In a world where men dominated the fashion industry and at a time when women were trying to find their footing in the world, Ola Hudson carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry. Through her mastery of sewing techniques and clear aesthetics, she became a seamstress whose works turned heads in the 1970s.
Famous for her flowing retro dresses, Ola Hudson was a talented fashion designer, photographer, dancer, and costumier. She is renowned for designing costumes for celebrities like Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, John Lennon, and David Bowie. The multi-talented designer is most famous for creating the waistcoat and pants David Bowie wore in the 1976 film, “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” for the Thin White Duke character.
Ola Hudson may not be a household name, but her contributions to the fashion industry cannot be overemphasized. She was a renowned fashion designer whose works and vision have subtly impacted the fashion world.
Known for creating unique, high-quality, handmade pieces that set her apart, she became one of the most sought-after designers. Hudson is a name you might not have come across. Despite that, there’s a high possibility you’ve seen her designs a few times. She had a penchant for retro designs, often depicting simplicity and functionality.
Here’s everything we know about the legendary designer.
The Story and Legacy of the Revolutionary Designer
Hudson was born Ola Oliver in Los Angeles on October 12, 1946. Her first love was dance. She was an incredibly talented dancer who got recognized for her dance skills. She enrolled at the Lester Horton School of Modern Dance in Los Angeles, where she performed as a dancer and sharpened her skills in dancing until 1960, when the school closed its doors.
Hudson’s dance talent opened numerous doors for her. As a result, she danced at the Institute of Dance in Paris, the Le Loft in Switzerland, and the Max Rivers School in London.
She Was a Model
Ola Hudson was also known for her natural hair and striking facial features, causing her to model in her early days. Her modeling career did not last long but introduced her to the fashion world, which she later dominated.
Ola Hudson Met Her Husband in Paris
While she was a student at the Institute of Dance in Paris, Hudson met a British painter Anthony, who would become her husband several years later. The pair fell in love, and she went with him when Anthony returned to the UK.
London at the time was culturally vibrant, and Hudson was in love with its innovative artistic wave. Their love blossomed, and the duo tied the knot several years later. However, theirs was an interracial marriage that was frowned upon at the time.
Therefore, Anthony’s family disapproved of their marriage. Despite the family’s disapproval, the pair stayed together and had their first child. However, the birth of her child led to the end of her career as a dancer.
Ola Hudson Has Two Sons
The talented fashion icon had two sons with her husband. The couple welcomed their first son, Saul, who became a rockstar. Hudson’s son was born in the United Kingdom on July 23, 1965. The couple welcomed their second child, Albion, several years later in 1972.
Her Career Peaked After Her Divorce
The iconic designer’s marriage to her painter husband ended in 1973. Ola Hudson moved back to the United States to pursue a career in fashion after giving birth to her first child, while Anthony and Saul moved in with his parents.
Anthony and Saul joined Hudson in LA in early 1970, and the couple welcomed their second son two years later. Unfortunately, the family reunion didn’t last long, as Anthony started struggling with depression.
Eventually, the couple went their separate ways when their first son, Saul, was eight. Reports say their divorce came after her husband started drinking heavily and became a chronic alcoholic.
Ola Hudson Became a Designer to Cater to Her Sons
Following her divorce from her British painter husband, Hudson and her sons struggled financially. She could barely survive, and they moved in with her mother. Ola Hudson started rebuilding her career and working as a designer in Los Angeles.
Although she was a dancer in Paris, It didn’t take long before Hudson’s career as a designer took off. Many artists and brands soon noticed her wide range of talent and unique artistic flair.
Her first major client was David Bowie, also her rumored lover. She soon started designing for high-end clients like the Pointer Sisters, who she styled for their album cover, Carly Simon for the Rolling Stone magazine cover, and many others.
After gaining recognition for her unique retro-inspired designs, Hudson started expanding her work and creating clothing lines for brands. She worked with Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, and Maxfield Blu.
After gaining prominence, she also opened her clothing store called Skitzo, which was a huge success. Hudson was famous for her avante-garde, rock ‘n’ roll looks. These looks still inspire what some of our favorite celebrities wear today.
The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art still celebrates Ola Hudson’s contribution to fashion history. Her designs are iconic and still on display as permanent exhibits. She remains a source of inspiration to many designers.
