
Sergio Hudson, the designer behind iconic looks for Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, and Rihanna, is no stranger to the spotlight. Yet, despite his influence, Hudson feels the support from his own community is lacking. During New York Fashion Week, he took to Instagram, voicing his disappointment in the absence of Black A-listers at his show. "My answer to why some Black A-listers didn’t come to my show even though they were here…White adjacency is a hell of a drug. I pray my brothers and sisters get healing one day," he shared.
“My answer to why some Black A-listers didn’t come to my show even though they were here…White adjacency is a hell of a drug. I pray my brothers and sisters get healing one day.”
Hudson's comments highlight a broader issue within Black creative communities. While mainstream platforms receive unwavering support, Black-led fashion houses often find themselves ignored, sometimes even by those who could boost their visibility. Hudson's recent viral moment featuring "Love Island USA" star Olandria at NYFW underscores this ongoing concern.
The internet was quick to react. Critics pointed out Hudson's past struggles with featuring Black models, questioning his consistency in promoting diversity. "Sergio has been talking about this since he came out. He was saying Black celebs weren’t wearing his clothes," one Threads user noted, adding that Hudson also faced criticism for his model choices.
Despite the critiques, many stood by Hudson, acknowledging his influence and the unfair expectations placed on Black creatives. "People saying people don’t know who he is…wild! He’s a force and they definitely know," one supporter wrote. Another suggested Hudson should charge double to those who fail to support him consistently.
Hudson's critique is part of a larger conversation about validation and recognition in spaces that often overlook Black creativity. As NYFW wraps up, the questions he raises about who we champion and why linger, urging the industry to reflect on its support for Black talent.