Monica Paolini : My Dear New York

Few fashion brands capture the spirit of a city quite like Sea New York. Co-founded by Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan, Sea was born on Canal Street and raised among the chaos, charm, and contradictions that define Manhattan. Known for its blend of vintage romanticism and modern femininity, the label is inseparable from the streets that shaped it.

In this special feature for IRK Magazine, Monica Paolini opens up her New York fashion guide, revealing the cultural gems, secret nooks, and beloved rituals that keep her grounded, and inspired. From Tribeca cafés to Chelsea bakeries, her city is stitched together with quiet luxury, warm memories, and impeccable taste.

City of Origin, City of Inspiration for Monica Paolini

“I’m Monica Paolini, Co-founder and Creative Director of Sea New York,” she says simply.

Her introduction is modest, but her aesthetic has influenced wardrobes worldwide. Monica chose New York not just as her base, but as her canvas. “It’s my home and where Sea was born,” she explains. From the beginning, the city has played a vital role in shaping her vision. With its cultural depth, nonstop energy, and endless inspiration, New York continues to serve as an extension of her creative life, fueling both her personal world and professional imagination.

Where to Eat Like a Local (With a Palate for Perfection) ?

Estela, 47 E Houston St 1st floor, New York, NY 10012, États-Unis

When it comes to restaurants, Monica seeks out places that last, and surprise. Without hesitation, she names a favorite: Estela, a charming spot that’s quietly endured in New York for over a decade, always offering something unexpected.

“It’s a charming little place that’s quietly stuck around for over a decade,” she shares. The food never fails to feel special.”

For date nights, she naturally gravitates toward timeless elegance. That’s why she heads to Le Bernardin, a place that still feels like a special treat. Over the years, its consistency, refined ambiance, and beautifully executed fish plates have made it a go-to. And of course, the bread assortment never disappoints.

Le Bernardin,155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, États-Unis

An institution that still feels like a treat. “The bread assortment is so good, and the fish plates are beautifully done,” she says. It’s the kind of place where elegance never goes out of style.

Where to Drink in the City’s Soul ?

Monica’s favorite bar is, unsurprisingly, as iconic as her style:

Bemelmans Bar, 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021, États-Unis

Indeed, Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, “Is classic New York and makes for a special night,” she says. Velvet banquettes, live jazz, and a martini in hand, it’s a scene that never ages.

And when the mood is more casual ?

Old Town Bar, 45 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, États-Unis

A beloved haunt for her and her husband Eric, the tradition began when their son Luca discovered the giant pretzel on the menu. Since then, it’s become one of his top three favorites. Between the classic drinks, historic architecture, and treasured family memories, it’s clear why this spot holds such charm and meaning for them all.

Coffee, Cookies & Morning Rituals ?

For her daily caffeine fix, Monica splits her heart between two downtown favorites: 

Rigor Hill, 227 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013, États-Unis

La Cabra,  284 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, États-Unis

The former is a Tribeca mainstay, known especially for its must-try buckwheat chocolate chip cookie. Meanwhile, the latter plays an essential role in a cherished morning routine: 

“Every morning, Sean picks Luca and me up with a latte from La Cabra before we drop the kids off at school. Everything they do is so precise and thoughtful, it makes the morning feel complete.”

Neighborhood Notes: Canal Street & Beyond

When asked to name her favorite part of New York, Monica’s answer is grounded in both history and hustle. Canal Street, where Sea’s studio is based, holds her loyalty. Although the street is chaotic, she finds it fascinating to witness how much the neighborhood has evolved over time. Indeed, this dynamic mix of change and tradition keeps the area,and her creative spirit, alive.

Spots like :

Le Mercerie, 53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013, États-Unis

 Quarters, 383 Broadway 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013, États-Unis

Happier Grocery, 365 Canal St Ground Floor, New York, NY 10013, États-Unis

Indeed, these places offer a harmonious blend of beauty, design, and healthy lunches, creating a true urban oasis amid the bustle of downtown.

Culture Fix: Where Art Meets Escape ?

When it comes to art, Monica Paolini enthusiastically recommends the following spots:

Turn Gallery, 32 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065, États-Unis

It’s a space well known for its thoughtful curation of emerging artists. In fact, it features one of Monica’s personal favorites, Karyn Lyons, she notes with enthusiasm.

As for her favorite museum, Monica chooses the Noguchi Museum, a beautiful, peaceful, and unexpected reprieve from the city’s noise.

The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria, NY 11106, États-Unis

“A peaceful, unexpected reprieve in the noisy city.”

Retail Therapy & Vintage Dreams ?

When it comes to shopping, Monica finds magic in the past. Naturally, her go-to spot is:

Paul Rubenstein, 195 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, États-Unis

When it comes to shopping, Monica always returns to a vintage store that perfectly complements her style.Specifically, Paul Rubenstein stands out as a unique New York gem where she can find one-of-a-kind treasures. Because of its carefully curated selection, it aligns beautifully with Sea’s design philosophy of timeless, distinctive pieces.

A New York Weekend, Monica Paolini-Style

When it comes to Saturday nights, Monica prefers nowhere flashy. Instead, you’ll find her at home watching a movie with her son Luca. As for Sundays, they are reserved for runs along the East River, fresh bagels, and, when time allows, cooking supper for her family. This quiet kind of luxury perfectly reflects the authentic pace and rhythm of her life.

For true peace and quiet? “Honestly, just being in my own home,” she admits. As a frequent traveler, home is where she decompresses.

But if she had to name one must-do in New York for anyone visiting?

ALF BAKERY, Chelsea Market Lower Level, 435 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011, États-Unis

“Stop by ALF Bakery in Chelsea Market. My friend Amadou Ly makes the most incredible bread.”

Studio Sounds: Monica Paolini Playlist

Here’s what’s spinning in the Sea studio these days:

• “Are You With Me Now” – Cate Le Bon
• “Dumb Feeling” – Mei Semones
• “True Blue” – Mark Ronson & Angel Olsen
• “Beanie” – Chezile
• “Snooze” – SZA
• “Okay Okay” – Pino D’Angio
• “Georgy Porgy” – Toto

Indeed, eclectic, melodic, and always a little unexpected—just like Sea’s collections.

If Monica Paolini Could Wear One Designer Forever…

Without hesitation, Monica answers: Vintage Saint Laurent. 

“I have some favorite printed silk blouses I wear throughout Spring and Summer, and a navy pinstripe wool suit from the ’80s that I bring out in Winter. Even with time, it still always feels right.”

From vintage treasures to Tribeca cookies, Monica Paolini’s New York is deeply personal, richly textured, and full of soulful style. Rather than chase trends, her guide is anchored in feeling, memory, and ritual. Ultimately, it’s not about what’s popular, it’s about what’s true. So, for anyone looking to experience the city through the eyes of a designer who lives and breathes it, this New York fashion guide is the perfect place to begin.

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Want some more ? Take a look at : Sea New York : A Friendship Sewn Into Fashion

Sea New York : A Friendship Sewn Into Fashion