Sergio Hudson can always be counted on to put exuberance on the runway. His models, he says, have to know “how to walk a runway” and his music has the crowd dancing in their seats each season.
“It’s a dark time. I want to bring some joy and give people clothes that they really want to wear, and not just closet fillers,” he said backstage before the show.
He showed a smaller lineup this season, but he still pulled out all the stops, pumping up the volume with animal prints, his trademark bright colors and razor-cut tailoring — introducing a new looser utility coat for spring. Hudson unabashedly loves women and he wants to give them “statement pieces.”
There was colorful embroidery on bustier minidresses and blouses, and corseted skirts that lace up the back, but the ease of sportswear shone through, too, with oversize peasant-sleeve blouses and bright suiting with top stitching. “Items that you would cherish,” he called them, adding that seeing his “workmanship” is paramount.
As for his animal prints — his vibe is always injected with the ’70s and ’80s, often inspired by icons such as Diana Ross and Bianca Jagger. His woman will light up a room in a cheeky zebra-print shirt dress and a wide metallic iridescent belt or zebra sequined miniskirt.
For high evening and red carpet came dresses with colorful sequins accented with jewelry by Sister Love the jewelry line from Simone I. Smith and Mary J. Blige, who sat in the front row tapping her toes.
Hudson brings excitement to every show and now that he’s highlighting his craft, he’s making his work even more covetable.