Finally! Sergio Hudson Gives Us Runway Models With Pizzazz

In the new series "What I Loved Yesterday," Harper's Bazaar editors highlight one standout look from the previous day at New York Fashion Week.

If you follow a zillion nostalgic fashion social media accounts like unforgettablerunway and defunctfashion, as I and many other fashion freaks do, you’ve surely noticed that runway shows in the 1990s had a lot more attitude. Models would pause mid-runway and spin around, or linger at the photographer pit and strike multiple poses, or take off a jacket mid-strut to show off the neckline of a dress. Seeing footage of a Chanel or Versace show from that era can feel jarring and exciting, and the posts are often packed with commenters longing for those theatrical, personality-driven shows. Why, they often ask, don’t runway shows ask models to express themselves this effusively today?

On Saturday evening, New York designer Sergio Hudson gave us the showmanship we’ve been waiting for. His dresses were delightfully mini, many with sexy-padded shoulders, so the clothes had great attitude, to begin with. And his models all had long ponytails piled high that bounced as they stalked down his long glossy runway. On top of that, Hudson had a blaring house music soundtrack that was so invigorating, Bethann Hardison, sitting just to my left, was clapping and stomping her feet throughout. Each of the models appeared to be having the time of her life, walking tenaciously, spinning gleefully, and expertly putting a hand on the hip and smizing. The already bubbly clothes looked all the more delectable and fun, as the models elevated the energy of the huge crowd.

I especially loved two models who came out together in coordinating babydoll minidresses, made of layers of punchy-colored mesh. The only thing more intimidating than a confident woman who loves her outfit is two confident women who love their outfits. And that was really what Hudson’s show was all about: clothes that can make a woman feel self-assured. What a thing to celebrate. When the lights came up, everyone in the room was grinning.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.