'Never go into business with your friends.'
This age-old saying typically rings true. Most people have a horror story or two about a friendship gone-sour from running a joint business. But every once in a while you find that rare exception where it works like a charm, like Sea New York.
Lifelong friends: Monica Paolini & Sean Monahan
Sea New York was founded by childhood friends Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan with the dream of creating a company that they could build, work and learn together. Though they have different tastes--Monica has an eye for vintage styles and Sean leans towards a more modern, clean look--their ability to balance each other and create beautiful, cohesive pieces has made Sea New York the international fashion brand it is today. This eclectic combination has a flair for texture. Creating a unique signature, broderie and crochet have always played a big part in its design.
A Deep Bond
New York City and a lifelong friendship. It seems like the synopsis of every guilty pleasure movie that came out in the early 2000s, but these really are the two pillars from which Sea was founded.
Monica and Sean have been best friends since childhood. They grew up together in Newburgh, New York, a town 70 miles north of New York City. According to Monica, they've always balanced each other out, which is what has allowed their friendship to thrive for so long, even under the pressures of working together. Decades of friendship have built a deep trust in one another, and an openness to say anything without concern for hurting each others' feelings.
Life before Sea New York
Sean and Monica parted ways after high school, though they remained close friends. Monica moved to the big city to attend FIT. After college she worked for Jill Stuart, followed by a stint as design director for Betsey Johnson. Sean, on the other hand, moved to Spain, until the untimely closure of the company he was working for. Bored and out of work, Sean moved back to New York. One day, as he was helping Monica on a show, he thought 'why don't I start my own line?' And he did. Over the next three years, Monica helped more and more with creating the brand until, finally, she decided to join Sea full time.
All thanks to Barney's
Though Monica joining helped the brand's growth, progress was slow. As a self-funded fashion line, sales were the priority and every penny counted. Monica and Sean lived in a studio where they worked, ate and slept. With no money for a storefront, their business relied on online retail stores. Barney's was their first big break and the one that put them on the New York fashion scene. Barney's invested in their growth and helped promote the brand. With this top-tier exposure they were able to land other prestigious online retailers. Shop Sea New York ›
Sea Now
Stroll through the SoHo neighborhood of New York City and you'll most likely pass their beautiful storefront. From the upper East side to downtown, you'll see their styles on fashionistas in the know. The release of their first jewelry line launches them into both clothing and accessories. International success is already on the horizon with Sea New York featured in over 100 retail shops in Japan.
The friendship that was the spark for Sea New York and the roots of its success, is the proof that it may be time to retire that old saying about friends working together. The data speaks for itself, plus you'll find Sea is the darling of many of the chicest influencers. Let's send that saying into retirement.
Who is the 'Sea girl'?
The Sea girl shines in classic silhouettes with luxe lace. Abundant embroidery on technical fabrics. Collections that are both effortless and optimistic, romantic and modern. What teeters on the edge of two distinctly different visions, combines into a beautifully balanced look. This is the essence of Sea New York. In the design philosophy of their clothing line and in the friendship that is the core of their business.
Shop Sea New York
For more information on available items, sizes and accessories, or if you need help, please visit The Posh Peacock storefront in Basalt, or online on our website. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or sign up for our email list to get the most up-to-date information on newly added styles from the store. Create an account to save your favorite Sea New York items in your cart and get updates about sales and special promotions. Free domestic ground shipping on orders over $250.
