Chicago 2016 announced that the presentation apparel being worn by the delegation in Copenhagen, Denmark has been designed by three Chicago-based designers, including neckwear designer Lee Allison, venerable clothing brand Hart Schaffner Marx, and renowned designer Maria Pinto. The designers donated their time to work with the bid and have provided the clothing at cost.It is customary for bid city delegations to wear official apparel to signify teamwork and cohesion.
“On October 2, Chicago will be on an international stage, and our city’s fashion designers will share in the spotlight,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “Our bid plan celebrates Chicago and we are proud to showcase the talents of the art and design community that thrives here. We appreciate the support of Chicago’s business community and our world-renowned fashion designers.”
The female delegates traveling to Copenhagen will be wearing the designs of Maria Pinto, who has established a name for herself in Chicago and is now well-recognized in the world of fashion. An alumna of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Pinto majored in fine art with a focus in fashion, and later attended both New York’s Parson’s School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Pinto opened the doors to her first boutique in the city’s West Loop neighborhood, drawing celebrity clients like First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey.
Another Chicago-based style maker, Lee Allison, has been producing his own line of neckties, dress shirts and accessories since 1995. His distinctive silk ties are cut and sewn by hand in a studio located in one of Chicago’s most fashion-forward neighborhoods. Lee Allison creates the signature designs himself, and has been creating ties for Chicago 2016 since the bid’s beginning.
When asked by Chicago 2016 to help create the outfits for the male delegates going to Copenhagen, Chicago 2016 and Allison teamed up with clothier, Hart Schaffner Marx, another hometown favorite since 1872, to fully fashion the men for this significant event.
