If Sergio Hudson‘s fashion shows usually resemble a party, fall 2026 felt more like a boudoir.
The show, in the New York Public Library Friday night, carried the same level of opulence the designer is known for, but conveyed it more with a whisper than the usual shout. The plush white carpet that models slowly slinked over, for example, felt more akin to a bedroom than a bustling bar and the soundtrack was more soft than electrifying.
“The initial inspiration was a performance of Aretha Franklin at the 1998 Grammys,” Hudson said before the show. “She filled in for [Luciano] Pavarotti last minute because he was sick, and in that moment, I was like, ‘Wow, there is no woman more powerful than this.’”
Hudson’s inspirations all followed suit: He looked to Diahann Carroll’s character from “Dynasty,” Dominique Deveraux, as well as Jacqueline Broyer from “Boomerang.” “And Cruella de Vil — Glenn Close,” he said.
He’s been meditating on his muses a lot for the collection, which marked a decade of his brand.
“These characters played an integral part in me and who the Sergio Hudson woman is. I wanted to show people where this all came from. And my mother, you know, would be in 6-inch heels at church on a Sunday morning, and I grew up with her.”
Some of those takes were more literal than others, with a strong emphasis on strong-shouldered suiting and luxurious, high-shine evening gowns, as well as vibrant takes in velvet or sequins.
“My customer is shifting their focus to more special pieces. I’ve noticed it just in terms of what’s selling and what’s not,” Hudson explained. “Knitwear isn’t selling for us, and if a jacket is selling for us, it’s the most intricate jacket, not the basic jacket. I want to give more for them to look at.”
