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Using the same material from the interior of the Volvo EX90, Hudson crafted a wool-blend car coat and waistbelt that combine the vehicle’s Scandinavian design with his signature tailoring and intention. The exclusive collection launched on October 20, and each piece is made-to-order by Sergio Hudson Collections.
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In October, I traveled to Charleston with a group of journalists to get a firsthand look at Hudson and Volvo’s location. During a fitting, Hudson said his goal is to make “great work that can stand the test of time.”
“People can look back on and say, ‘I remember when Sergio did that collaboration with Volvo,’” he continued. “Thinking about aligning yourself with classic brands that speak to where you want to go. And I think that's what this collaboration kind of means to me and my business.”
Hudson pinpoints his mom as the biggest influence for his designs. This collaboration was no different.
“This particular coat reminded me of the swing coats that my mom used to wear in the early 90s. You know, diva girls in the early 90s had Sandra suits,” he said, referring to Jackée Harry’s character in 227. “My mom wore those and she would have these matching swing coats to go over them. And that's where the initial idea came. This would be around the same time that we had our Volvo. So she would put on her suit, her swing coat, get in that red Volvo, and go to church.”
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With this capsule and beyond, Hudson wants to see more staples rotating in and out of closets this fall. He advises fashionistas to build her closet out with essentials to mix and match that aren’t just stylish but also sustainable.
“It's just those special pieces,” he said. “You can wear the same shirt and pants every day and nobody will notice. But if you have a special boot, a special coat, a special bill, a special bag, that kind of speaks to everything that your style stands about, that is something you should focus on.”
These are the same kind of staple pieces that return to our Pinterest boards and TikTok feeds season after season. Fast fashion has never been Hudson’s aim. “I'm trying to create a special pieces that can stand the test of time,” he said in his warm, Southern accent. “I'm only creating those kind of pieces from here on out.”
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For Hudson, this collaboration is revolutionary. It’s his first time working with a car company and experimenting outside of his wheelhouse in this way.
“This is a Scandinavian brand, and, you know, it's 70 years old. I'm an African-American boy from South Carolina that has had a brand for 10 years. So I think bridging those two worlds and seeing the similarities was the beauty of this project,” he explained.
Though Hudson and his partner and CEO of Sergio Hudson Collections Inga Beckham have made massive strides in just 10 years, Hudson said the industry is far from where he wants to see it when it comes to Black representation. He pointed to how few Black designers were at this year’s Met Gala despite the theme being Black dandyism.
“The fact that I dressed 18 people speaks to how many of us weren't there,” he said. He implored more of industries, fashion and beyond, to collaborate with Black designers often.
“Allow mentorship. Allow funding. Allow great design to shine through,” he implored. “When it comes to being a designer of African descent, when you can't get the funding that your counterparts have, you can't compete. When you get opportunities like doing a collaboration with Volvo, or you get opportunities to be at the Met Gala, that's putting us on the equal playing field, but really the funding behind it is what we need to take it to that desk level.”
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The reason why I thought they were a great way to start off this piece is because, although they’ve been together (including living together) for about five years (I believe) and Cey has mentioned getting a lot of social media pressure to propose to Jai, he said that he would move forward when he was ready which happened to be on Jai’s 25th birthday this year — and then, four months later, they eloped. Hmph. What seemed to take forever (to viewers, anyway), it ended up moving swiftly…when Cey was ready to move. And in the meantime, they both resolved to live in the moment and prepare in the meantime. Hmph. In January, they were boyfriend and girlfriend. By December, they became husband and wife. Good stuff.
The tie-in? You know, if there is one thing that I oftentimes encourage my coupled-up clients to do right around this time of the year, it's to have a conversation with their partner about whether or not they think their relationship is stagnant in some way. Synonyms for stagnant include idle, inactive, dormant, sluggish, and stale. The reason why it’s important to ponder over this is because, oftentimes, when relationships end, it’s not because people don’t care for one another anymore; hell, it’s not even that something “big” or “drastic” happened.
Oftentimes, it’s because they allowed their relationship to not develop, advance, progress — and when things aren’t moving forward, things tend to slip backwards or remain stuck…and nothing healthy can come from either of those outcomes.
A musician by the name of Matt Bellamy once said, “You have to evolve. Stagnation breeds boredom,” — and y’all, believe it or not, boredom is another big cause of break-ups. Keeping all of this in mind, I would hate for your relationship to “fade to black” in the upcoming year, simply because stagnation took over.
And so, in the few moments that are left in 2025, ask your partner the following questions. They may provide the clarity you need to know how to keep your relationship strong (or to get it back on track) over the next several months.
