spotlight on...
MADDIE WEST
This limited-edition collection features one-of-a-kind jackets by Maddie West, the self-taught designer and founder of Sloppy Seconds—an upcycled clothing brand with the mission to give vintage garments a second life. Each piece in this Spotlight has been reworked by hand in New York and is available through MERSEA.
shop the collection
NAVY SAILORS
MILITARY TIES
ARMY BUCKLES
what maddie’s pairing the jackets with
how we met
We first met Maddie at an apparel tradeshow in New York City—our booth across from hers—and we were totally captivated by the Sloppy Seconds founder and her upcycled jackets.
Each jacket told its own story, full of character and intentional details–and we weren’t the only ones who noticed. Her booth was buzzing! We quickly bonded over shared values: sustainability, attention to detail and an all-around spirit of adventure. Years ago, we coined the term 'love-cycled' to describe when an abundance of time and work goes into breathing new life into old items or materials, and these pieces are absolutely love-cycled.
Our own adventure followed: we invited Maddie and her mom to a photoshoot aboard an old boat in San Francisco, capturing our MERSEA spirit in her jackets. People from Kansas City will appreciate that in conversation, Mel discovered Maddie's friend from college is from KC and as it turns out, lived directly behind Mel and shared a fence for many years.
These pieces have been on a journey long before they’ve made it to you—and that's what we love most about Maddie’s fresh take on design. We know you'll love Sloppy Seconds for the same reasons we do: women-led creativity, serendipitous collaboration and the intention to make styles that last.
our guiding thread
We’re drawn to creators like Maddie whose work reflects integrity, heart and a thoughtful approach. For us, connecting with doers and makers tends to light up collaborations. It’s part of what Mel and Lina love most and why they started MERSEA: that spark of travel, discovery and the joy of the unknown–always starting with good conversations and shared interests.
Whether highlighting talented designers or partnering with family-run operations to produce our clothes, we are committed to ethical production. Our scented products are cruelty-free and free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates, and as a WBENC-certified Women-Owned Business and proud partner of Water.org, we aim to support and sustain the artisan communities at the heart of our work.
discover more
Prism Collection
Each piece of this small capsule collection is unique – no two are exactly alike. Prism was started to bring together three ideals – Fashion + Social Responsibility + Sustainability
Water.org
Out of so many worthy causes, the impact of clean water and sanitation on the lives of women and children won our hearts. And Water.org, like MERSEA, is also based in Kansas City. Something great is happening here—come join the journey.