Sergio Hudson: From South Carolina Roots to Met Gala Triumph

Sergio Hudson, the South Carolina native who envisioned his future in fashion design at the tender age of six, has ascended to become a prominent figure in American fashion. The curator of his eponymous collection, Hudson now helms one of the nation’s most recognized emerging fashion brands, reaching a monumental peak at the Met Gala.

Hudson’s journey has been marked by unwavering determination and a clear vision. He credits his upbringing and supportive parents for nurturing his early aspirations. This encouragement fueled his lifelong dedication to design, leading him to create a brand synonymous with strong silhouettes, vibrant colors, and a modern take on classic elegance.

His designs gained significant recognition when Vice President Kamala Harris and former First Lady Michelle Obama donned his creations for President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021. This watershed moment catapulted Hudson into the national spotlight, solidifying his position as a designer to watch.

The 2024 Met Gala, honoring Black men in fashion, served as a grand stage for Hudson’s talents. On Met Monday, over a dozen gala attendees graced the event in his custom pieces, a remarkable achievement even for established luxury brands. Additionally, numerous stylists selected looks from his ready-to-wear line for their clients.

Among the celebrities dressed by Hudson were "The Marvelous Miss Maisel" star Rachel Brosnahan, whom he affectionately calls "my girl," and "Abbott Elementary" creator Quinta Brunson, with whom he had long desired to collaborate. The gala also marked the Met Gala debuts of WNBA players Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Brianna Stewart from the championship-winning New York Liberty, all clad in Hudson’s designs.

His impressive roster of clients for the evening also included legendary musician Stevie Wonder and his wife Tomeeka Robyn Bracy, Usher’s wife Jennifer Goicoechea, SpreeAI CEO John Imah, political strategist Huma Abedin and her future-sister-in-law Met Museum trustee Jamie Soros. These diverse figures, each representing different fields and backgrounds, underscores the breadth of Hudson’s appeal and the universality of his design aesthetic.

The Met Gala’s theme, reimagining the Black "dandy," aligned perfectly with Hudson’s design philosophy. He emphasizes translating mens fashion into womenswear, crafting beautiful and impactful statements. He describes this theme as "pretty much who I am as a designer."

The Metropolitan Museum defined "dandyism" as an opportunity for Black individuals to utilize clothing, gesture, irony, and wit to reshape their identities and envision new political and social possibilities. Hudson’s incorporation of traditional menswear elements into his signature structured womenswear made him a natural fit for the theme.

Hudson acknowledges the honor of connecting with this historical context but also expresses concern about future opportunities for Black designers in such a prominent setting.

A significant figure on Hudson’s mind during this momentous occasion was the late André Leon Talley, the former Vogue editor-at-large. Hudson admired Talley, who served as a role model for aspiring Black fashion enthusiasts. He credits Talley’s style and personality, stating that Talley was a "dandy at heart" whose inspiration is undeniable.

Hudson hopes that the Met Gala will serve as a turning point for his brand within the often exclusive fashion industry. He emphasizes the challenges of navigating the numerous "gates" that exist, even after initial entry.

He aspires for recognition and lasting impact, hoping his brand is not seen as a mere fleeting trend, but as a solid investment. Hudson’s vision extends beyond his personal success; he aims to open doors for individuals who are typically excluded from the industry, seeing his own growth as a means to achieve this goal.

While acknowledging the ultimate status of a brand like Valentino, Hudson expresses a desire to achieve Ralph Lauren status. Despite Lauren’s limited celebrity dressing at this year’s Met Gala, Hudson appears to admire Laurens enduring impact on American sportswear.

Hudson’s success at the Met Gala represents a major achievement, not only for himself but also for aspiring designers, particularly young Black designers in his home state of South Carolina. He views his journey as a blueprint for future generations, demonstrating that with talent, determination, and a clear vision, success is achievable. He ultimately aims to be recognized as a great American sportswear designer, leaving a lasting legacy on the fashion landscape. He wants to be known for talent and hard work. He wants to be known for his designs.