Unfolding with a quiet elegance, the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Spring-Summer 2026 collection is deeply rooted in the designer’s heritage. For the first time, de Saint Sernin confronted his aristocratic lineage through the lens of his queer identity, weaving memory and personal truth into garments that feel both intimate and assured.
de Saint Sernin found inspiration in his grandmother, a countess, whose influence grew stronger after her passing two years ago. Her absence sparked a rediscovery of the family history he once avoided. “I never came out to her,” he said, reflecting on a past shaped by discretion and tradition. This regret now fuels his creative process, enabling him to blend personal vulnerability with craftsmanship.
The collection takes a softer, more romantic approach than previous seasons. Lace, corsetry, and fluid silks speak of refinement rather than seduction. Translucent dresses conceal as much as they reveal, their modesty tinged with quiet defiance. Regal purple devoré velvet, ivory satin edged with flounces, and hand-finished embroidery demonstrate the precision and patience behind the work.
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Leather accessories, developed with French maroquinerie workshops, appear as structured contrasts to the lightness of the fabrics. Wide belts and corset shapes reaffirm the designer’s signature style, but the mood this time is gentler. The clothes carry the grace of old-world craftsmanship yet unmistakably belong to the present.
Ludovic de Saint Sernin calls this vision a “new nobility.” It is not defined by bloodline, but rather by presence, influence, and authenticity. His lookbook reflects this concept by featuring Emma Chamberlain, Alexa Chung, Sebastian Croft, Corey Fogelmanis, and emerging models. Together, they represent a generation of modern elegance connected less by class than by creative confidence.
The designer’s recent collaborations and growing recognition have expanded his reach; however, this season marks a personal turning point. He seems to have traded provocation for sincerity, exploring emotional depth rather than surface shock. Each look contains a fragment of remembrance, a nod to a reconciled past through contemporary design.
