Fashion & Beauty

Designer Sergio Hudson brings strength and sophistication — Janelle Monáe, Rachel Brosnahan

Suits, strength and sophistication — that’s what Sergio Hudson is all about.

The designer, who grew up in South Carolina, reportedly fell in love with fashion at only four years old. Since the inception of his eponymous Sergio Hudson Collections in 2016, he’s taken his rightful place as a go-to name for the chicest celebrities.

You may recall his work from former first lady Michelle Obama’s effortless wine pantsuit for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, Dr. Jill Biden’s shimmering cobalt gown for a White House State Dinner in May welcoming the President and first lady of Kenya, or a handful of custom styles worn by none other than Beyoncé — the newly-anointed queen of country music. Outside of these major moments, Hudson has built up a loyal following of celebrity clientele. This is no surprise given that his design philosophy prioritizes those who love his work the most: women.

From left: Sporting Sergio Hudson, actress Hilary Swank looks heavenly promoting “Ordinary Angels” on the Today Show; “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” star Danai Gurira is to die for attending Hudson’s NYFW show in February; Brooke Shields rocks a denim three-piece suit at “Victoria’s Secret: The Tour” in September of 2023; Janelle Monáe matches her power suit with a bold red lip at the Fashion Trust US Awards in April. Images: Getty

“My inspiration always comes from women, from women that I’ve known in my life to iconic women in pop culture,” Hudson told Page Six in 2023. “They’re usually confident, powerful and fabulous.”

So that you can share our appreciation of the iconic designer, we’ve curated a collection of Hudson’s recent hits. From legends like Brooke Shields to artists like Janelle Monáe and Fantasia Barrino, prepare to be wowed by Sergio Hudson’s coterie of admirers.

“Power dressing fuels the heart of every muse within the Sergio Hudson world,” the designer’s website declares — and we’re inclined to believe it. The two- and three-piece Sergio Hudson suits so often rocked by A-listers lend these ladies an air of authority, while exaggerated features — like Hilary Swank’s shoulder pads while appearing on the Today Show — and pops of color add to the boldness. 

Hudson’s talent for event dressing is also undeniable.

From left: “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino and CNN anchor Abby Phillips slip into Sergio Hudson attending “The Color Purple” LA premiere and the 2024 White House Correspondents’s Dinner, respectively. Images: Getty

Exhibit A: The pop of polka dots worn by actress, Grammy winner, and 5-time NAACP Image Award winner Fantasia Barrino, whose outstanding film debut in 2023’s “The Color Purple” saw her reprising her beloved Broadway portrayal of Celie Harris-Johnson.

The designer also outfitted CNN’s Abby Phillips for the 2024 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, in a deep gold gown from Hudson’s fall 2023 collection. The thick belts adorning both Barrino’s and Phillips’ looks are a Sergio Hudson staple — accentuating the wearer’s waist to create a stunning silhouette.

Accoladed actress Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) wears Sergio Hudson attending the designer’s NYFW show, the 2024 Golden Globes and the premiere of “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.” Images: Getty

And of course, we can’t forget one of Hudson’s most loyal celebrity clients, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star and DC Studios’ future Lois Lane, actress Rachel Brosnahan. In addition to a years-long history of wearing Sergio Hudson looks while promoting her iconic comedy series, Brosnahan celebrated the premiere of her Broadway show “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” (co-starring Oscar Isaac) with a color-coordinated set from her favorite designer.

More recently, the Emmy winner showed up in support of Hudson’s February NYFW show wearing perfect pinstripes, and landed on many a “Best Dressed” list with a scarlet off-the-shoulder dress that fit like a glove for the January Golden Globes.

One more red-hot look in Hudson’s repertoire.