Obama fashion designer Maria Pinto to close Chicago store

After making her mark on fashion by creating clothing for first lady Michelle Obama and other celebrities, designer Maria Pinto says she’s closing her Chicago boutique because of the poor economy.

Signs posted this week in the window of Pinto’s store read “Closeout” and “Final Sale” as the designer hosts a liquidation sale through Saturday. Pinto attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and launched her own label in 1991. She has said she makes her clothes for real women, not trends.Pinto says her time-off plans include traveling, painting and drawing. And she says she wants to study the fashion industry to “see where I want to fit myself into it.”

Michelle Obama wore Pinto’s clothes on the campaign trail and then at the White House. Associated Press