What began as a creative way for Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to connect with the public has become an annual tradition and one of the most sought-after calendars in Chicago, this year featuring fashions designed by the Chicago-based AKIRA women’s clothing retailer. The popular calendar features Maria Pappas in 12 different outfits and accessories designed by AKIRA, which first opened in Chicago in 2002 and today has more than 40 stores in 18 states. The Maria Pappas calendars were first introduced in 2021 as a personal expression of Pappas’ energetic approach to public service. No public funds are used to produce them. The limited-edition 2027 Maria Pappas Calendars are published without using any public funds and are available free of charge while supplies last at 5 AKIRA stores: Hyde Park, 1539 E 53rd St; Bucktown, 1814 W North Ave; Water Tower Place, Block 37, 108 N State St; and Harlem Irving Plaza, 4104 North Harlem Ave. For Akira fashion, visit www.akira.com.

Photo Credit: Office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas