Backstage at Sergio Hudson’s Fall/Winter 26 show, the energy felt both electric and deeply personal. It was the kind of atmosphere that signals something special is about to unfold. A decade into building his namesake brand, Hudson returned to the runway with a collection that felt celebratory, emotional, and rooted in reverence for the women who have shaped culture through their talent, presence, and undeniable star power. This season was not just about fashion. It was about honoring legacy, spotlighting excellence, and reminding us of the magic that happens when women step fully into their greatness.
For Hudson, the emotional core of the collection traces back to a moment that has stayed with him since childhood. “The inspiration behind tonight’s collection started from a performance of Aretha Franklin at the 1998 Grammys,” he shares with ESSENCE. “She filled in for Luciano Pavarotti and sang ‘Nessun Dorma’ on a whim. I remember watching that as a child and being in complete amazement. I really wanted to address the magic of women and the magic of talent, and how it made an impression on me growing up.”
That reverence translated seamlessly into the beauty. Makeup artist Sir John described the mood as late 1940s and early 1950s, inspired by Sophia Loren, with elongated liner and softly sculpted skin setting the tone. “This is the 10th anniversary of Sergio Hudson, so we had to come with a little bit of sauce,” he say. “We’re elongating the eyes so they’re big, beautiful, and lifted. Almost like you’ve got invisible facelift tape.”
To achieve the look, Sir John leaned on Danessa Myricks Beauty for hydrated, plump skin and long-wearing drama. “We’re using her new Barrier Boost to make the skin look extremely dewy and supple, but not greasy,” he explains. For eyes, a liquid liner in deep black ensured staying power. “It’s stage approved. It doesn’t move. It doesn’t budge.”
Hair mirrored the collection’s elegance with sleek, intentional simplicity. Hairstylist Kayra Theodore revealed that the goal was consistency and polish. “They wanted it very sweet and very neat. Low at the neck with a deep side part,” she says. “For models with natural textures, we’re keeping them natural but shaping the hair into a soft, sleek silhouette. At the end of the day, we want to prioritize the health of the models.”
Nails added another layer of artistry. Lead nail tech Christina drew from Hudson’s mood board of prints, texture, lace, and diamonds, incorporating gold, his signature, throughout. “Everything is handmade and custom,” she notes. “We’re using DND gels, GAOY cat eye, gold chrome, and diamonds. My personal brand is CQD Nails.”
Together, the beauty and fashion told a unified story. An ode to iconic women, enduring glamour, and the kind of talent that stops time, just like Aretha did.
