Poodles! It's Emmett's Anniversary!

And you're invited!

EMC2 is celebrating its first anniversary tomorrow night and the fabulous Emmett is throwing a fabulous party.

Emmett sent us this picture of the EMC2 team and we asked him to write a little bit about each person. Before we get to that, we want to embarrass him a little bit.

Of all the unexpected things to happen with this blog, meeting and befriending Emmett has probably been the MOST unexpected (because let's face it, we KNEW we were going to meet Laura and hit it off with her, that was practically a given). He is the classic example of a highly talented person who just doesn't work well in reality television. Our initial impression as viewers was that he seemed like a nice enough guy; kinda cute, kinda talented, but a little bland. We could not have been more wrong about him, we're happy to say. He is loaded with personality - funny, bitchy, intelligent, but also sweet and kind. Oh, and he's gorgeous. Most importantly, he is a very talented designer producing some beautiful clothing - which is why we tend to write about him often. Not because we adore him personally, but because he's really putting his stuff out there in a way almost none of the other PR contestants do. And he's very gracious to the PR fanatics out there, ourselves included. He appreciates all the support and constantly looks for ways to keep them included and updated. He's just an all-around great guy and we're so pleased that we've gotten a chance to know him.

So, without further ado, we give you Team EMC2, In EMC's own words:

Rainer Wolter, Design and Production at EMc2, Rainer does a great job taking the concept from sketch to initial pattern to sample to final production. Rainer started with EMc2 and on his first day we went looking for available storefronts in NoLita. Rainer has seen what starting a design company from the ground up is all about. There was NOTHING (other than working with leather or fur) that Rainer could not do or master. A farm boy who knows what dedication and work ethic is all about! (And he is HOT TO DEATH - T&L)

Erin McDonnell, VP of Design, Erin and I have been friends and worked together 10 years ago. We celebrated St. Patrick's day together for many years never thinking we would be celebrating the first EMc2 anniversary together! Last year I called and asked her to sell her jewelry designs exclusively at EMc2. Erin joined our team and works on designing the ready to wear, shoes and our upcoming handbag collections. Together we research trends, fabrics and manufacturers ,she joined our team in February '07 first traveling to Milan and Paris. Erin is steadfast on getting our design schedule together. Erin brings experience, design talent and determination and support to every design project we tackle. She offers such an array of talent and is our newest member to our staff, but was there from the beginning with her coordinating her jewelry designs with our EMc2 fashions.

Emmett McCarthy, CEO, Design Director, Business Owner

Dimitry Chamy, Brand Director, Dimitry and I met 10 years ago when he was earning his Masters in Graphic Design at Yale.We clicked immediately and have been friends for all these years and he encouraged me every step of the way while auditioning for Project Runway! Who knew what was next! When the idea of starting a brand with a flagship boutique came up, Dimitry jumped in and helped in choosing the space and then sight unseen, designed the interior from measurements and photos. Dimitry carefully crafted the brand identity and all the collateral materials for the company. Dimitry also designs and maintains our website and is launching our web store. (He designs all of the beautiful graphics you've seen on the blog as well as the ad you see to your right. Talented and an utter sweetheart - T&L)

Arielle Silva, Merchandise Manager. Arielle started as an intern and joined our team December 05. Arielle pulls together our photo shoots, and merchandises the EMC2 designs on the sales floor.

Missing from this photo are:
Sheri Hammerstrom, Operations Manager who handles the banking and oversees the accounting and store operations. Sheri is an opera singer, teaches voice lessons. I also worked with Sheri at another job 5 years ago, and when I could not do all the important details she took over. She has a BUNNY named Avery and Avery turned out to be a GIRL!

Steven Bocks, Leather and Sheerling Specialist. Steven is a gift to the EMc2 team who arrived in October 07. Steven shares his 20 years of his Luxury SoHo Design and Retail experience. Steven works hard during the week designing custom outerwear sold exclusively at EMc2. Every weekend Steven is styling clients and keeping the spirit of the boutique lively, (his music taste runs very 70's disco!)

Peggy and David McCarthy, My parents who invested their money with the faith that I will make them proud venture capitalists.