Happy Fashion Month!
What better way to start the fashionable month of February than with an interview with rising
American fashion designer Sergio Hudson? From polka dots and stripes, to modern blazers and elongated trousers - Sergio is undoubtedly the designer of the moment who's making a statement both on and off the runway.
So when I heard that he was making an appearance at Bloomingdales 59th st. to showcase his latest collection on the designer floor- I knew that I had to be there to capture this moment. Especially as one of the few black designers aside from Balmain, to actually have his work featured on the designer floor- it felt quite surreal to interview and talk to him one-on-one.
His humble demeanor, and South Carolina charm felt welcoming and genuine and so it no wonder that he's reach high acclaim so early in the game. Some say that being personable makes you more appealing, and in a cut throat industry like fashion, I am sure that reckons on all levels.
It's clear to see that Hudson has come along way from studying Fashion at Bauder College , to winning Bravo TV's, "Style to Rock" fashion competition and being awarded $100,000 to invest in his own label.
Sergio is creating a household name for his fashion line and celebrities like Michelle Obama, VP Kamala Harris, Beyonce and Rihanna have all rocked some of his designs. He not only caters to celebs, but also to the masses who love and appreciate his designs.
Along with Bloomingdales, Sergio's collection can also be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Check out our interview below:
XoXo,
Rashidah
Answers Provided by Designer Sergio Hudson
Q: You started in 2015, and took off in 2020- Talk to me a little bit about that process-
A: Hard work , you know, just grinding and just trying to make it happen and believing that it could happen and waiting for the right opportunity by being ready.
Q: So you’re from South Carolina and you started designing for your Auntie right? Talk to me about that little boy, talk to me about Daniel who knew fashion would be his calling.
A: Yes I am originally from South Carolina and I actually started designing for everybody. I was never called Daniel because that's my dad's name too- only by other students at school. You know at a very young age, maybe around 5 years old, I started tuning into CNN Style, fashion files and fashion television and it permeated in my brain and I knew at the young age what I wanted to do and I worked towards it.
Q: During the last fashion week, you showed your collection in the Financial District - How was that?
A:It was great, we had a great time and we leased out a place called the "Leina Ballroom" which is actually a school of conservatory right across from the stock exchange- it was really fun.
Q: You had so many celebrities in attendance - how did that feel?
A: Yeah a lot of them I just realized last week, I was like, “ohh they were there?” Because you know when it's show day you don’t know who’s going to be there. I’m always just worried about what the girls (models) are going to look like so when you have a great team around you- they worry about all of the other stuff.
Q: Would you say having a big and supportive team behind you is key?
A: Not necessarily a big team but a supportive team that believes in what you’re doing and I have that forsure.
Q: You’ve designed for celebs like VP Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Issa Rae- I mean the list really does go on- How does that make you feel?
A: You know at this point, it’s kind of surreal and it’s like sometimes you wake up and you’re like, “Oh I did that!” because it’s like everyday I am getting called to see if I can design for this person or that person and it’s like no I can’t do that and yes I can do that and to have that opportunity, it’s not taken for granted for sure.
Q: So what can we expect? Are you showing for Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 23 next month?
A: We are showing for Fashion Week at Spring Studios this time on Feb 11th at 7pm
Q: Any Celebs we can expect to see at your next showing?
A: I am sure- We have a few tricks up our sleeves.
