The 2008 Image Index: Chicago

UP: CHICAGO The Second City stepped up to No. 1 when Sen. Barack Obama took the stage in Grant Park for his election night victory speech. Thanks to Michelle Obama, local designer Maria Pinto’s star has risen too, along with that of upscale Chicago retailer Ikram Goldman, who’s been unofficially helping the future first lady in the fashion department. How good is the city’s standing? When huge-haired Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich became embroiled in scandal, the City of Big Shoulders shrugged it off like so much dandruff. Not enough for you? Click below for the full 2008 Image Index, with more coups and snafus. Millennium Park Ice Rink in Chicago.