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Fashion
THE JOY OF SUMMER DRESSING
While we may be summering at home again this year, steal yourself away for a moment and dream of sunnier days to come with Sea and La Collection, two of our hottest new brands that offer the joy of summer dressing, in two very different ways, choose from the pretty, patchwork femininity of Sea or the minimalist, timeless designs of La Collection.
Pretty cottons, crochet details and colourful patchwork are the motifs of the summer at New York brand Sea.
THE ROMANTIC SUMMER LOOK
SEA
Background on the Brand:
Designed by best friends Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan at their workshop in New York, Sea offers modern separates and feminine dresses with a twist. The duo grew up together and they see their design relationship as being symbiotic, from Monica drawing inspiration from vintage pieces to Sean bringing clean modernity to the fold. Together they make up a brand which is optimistic, nuanced and elegant.
Designer Monica Paolini wearing Sea with her son Luca.
The Hero Pieces of the Summer:
Puff sleeves, soft cottons, crochet and patchwork abound in Sea's laid-back feminine looks, the ultimate dresses and separates to throw on for a summer's day. Monica says, “Some of my favourite pieces in our new collection are the crochet combo ones such as the Cleo Crochet Combo dress and the Gabriela t-shirt. Craftsmanship has become integral to Sea as we feel the hand-feel connects the customer to the pieces.”
Being at home and in NYC for so many months during lockdown has really made us look at what women of prior generations did to pass the time. They turned to craft and made beautiful things through the process of quilting, knitting, crocheting collectively. The culture of craft has inspired us a lot recently.
Monica Paolini, Sea
The Patchwork Dress
Sea's key piece of the season is their lightweight cotton poplin dress trimmed with yellow, turquoise and blue patchwork appliqué which falls to into breezy tiered panels, just add flat sandals and a basket bag for summer 2021 attitude.
The Crochet Blouse
Dive into a 1970s style summer with this cute crochet sleeved blouse which combines beautifully with crisp white cotton, just add wide leg denim to complete the look.
For spring we were thinking about how we all want to feel and dress in the current moment. I think we need pieces that inspire confidence and a sense of ease with materials that look elevated but aren’t precious. I also wanted to embrace vibrant but wearable colour - we all need a bit of optimism to get us through this time.
Monica Paolini, Sea
Silk dresses and classic shirting in a neutral palette from La Collection will be staples in your wardrobe from this summer and beyond.
THE MINIMAL SUMMER LOOK
LA COLLECTION
Background on the Brand:
TThe Antwerp based brand led by Florence Cools focuses on premium fits and luxury fabrications. These are the ultimate summer dresses which are easy-yet-sophisticated, created in timeless silhouettes and designed to transcend seasons. Florence elaborates, "As a brand we truly believe in a better world where responsible manufacturing and conscious buying is key. Where people respect the clothes and the people who made them, and keep them in their wardrobes forever. With La Collection this is very much possible as we make timeless pieces you will want to wear over and over again."
Florence Cools of the Antwerp-based brand La Collection. She says "Antwerp has always been a great source of inspiration for me, I am inspired when I walk the streets and see all cultures living together. This keeps inspiring me every day."
The Hero Pieces of the Summer:
Expect a ready-to-wear selection of simple dresses, classic belted jackets and trenches in a neutral palette.
The Halter Dress
La Collection's Claudia silk midi dress works a loosely draped halterneck that opens at the back and falls to an A-line skirt, just add a glowing tan and lightweight jacket come summer. Florence says, "This spring is all about clean colours and sheerness, layered or lined with our signature silks and perfectly paired with crispy cottons."
The Trench
A flowy classic trench is just the ticket for the Irish summer, La Collection offers both trenches and trench dresses in soft sandy colourways which will work layered over just about everything come rain or shine. Florence says, "I think our classic Liv trench is an absolute must for breezy spring days, it has the look of your favourite trench coat but it is a dress, wear it on it’s own or as a layering piece."
Everything that is carefully curated, will last forever. I believe it is only easy for the customer to handpick their absolute must-have items if you create something timeless. I personally hate to have clutter in my wardrobe; I like it to be edited, with items that work from season to season and with several other outfits, La Collection is all about adding key pieces to your wardrobe and styling things in different ways.
Florence Cools, La Collection
CHOOSE YOUR SUMMER LOOK
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