5 March 2026  The Vienna-based designer Nicolas Dudek has released a new photo series presenting his Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The images were created by several photographers and offer different visual interpretations of the garments. Some of the pictures have already appeared on the designer's Instagram account, while the full series now reveals a broader view of the concept behind the collection. One of the most striking photographs, taken by Sarah Katharina, shows a model wearing a voluminous lilac evening gown on Maria-Theresien-Platz in Vienna. The location lies between two almost identical buildings: the Kunsthistorisches Museum, opened in 1891, and the Naturhistorisches Museum, opened in 1889. The architectural symmetry of the site, dedicated to both art and science, creates an atmosphere that closely connects to the inspiration behind the collection. A setting between art and scienceMaria-Theresien-Platz forms a symbolic stage for Dudek's work. The two museums surrounding the square represent different ways of understanding the world: artistic expression on one side and scientific research on the other. Viewers may perceive a visual dialogue between creativity and knowledge. In the photograph, the soft and airy tulle dress contrasts with the monumental historic architecture.This idea reflects the literary source that inspired the collection: the famous book Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. A story loved by children and adultsPublished in 1943, Le Petit Prince tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet after leaving his tiny home asteroid, known as B 612. During his journey he meets different characters and reflects on friendship, responsibility, love and the meaning of life.The story uses elements from astronomy, aviation and nature as part of its narrative world. At the same time, the book speaks about human relationships and emotional experiences. One of its best-known ideas, expressed by the fox in the story, is that what is truly important cannot be seen with the eyes but only with the heart. This combination explains why the book appeals to different generations. Children are drawn to the imaginative journey through planets and characters, while adults often recognise the philosophical reflections behind the simple language. The work has become one of the most widely translated books in the world. Fashion inspired by a childhood bookDudek's SS26 collection translates this literary universe into fashion. According to the designer, Le Petit Prince was his first and favourite book during childhood and remained an important influence over the years. In statements accompanying the collection, he explained that the story describes essential values such as friendship, responsibility and the childlike perspective that adults sometimes lose. These ideas, he said, were the emotional starting point for the designs.The garments reflect contrasts similar to those found in the book. Some looks appear in clear black silhouettes, while others feature colourful, voluminous tulle gowns with corsages. Tulle, known for its lightness and transparency, plays a central role and allows dramatic shapes without heavy structure. A young designer from ViennaNicolas Dudek founded his label in Vienna in 2022. Self-taught in sewing, he quickly gained attention for his theatrical gowns in gemstone colours and long trains, often produced from sustainable deadstock fabrics. The designer has presented collections at Vienna Fashion Week and has become part of the city's emerging fashion scene.Beyond runway shows, Dudek has also been involved in social projects. In 2024 he created an upcycling collection with the charity organisation Humana and organised a drag fashion show together with the hotel SO/ Vienna during Vienna Pride. The new photo series highlights the narrative behind Dudek's SS26 designs. In the images taken on Maria-Theresien-Platz, the flowing tulle dress appears between institutions dedicated to science and art. The setting reflects the themes of Le Petit Prince, where curiosity about the universe meets reflections on human relationships. Clothing is visible on the surface of the body. Yet the ideas that inspire it – stories about imagination, friendship and responsibility – may come from the heart. Images: Model wearing a lilac tulle evening gown with corsage from Nicolas Dudek’s SS26 collection 'Le Petit Prince', photographed by Sarah Katharina on Maria-Theresien-Platz in Vienna between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum. Photos: © Nicolas Dudek / Sarah Katharina |