Sea New York : A Friendship Sewn Into Fashion

In the ever-evolving landscape of independent fashion, Sea New York stands apart with its deeply personal vision. Founded by life-long friends Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan, Sea is a brand born not only of creative intuition, but of trust, intimacy, and shared history. Known for its romantic silhouettes, tactile fabrics, and quietly rebellious spirit, the label has carved out a space for women who value self-expression over spectacle. In this interview, the founders open up about heritage and identity in fashion, timelessness, and the quiet power of friendship.

A Friendship Woven Into the Brand

IRK: How has your friendship shaped Sea New York’s identity?

At its core, Sea is a natural extension of Monica and Sean’s friendship. Over the decades, their mutual trust has grown stronger, and this unwavering bond now forms the foundation of their creative partnership. As a result, they feel empowered to take creative risks and make honest, instinctive decisions together. In turn, Sea has evolved into more than just a fashion label. Rather, it represents a shared narrative, a playful yet purposeful endeavor that continues to deepen their friendship. Ultimately, Sea reflects not only their design vision but also the joy, vulnerability, and trust that define their journey as collaborators and friends.

Feminine Nostalgia, Reimagined

IRK: What does “feminine nostalgia” mean to the brand?

For Monica, feminine nostalgia is more than a mood—it’s a method. “There’s often a sense of nostalgia in our collections,” she explains. This sentiment stems from her passion for vintage silhouettes and old-world techniques, which consistently inspire romantic, timeless designs. At the same time, these references are never static; instead, they are carefully reinterpreted for the present. Consequently, the result is an aesthetic that feels both delicate and modern—a balance that has become a defining signature of Sea.

Dressing the Modern Rebel

IRK: How does Sea reflect today’s woman or rebel?

In a world awash with logo-heavy, statement-driven fashion, Sea offers something quieter—yet no less powerful. Instead of following the noise, the brand focuses on subtlety and authenticity. “We develop pieces that help women express themselves without overwhelming who they are,” they say. As a result, their customer dresses for herself—not for trends, and certainly not for algorithms. Ultimately, it’s fashion as freedom, not performance.

Design, Detail, and Craftsmanship

IRK: How do you choose your fabrics and materials?

Monica approaches fabric selection with a tactile, lived-in sensibility. “I always envision the end use—how the fabric feels in everyday life,” she notes. Embroideries and lace are often custom-developed in collaboration with factories in India, allowing for a harmonious balance between wearability and artistry.

IRK: What inspires your signature ruffles and color palettes?

The brand’s ruffled, romantic DNA is rooted in Monica’s extensive vintage collection. As for color? It’s often instinctive, and personal. “My son’s beloved nanny is an integral part of the collection,” Monica reveals. An expert knitter, she lends her craftsmanship to Sea’s hand-knit and crochet pieces, sometimes even inspiring seasonal palettes through her intuitive use of color.

IRK: How do you stay timeless but current?

Sea’s enduring appeal lies in its consistency. “We stay true to our shared voice,” they explain. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, they choose to push their own creative boundaries. In doing so, the brand evolves organically, introducing new ideas while at the same time preserving its distinctive, poetic design language.

Innovation and Influence of Sea New York

IRK: What impact has celebrity support had on Sea New York ?

While many brands pursue star-studded visibility, Sea prefers authenticity. “We’ve never been proactive with celebrity outreach,” they admit. When celebrities do wear Sea, it’s typically organic, rooted in genuine style, not strategy. These moments bring welcome visibility without compromising the brand’s ethos.

IRK: What steps are you taking toward sustainability?

Sustainability remains a work in progress—but a sincere one. “We’re far from perfect, but moving in the right direction,” they share. At the same time, Sea has begun laying the groundwork for lasting change. Notably, their collaborations in India with partners who practice water recycling and traditional, low-impact dyeing methods mark early but meaningful steps forward.

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IRK: Are you exploring any new design ideas or formats? What’s next for Sea New York new lines or markets?

Always evolving, Sea is currently working on an exciting pop-up shop debuting during Copenhagen Fashion Week.In doing so, the brand sees this as an opportunity to explore new collaborations and deepen its global reach. At the same time, it remains firmly grounded in its core identity—balancing expansion with authenticity.

Keeping It Personal

IRK: How do you keep a personal feel as you grow?

Despite its growth, Sea remains wholly owned by Monica and Sean—a fact that keeps the brand grounded. “We fight, we laugh, but we’re both emotionally and physically invested,” Monica says. Because of this, their hands-on approach continues to shape every aspect of the label. In turn, each piece and decision still feels remarkably intimate, preserving the spirit that started it all.

IRK: Where can new customers discover Sea New York today?

For those curious to experience Sea firsthand, the full collection is available on the brand’s website. You can also find Sea at their New York store on Canal Street and at Le Bon Marché in Paris, proof that authenticity, when done right, always finds its audience.

Sea New York is a poetic testament to friendship, memory, and modern femininity. Its commitment to heritage and identity in fashion doesn’t just shape its collections, it resonates with every woman who wears them.

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