesale operations in January this year.
Her store Lola Black LLC may also seek bankruptcy protection.
Michelle, who has turned into an icon with her exquisite taste in fashion, had worn Maria Pinto designs to several key events during her husband US President Barack Obama's political career, including the night she spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
Wonder if I could buy some of her material.
I need to reupholster a couch.
I guess it was just a matter of time for this to happen. I don’t see anything appealing in those designs.
The article is actually from Chicago — it just ran in something called the Economic Times which is a sub publication of the India Times. It’s datelined Chicago.
“...(and that’s if you used the other 30% to cover it)...
....’er, if you used the other 30% to TRY to cover it?
Well it sounds like the recession has hit the horse blanket industry.
I stand corrected.
I figure once people saw the crap he designed on Michelle, he couldn’t sell any of it. On another subject, they just had a big earthquake in Indonesia. Maybe God is trying to tell the Obamas something.
Actually, that is one of the nicest things I’ve seen her wear. No boob belt in sight, and she looks good in it. However, it’s not new or interesting.
I know just the place to handle such a job. The truck tarp shop. They can cover a 40+ ft. trailer!
This is just a trap! ;^)
The bait is so tempting too! It’s almost too easy!
There are so many things that come to mind immediately, and none of them very kind.
So rather than say something mean and sarcastic, I’ll just keep it to myself.
(biting my tongue till it bleeds) :^p
If only the Congress had passed Obamacare, he'd have already been in Indonesia...sarc/off
Now I have to go to Confession.
Ping Michelle Obama Fashion List
Did he invent the boob belt?
I don’t think so. I think MO invented that herself. Actually, Maria Pinto’s designs are some of the best that MO has worn. Clean, simple, solid colors, no frou frou.
The dress is a pretty color, but it’s really nothing more than a party dress. A ripple, not a wave, of fashion.
Maria Pinto 2009 Spring Collection
The Obama’s sure have the Midas touch, don’t they?
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