Co-founders Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan reflect on their deep-seated friendship and the journey that led to the creation of their renowned ready-to-wear label.
Sea New York, a renowned ready-to-wear label, finds its roots in the deep-seated friendship between co-founders Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan. Established in 2006, the brand reflects the complementary personalities and creative visions of its founders who hail from Newburgh, New York, situated approximately 100 kilometers north of New York City. Their journey began with a shared desire to develop a project that resonated with their individual identities while nurturing their long-standing connection.
The essence of Sea New York is a harmonious blend of simplicity and uniqueness. Monica’s penchant for craftsmanship, vintage styles, and romantic aesthetics intertwines with Sean’s modern and pragmatic approach to fashion. This combination results in collections that showcase remarkable and effortlessly wearable silhouettes, characterized by floral patchworks, intricate embroidery, knitted fabrics, and distinctive puffed sleeves. The technical craftsmanship involved in the design process plays a vital role in the brand’s identity, setting it apart in a crowded market.
Initially, Sea New York was conceived as a platform to strengthen the bond between Paolini and Monahan. As the brand gained recognition, it cultivated a growing community of loyal customers who embraced its unique aesthetic. The label is now on an international trajectory, particularly focusing on Asian markets, with pop-up stores anticipated this year in China, South Korea, and Japan. The founders plan to expand further into these regions with dedicated boutiques that capture the spirit of their flagship store on Canal Street in New York, where the brand’s journey commenced.
Reflecting on their early years, the founders reveal the importance of their shared history. Monica recounted living nearby and frequently engaging in neighborhood picnics with Sean’s family. “From the very beginning, a strong bond formed between us, and our understanding was always very natural,” she noted. These experiences set the groundwork for the community-centric values that would become integral to the Sea brand.
As teenagers, their paths intersected consistently, though with distinct differences. Sean described Monica as an independent and studious girl, contrasting his own rebellious nature during their middle and high school years. “Monica had a unique style and a quiet determination that commanded admiration,” he commented, while Monica added, “Let’s say our paths slightly diverged during that time. Sean was a bit of a rebel and not really focused on his studies.”
With aspirations of leaving Newburgh, Monica pursued her passion for fashion by taking classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and secured an internship with designer Jill Stuart before graduation. Sean also undertook significant experiences that would support their future endeavors, including a stint in Spain. In 2004, upon returning to New York, the concept of launching Sea New York solidified during conversations with Monica about their shared interests in fashion.
In their initial phase, Paolini and Monahan worked and lived together in a modest apartment that also served as a showroom for their burgeoning brand. “We were together 24/7. Little by little, Sea NY found its own identity and became an additional expression of our friendship,” Sean shared. This evolution has not only strengthened their personal relationship but has allowed Sea New York to flourish into a globally recognized name in the fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
