While power dressing forged a popular path in the eighties, different decades have transformed it with their own twists. The nineties brought a sense of play to the category through color and overemphasized the silhouette through shoulder pads. The power dressing of the 2010s highlighted femininity through sensual fabrics, shortened hemlines and form-hugging designs. The FW26 collection from Sergio Hudson recalls power dressing of the past with a contemporary take and emphasis on tailoring. 

This season marked the 10-year anniversary of the Los-Angeles based, independent designer, and the FW26 collection was shown at the New York Public Library.  Leaning into drama, the collection found inspiration in Black singers, like Leontyne Price and Aretha Franklin, and their powerful performances. “We were going for the drama, the glamour, the emotion, the spectacle,” says Hudson. “I wanted to honor every era of the brand while still designing what feels necessary for the woman today.”

This power and glamour were revealed through multiple methods. Texture is essential to the collection and provides contrast to striking monochromatic looks. Snakeskin-embossed leather, mohair, cashmere and silks are incorporated and add depth and dimension to suiting. The use of beadwork and metallics adds doses of drama.  

Like a signature of the brand—and in addition to drama—the tailoring stands out. Flared pants and strong shoulders contrast with the cinched-in bodices of different looks. Skirt hems fall below the knee and convey sensuality through silhouette.

Monochromatic looks were highlights of the show as well as a purple velvet gown and dramatic black-and-white striped coat that—like the color palette—exude a sense of playfulness and power. We expect to continue seeing celebrities in Hudson’s designs and, particularly, some evening looks from this collection on red carpets this year.