Sergio Hudson strutted onto the New York Fashion Week scene with a powerful, glamorous collection that was not only breathtaking but also surprisingly accessible.
Inspired by the iconic style of 70s divas like Cher and Diana Ross, his designs celebrated strong women through sharp tailoring, corsetry details, and a healthy dose of denim attitude. But the real game-changer this season was his collaboration with Rakuten, allowing fashion lovers to snag exclusive pieces straight off the runway — instantly.
Gone are the days of waiting six months to rock the latest trends. Hudson, known for his “see-now-buy-now” approach, teamed up with Rakuten to offer select pieces from his collection for immediate purchase, now through February 23, complete with Rakuten Cash Back savings.
This partnership marks a significant shift in the traditional fashion week model, democratizing access to high-end design and blurring the lines between runway dreams and wardrobe realities.
Hudson explains to GRAZIA USA that he doesn’t want his consumers to have to “wait ’til six months later when every celebrity under the sun has worn them.”
“I really wanted them to be able to say, ‘Oh, God, this is such a special piece,'” he continues, and give them the ability to purchase that item right away.
And special they are. From the denim pants with a sleek leather front to the signature denim belt, these exclusive Rakuten drops capture the essence of Hudson’s 70s-inspired collection, offering wearers a chance to embody the power and glamour of the era.
The American fashion designer feels the “strong woman” was on display this fashion week, with a shift to more luxurious fabrics. Designers like himself leaned into that customer, “giving them something that they can really dream about” — such as Hudson’s denim which comes straight from Italy.
Not to mention, the early access and cash back incentives make these pieces even more enticing.
But Hudson’s vision extends beyond immediate gratification. He sees this partnership as a way to make fashion more inclusive, breaking down the barriers that often separate luxury from everyday accessibility.
“Rakuten has a broad range of price points,” he explains. “It just kind of makes you feel more at ease, like ‘I don’t have to spend this much money only on this [one designer’s] site.’ I can buy something affordable, and I can buy something at a luxury price point.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Hudson’s desire to “repopularize American sportswear and make it a thing again.” His clothes are meant to be lived in, cherished, and empower the wearer. The Rakuten collaboration amplifies this message, making his dream of American fashion accessible to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Hudson envisions expanding this partnership, potentially offering a larger portion of his collection through Rakuten’s platform. This would be a major step towards bridging the gap between runway exclusivity and everyday wearability, ultimately making fashion a more inclusive and exciting experience for everyone.
So, if you’re looking to inject some 70s glamour and instant gratification into your wardrobe, head over to Rakuten and snag a piece of Sergio Hudson’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection.
Remember, fashion shouldn’t have to wait — and with Rakuten, it doesn’t have to.
