Sergio Hudson has long been synonymous with high fashion, timeless glamour, and a commitment to redefining luxury. For his latest collection, presented during New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2025 season, the acclaimed designer delivered a bold celebration of opulence, sharp tailoring, layering, and the powerful women who inspire him.
“The inspiration really was just my woman,” Hudson shares. “I wanted to design an opulent, luxurious collection with a lot of layers. I was just feeling it this season, so I thought, throw everything on – so you’re gonna see a lot of everything on. It’s high glamour.”
With a front row featuring Keke Palmer in a nude leather top, white wide leg trousers, and a sweeping wool coat – along with a soundtrack featuring Sade (who, Hudson says, was on repeat in the studio while his team worked on the collection) – the runway paid tribute to the classic, powerful woman. The collection showcased suits, cinched coats, and glamorous takes on timeless workwear.
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Hudson’s mood board this season also featured legendary women like Diahann Carroll, Grace Jones, and Lil’ Kim, but his greatest inspiration came from those closest to him. “The women that I work with – like Keke Palmer and Muni Long – my business partner, my mother, the women I talk to daily, dress, and give advice to, I really thought about them when I designed this collection,” he explains. This deeply personal connection translates into clothing that emboldens. Every stitch, drape, and fabric choice reflects his dedication to making women feel powerful. That’s what captivates stars like Beyoncé, Garcelle Beauvais, Washington power players like Dr. Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as the masses of customers who flocked to Target for a piece of his sold-out 2022 capsule collection.
I don’t want my destiny to be controlled by any company that’s not owned by me. We have to get back to supporting our own, looking at our own, and lifting each other up – not stepping on each other to get to the next place. Because that next place might not be there, as we’re seeing now.
His aspirations go beyond creating beautiful garments: he is determined to reshape the industry, breaking barriers and pushing for lasting change. “I really want to build a business that can change the way this industry looks for people like me,” he says. “And it’s not just for me, but for all the designers that come after me.” For Hudson, progress means an industry that offers equal opportunities, regardless of race. “I feel like we should be treated equally and get the same amount of funding and support as everyone else. That’s what I’m showing and proving tonight, hopefully.”
As the political landscape shifts within the fashion industry amid DEI cuts and tariffs, Hudson remains committed to independence. “I don’t want my destiny to be controlled by any company that’s not owned by me,” he says. “We have to get back to supporting our own, looking at our own, and lifting each other up – not stepping on each other to get to the next place. Because that next place might not be there, as we’re seeing now.” His words reflect a larger movement within the industry, one that calls for inclusivity, ownership, and a redefinition of success.
With such an ambitious vision and tireless work ethic, one might wonder how Hudson unwinds. His answer? “Go to sleep. That’s it. That’s the money.” In a conversation with PS, Hudson shares a few of his current obsessions, from artisanal home decor to a Grammy Award-winning masterpiece. Shop his favorite products ahead.
