A Report From Emmett's Opening

Here's a report from BPR reader Jessie who had the opportunity to attend the opening of Emmett's boutique last night.

So today after school I went downtown to Emmett's EMc2 boutique's grand opening party. It is located in a really prime retail area in New York City, Nolita, next to many hip boutiques and bars. When I arrived, there were only about 15 people browsing the store.

To my surprise, the store was all women's apparel. I really thought that after Project Runway, Emmett would stick with designing menswear, but apparently not. The store was very tastefully designed and structured, very modern, brightly lit and clean, with a color theme of white, silver, orange and aqua. The clothes hung on racks placed against the wall. Bags and belts were placed on high shelves and cubbies. There were glass cases and stands of jewelry as well. The jewelry is very ornate and "boho-chic", mostly chunky gold hardware embellished with vibrant, chunky gemstones. There were also many variations on chunky beaded necklaces.

As for the actual clothing, the theme was immediately apparent to me: tropical/bohemian/Palm Beach-esque resort wear, perfectly in time for spring just around the corner. There were bright Pucci-inspired print formal jackets, tropical print halter dresses, simple and elegant linen sundresses in black, red and white, white eyelet detailed A-line sundresses, crisp white slacks and Bermuda shorts, whimsically casual, slinky jersey modal tops encrusted with copper and bronze metal and gemstone trim in white, cream, and brown. The belts were large and ornate, statement pieces. They were also made with chunky metal hardware and turquoise on leather. His bags seemed to be hits with everyone. They were large and versatile, made with a variety of materials ranging from deep burgundy leather satchels to canvas and nude leather bucket bags, in multiple shapes. He also had some intricately bejeweled and beaded clutch purses. My favorite pieces out of the entire store were the flimsy, printed silk puff-sleeved frock dresses. They were youthful, gorgeous, eye catching yet sophisticated, flirty, and simple. The prices of the merchandise ranged from about $100 to $600. The median price range was around $250-$400.

Soon enough, the crowd swelled to about 80? people, with more constantly appearing. The crowd was very eclectic, mostly older adults 30-35 plus years old. It consisted mostly of New York City fashion sophisticates and media/entertainment biz people. This IS New York after all.

I came alone, and felt quite intimidated, nervous and out of place, so I just stood against the wall for a while, nursing my drink. I did not miss an opportunity to congratulate Emmett, however. He looked striking and sharp, dressed in pressed khakis, a crisp pale blue dress shirt, and a slim fitting black blazer. He stood about a foot taller than everyone, naturally. When I finally worked up enough nerve to approach him, I was so nervous! It felt almost surreal. I introduced myself as "the official Blogging Project Runway correspondent", much to Emmett's amusement. I only had enough time to ask him one question, so many people were clamoring to talk to him, so he couldn't talk for long. I expressed my surprise that the boutique solely consisted of women's wear. He explained that he thought that being on Project Runway had enabled him to do something different and expand his horizons on fashion. We discussed this blog for a while, and then the upcoming tour. Then he was whisked away by more guests, and he excused himself in a gracious, if not a slightly hurried manner. At times he stood away from the crowd silently, looking quite like a deer caught in the headlights. I guess he was slightly overwhelmed. It was endearing. His family was there too. I only really saw his mother. She looked great, and was very sweet. She had personally made and distributed Irish soda bread for everyone in honor of Saint Patrick's Day.

Later on MISS DIANA arrived! She came in from Rhode Island to support Emmett's store, which was sweet. I also had a chance to talk to her. She was adorable, was dressed in a very spring-time appropriate outfit. I told her how I was a big fan of hers (totally gushed!) We talked about being students. She told me that Emmett had agreed to sell her jewelry collection in the boutique. Isn't that great of him! She brought out some of her jewelry and displayed it, and explained the concepts. The fuse necklace that she wore while on Project Runway was one of the pieces.

I left a bit later than 7. Kara Janx and Daniel Vosovic were not present while I was at the boutique. I am presuming that they decided not to come because they did not want to take the spotlight off of Emmett? Who knows, maybe they showed up after I left.

All in all, it was a very gratifying, exciting, and fulfilling experience.


Thanks so much, Jessie, for sharing this fun experience with us! And, Jessie, you weren't alone. You brought all of us with you.