Sea, the New York-based label lauded for its signature interplay of utilitarian edge and soft femininity, unveiled its Resort 2026 collection through a thoughtfully curated lookbook that speaks to the season’s complex versatility. Co-designer Sean Monahan remarked on the importance of wide-ranging appeal for resort dressing—and this collection meets that challenge with graceful ease. From tailored sportswear and polished workwear separates to lush velvet party dresses and whimsical balloon bloomers adorned with cargo pockets, Sea reaffirms its mastery of constructing wardrobes that are as practical as they are poetic.

Rather than chasing reinvention for its own sake, Sea chose to refine its celebrated design codes—a strategic move as the brand’s international footprint expands. Fresh from a well-received pop-up in Korea, Monahan noted the unexpected embrace of Sea’s sporty elements by male K-pop idols—a nuance that subtly informed the collection. Standout pieces include an embroidered varsity jacket with a striped knit collar, a navy tracksuit traced with creamy crochet stripes, and a scalloped-collar knit jacket inset with delicate figurative lace.

In a playful, unexpected twist, co-designer Monica Paolini reimagined Battenburg lace into roomy basketball shorts with a matching cropped top, blending old-world craft with contemporary street sensibility. The same lace was paired with fine gauge knit for a surprisingly sultry effect—far removed from its traditional associations with crepe or formalwear.

The collection also stepped away from Sea’s familiar quilted motifs, favoring instead sampler-style embroidery to imbue a rustic charm into flowing dresses, barn jackets, and languid pants. A quiet undercurrent of 1980s nostalgia ran through select evening pieces: a rich black velvet dress with puffed sleeves and dainty white bows at the neckline, and a tailored jacket crowned with a corsage, worn over cropped pants with delicate side knitting.

Sea’s Resort 2026 offering elegantly underscores the power of thoughtful evolution. By honing its beloved signatures while embracing fresh global influences, the brand continues to enchant an ever-widening audience. In a landscape often defined by abrupt shifts, Sea proves that refinement, when carefully nurtured, can be just as striking as bold reinvention.