Sea New York

Few people make the transition from finance to fashion, but Sean Monahan has done it – and created one of fashion’s most sought-after labels, Sea New York, in the process.

Armed with a degree in finance, Sean Monahan started his career working on Wall Street, but when, after ten years, his company was bought out he decided to try his hand and something new. His best friend, Monica Paolini, worked as the design director at Betsey Johnson and had just fired the Casting Director, so Sean stepped in to fill the void and his career in the world of fashion began.

In 2006 Sean decided to channel his creativity into his own fashion line, and Sea New York was born. He used his friends as muses and, with the intention of making clothes that make girl smile (a worthy aim if ever we heard one), he set about designing effortlessly wearable and stylish pieces.

Stateside, Sea New York now has an army of well-dressed followers, not to mention a bevy of celebrity fans - Chloe Sevigny, Gwyneth Paltrow, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn have all fallen for the label’s cool New York vibe. The secret to its success? Fuss-free, chic and stylish staples that slot effortlessly into your wardrobe - the slouchy T-shirts that American labels nail so well, the perfect work-to-weekend dresses and classically cut trousers. The autumn collection adds a dash of androgyny into the mix, and it’s hitting stores now so make sure you check it out before everybody catches on. Top of the ELLEuk.com wish list? The washed pebble and silk jumpsuit (pictured), the right on-trend sequin trousers and the grunge-style slouchy striped jumper dress.

Sea NY is available at Oxygen.

Find out more about the label at www.sea-ny.com, and click here to find out which industry insider loves the label…