Lightness isn’t a quality usually associated with Victoriana (all those tufted sofas and crinolines), but the two come together harmoniously in Sea’s easy-to-wear pre-fall collection, which is full of dressing tips for the whole season. These include pairing an openwork dress with a linen blazer with a black leather fanny pack, and creating an interesting textural play by wearing a crochet cardigan over the kind of lace shirt that would be a prize find in a vintage store. Lightness was also expressed in the form of bubble skirts in midi lengths with long shoulders and mini versions.
Separate options were widespread – see a black lace skirt over a blue shirt dress – but the idea of mixing and matching was played out in two ways. Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan continued to develop the idea of connected dresses: one that looks like two. So, a linen tunic can be attached to a semi-transparent shirt or a soft cardigan built into a muslin boho dress. The collection was tied with pieces made from materials with a heavier hand. Paolini reported that the brand’s denims, inspired by vintage pieces, are selling well. The highlight of the collection was a navy blue French work coat with a corduroy collar, embroidered with motifs inspired by an unfinished Victorian quilt. It’s up to you to develop the story.
