McCarthy Legacy…

A McCarthy legacy began with the good taste and style of my beautiful mother Peggy McCarthy and now continues…

On her wedding day my mother wore a beautiful white voile wedding gown with a rich border of eyelet down the isle, September 8, 1951.

The dress was so beautiful that her maid of honor, Mary McCarthy asked to wear it on her wedding day April 26, 1952. My mother, when faced with the need for a ceremonial gown for the first of her four girls (and four boys) was savvy, enough to know the potential of her lovely gown. She brought her gown to her next generation with the help of seamstress, Mrs. Pamazano, who magically transformed the wedding gown into this lovely confection. Over the course of the next two decades it was worn by all the McCarthy girls: Maura, Kerry, Pegeen and Kathleen and also my Aunt Mary’s daughters, Kathy and Suzie. Each girl with their unique beauty and personality brought fresh life into this beautiful little dress.

Elena Rossi, my God daughter will make her First Holy Communion on May 8th. John and Andrea Selby Rossi, are family friends spanning decades. Andrea asked me to attend the Roman Catholic ceremony. What will Elena wear? I asked as a concerned fashion designer and Godfather. I suggested she wear a McCarthy heirloom that had already gone down the isle eight times. My mother was thrilled with the idea of Elena wearing the dress. Lovingly my mother brought the dress back to life 58 years later by carefully washing it with a non-bleach detergent and a careful pressing.

My Goddaughter Elena was so thrilled to wear this dress that she brought it to school for show and tell: “Look but don’t touch” she admonished!

Last Thursday Elena visited the EMc2 boutique to have her fitting for her dress. In preparation for Elena’s big day I am customizing a McCarthy heirloom. Elena is a bit taller than Kathleen was in 1972. Additional length was achieved by adding in a waistband. The sleeves needed a replacement elastic. I will add the final touch with a beautiful silk satin sash and bow.

After all these years there was not much alteration needed. This dress is lovingly once again ready to grace the isle for Elena’s First Holy Communion.

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