Martha Who?

McEvoy's view: "Thom Filicia is a really good decorator, and the rest of the Fab Five pack a pretty powerful style wallop. The only aspect of living they don't address is what to do about PMS."

COLIN COWIE

Background: Zambian-born Cowie, 42, specializes in event planning (think 50th birthday bashes for Oprah Winfrey and John Travolta, Charlie Sheen's wedding), interior design and lifestyle matters (www.colincowie.com). He's also national spokesman for J.C.Penney's bridal registry.

Books/TV: Cowie's five books on entertaining include "Effortless Elegance With Colin Cowie" and "Colin Cowie Weddings." Appears regularly on "The Early Show" on CBS.

Products: Four china patterns for Lenox and, soon, products for Penney's.

McEvoy's view: "He's a razzle-dazzle party guy, but can he bake a cherry pie? If his ambition is in overdrive, watch out."

KATHY IRELAND

Background: Ex-supermodel Ireland, 41, stars in her own 10-year-old design and marketing firm, Kathy Ireland Worldwide. The company motto: ". . . finding solutions for families, especially busy moms."

Books/TV: Consumers know her exercise videos ("Great Abs/Great Buns") and her 2002 book of faith and pop wisdom, "Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons That Will Change Your Life."

Products: Mid-price furniture, rugs, ceramic tile, bedding and apparel (www.kathyireland.com). Also, with chef Andre Carthen, tableware for Kamenstein introduced last week. McEvoy's view: "Her furniture and accessories have that High Point, N.C., showroom-floor look, but they no doubt sell up a storm. Batten down the hatches."

B. SMITH

Background: The first African American model on the cover of Mademoiselle, Barbara Smith, 54, now focuses on food and lifestyle. She owns three B. Smith restaurants, one in Washington (bsmith.com). She's also spokeswoman for Equal sweetener. Books/TV: Two books: "B. Smith: Rituals & Celebrations" and "B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking for Friends." She produces the "B. Smith With Style" syndicated TV show and the Stylewise column for Soap Opera Digest.

Products: Linens, window and tabletop lines for Bed, Bath & Beyond; fashion for Vogue Patterns; wallpaper for International Home Decor.

McEvoy's view: "Apart from Nigella Lawson, she's the most seasoned foodie of the bunch. Her decorating advice, however, might need a few more ingredients."

Profiles were compiled by Home's Jura Koncius, Annie Groer and Julie Dear.