We love contemporary label Sea New York for its blend of effortless chic and whimsy.

Ironically, designer Sean Monahan crossed over from finance to fashion -- but don't even think "business casual!"

We got a peek at the Fall/Winter 2009 collection and highlights include schoolgirl-inspired, windowpane plaid short skirts, turned tough chic with hardware.

StyleList caught up with Monahan to find out on how he landed in fashion, his inspirations for the Fall collection and which celebrities he'd most like to dress.

StyleList: You've had quite a career change moving from finance to fashion, what made you decide to start a fashion line?

Sean Monahan: Purely by chance! When I decided to leave the corporate world, I started working (in casting!) with my friend who was the Design Director at Betsey Johnson. Being surrounded by creativity, girls and clothes... the idea of Sea just fell into place.



SL: Sounds like such a great way to get started! Is there a certain type of girl you design for?

SM: The Sea aesthetic is quite chill -- feminine with a touch of toughness at times! I imagine friendly, happy girls who are effortless in how they dress wearing Sea. Essentially, I design for my best friend Monica – she has been my muse since Sea started, and long before. We grew up together in New York, are flatmates and now she is consulting on Sea, which is wonderful. Her forever-expanding wardrobe is also a constant inspiration!

SL: If you could dress any celebrity in Sea, who would it be?

SM: Perhaps, Audrey Tautou or Julia Restoin-Roitfeld. I also love the relaxed vibe and style of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Chloë Sevigny.


SL: Speaking of pretty yet tough, we especially love that Sea's Fall collection has that sensibility. What were some of your thoughts when you were designing the pieces?

SM: My inspiration is pretty consistent every season. The girl I design for... and what she might like to wear. For Fall '09, it was about mixing things up and making things easy. Blending day and evening pieces, and masculine with feminine – so the collection is one of easy transitional pieces that can work for any occasion or a day at the office.


SL: Do you have an inspiration board?

SM: I have a mood board -- it's more a space for my tear sheets to go while I'm thinking of the direction for the new season. It can have anything: Pulls from editorial, fabrics, photographs/imagery from exhibitions -- anything and everything that stops me in my tracks.


SL: What advice would you give a budding fashion designer?

SM: Be patient and be positive!


SL: Any fun plans for the summer?

SM: Right now, I'm working on Spring 2010. However, at the earliest opportunity, I'm heading to the beach... somewhere hot!