FABRIC AND NOTION

As a designer who found inspiration for her company after discovering an innovative fabric at an international fabric fair in Shanghai, it comes as no surprise that Maria Pinto is a bit obsessed about the materials she uses at M2057, the ready-to-wear collection she launched in 2013. The qualities that she so admired in the Italian fabric she stumbled upon — machine-washable and travel-friendly and combining functionality with luxury and quality — are the same criteria she uses today when it comes to choosing new fabrics.

WHAT'S IN A FABRIC?

“As we have all come to love the fabrics we have been working with, we are always looking to expand on the main elements of comfort and washability,” says Maria. “Both these fabrics are important additions to the selection we offer as they add texture and pattern while maintaining the low maintenance high function we so value.” Here, we spotlight two fabrics that met Maria’s strict standards and guidelines.

Double laser fabric:

For this unique fabric, two layers are bonded together. The top azure blue layer is laser cut in a subtle dot pattern while the base fabric, a lovely grey we call concrete, is solid. This fabric comes from a mill that produces state-of-the-art jersey, so each layer is a beautiful, fluid fabric that when bonded retains its integrity of lightness and drapes, adding a softer vibe.

Guntar:

This leather-like fabric is super-comfortable with a great stretch. (Insider info: Maria is obsessed with it!) The new pieces in Guntar are perfect transition items and layer back to a cashmere sweater as well as a cotton tee. Guntar is a very structured fabric that lends itself to a more architectural aesthetic.

“After excellence in design and fit, the very next most important element is fabric. How it feels on the body and how easy is it to maintain are always critical points at M2057.”—Maria Pinto