Pauline Dujancourt Spring 2026

Pauline Dujancourt Spring 2026 is inspired by the character of Nina in Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, a role played by Dujancourt as a theatre student in Paris. The final monologue sees Nina compare herself – a resilient, ambitious woman – to a seagull. Dujancourt found herself turning to this monologue once more due to the sudden death of a close friend while designing the Spring 2026 collection, presenting the below poem to guests.

The bird is a key symbol in the collection: it is found in the shapes and volumes, in curves that echo images of birds folding their wings, in two looks inspired by Dujancourt’s mother’s “swan-like wedding dress“. The two looks are opposites in both colour and emotion: a black ‘Mourning Dress‘ and a white ‘Mother’s Dress‘ symbolise pain and joy, both important aspects in life. The ‘Bird Dress‘ is presented here too: Dujancourt experiments with Argyle knit sweaters and crocheted granny squares by using lightweight yarns and strips of tulle to create featherlight, feminine pieces.

In honour of her friend’s passing, she crocheted four hundred and fifty birds – one for each guest – to be worn as brooches during the show. From the show notes: “Each bird symbolises my friend’s transition into another world, and our own need to let go of pain.” Below is the poem – inspiring a feeling of letting go – that was presented to guests.

“I waited for him to come home. Hours passed. And minutes.
I waited by the window. I still believed in him.
I didn’t eat lunch. Seconds passed.
The afternoon left. The evening came.
I didn’t eat dinner.
Years were passing through the spaces between moments.
I brought the birdcages to the windows.
I opened the windows, and opened the birdcages.
I poured the fish down the drain.
I took the dogs and cats downstairs and removed their collars.
I released the insects on the street.
And the reptiles. And the mice.
I told them, Go.
All of you. Go.
And they went. And they didn’t come back.”
J.S. Foer

Editorial note: This write-up is based on the official press release. The Fashion Fold did not publish an independent review.

Pauline Dujancourt Spring 2026 Collection

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