Are We in a Different Place than Where We Were Last Year?
GiphyBack to Cey and Jai for a second. Again, even though commenters were pretty close to being relentless when it came to wondering when Cey was going to pop the question, if you kept up with their content, even though Cey hadn’t proposed yet, one thing that you couldn’t say is that they were in the same place, relationally, year after year. For one thing, they stayed moving about (literally), and they oftentimes expressed goals that they wanted to reach, both as individuals and as a couple.
My point? If the ultimate goal between you and your partner is marriage, and that hasn’t happened yet, there is no way that 365 days have passed, and you shouldn’t be able to say that you’ve seen some relational growth, change, and progress over that period of time.
Are the two of you better at communicating? Has the intimacy between the two of you gotten stronger? Are you both better forgivers? Are you closer friends? Do you know more about one another’s wants and needs?
A stagnant relationship is one that, by definition, lacks development. If you can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you and your partner are better and stronger now than you were this time last year, pat yourself on the back — that is a really good sign that you two are in a really great place.
Do We Both Still Want the Same Things?
GiphyOne of the best things about a healthy relationship is that it helps you to tame your ego. I say that because if you are serious about making your relationship work and last, it’s going to require compromise, sacrifice, and humility. That’s why it irks me to no end when a relationship ends, and if a person in it is asked why, they will say something along the lines of the other individual didn’t love them simply because they didn’t want what they did.
This is a great example of someone’s ego showing up because the reality is that a person can absolutely love you and even want to be with you, and still not be on the same page about what you want. This is actually a part of the reason why it’s a good idea to do some thorough vetting during the beginning stages of dating (check out “The 'Pre-Commitment Interview' Every Dating Couple Should Have” and “The 'Pre-Sex Interview' To See If You're Both In Sync.”).
Anyway, the only way to know if someone wants what you do is to ask. And if you think that is silly after being with someone for a while, well, I’ll share with you a marriage quote that I oftentimes reference in sessions: “You don't marry one person; you marry three: the person you think they are, the person they are, and the person they are going to become as the result of being.” (Richard J. Needham)
People change all of the time, so if you’ve been in a long-term relationship, you absolutely owe it to yourself, your partner, and the relationship overall to “check in” to make sure that you both ultimately want the same things from your dynamic. Never assume. Assumptions typically backfire — one way or another.
Is There Any Area Where You Think We Are Wasting Time?
I have always liked this particular definition of waste: “to consume, spend, or employ uselessly or without adequate return,” and when it comes to this particular article, please remember that if you are pouring into something and not getting much of a return…that is the textbook definition of wasting time, effort, and energy.
So yes, it definitely works in your and your partner’s favor to ponder if the two of you are wasting time in an area. One way to figure this out is to look through the lens of INVESTING vs. SPENDING. Whatever you all are doing, is it an investment where you are seeing a payoff, or are you just spending and not really getting much in return?
I’ll say this — if there is more fighting than peace; if you don’t have the same values; if one or both of you are acting like you are satisfied as far as intimacy goes when you really aren’t; if when you hang out, there feels like a disconnection is there; if one or both of you are walking on eggshells in order to get along, and/or spending time with each other isn’t one of your all-time favorite things to do…all of this are indications of wasting time because, again, you’re giving but…what are you really getting?
Do We Complement Where We Are Heading As Individuals?
GiphyWhen God decided (because it was him; not Adam) that it was time for Adam to have a companion, the Classic Amplified Version of Scripture states that the Lord said this: “Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.” (Genesis 2:18 — AMPC) Hmph, don’t get me started on how much nonsense I see on social media that causes me to wonder if people actually believe this. For now, I’ll just say that it’s important to peep what this verse says a good helpmate looks like: she is suitable, adaptable (that’s a good one), and complementary to her man.
Complementary is a great word. So much, in fact, that several years back, I penned an article for the site entitled, “If He's Right For You, He Will COMPLEMENT Your Life.” When you complement someone, you help to complete them. This is why I wish people would really embrace how masculinity and femininity are designed to BALANCE (i.e., complement) one another. And even beyond that, when it comes to your relationship specifically, where do you and your partner complete each other? Not in the rom-com way so much as where do they “balance you out”?
A married couple who I work with, one of the things that I’m trying to get them to chill out about is embracing that their differences actually can work in their favor if they simply stopped trying to turn each other into carbon copies of themselves (another way that ego manifests, by the way). An example of what I mean is the husband is very chill and cautious in how he moves while the wife is spontaneous and likes to take all kinds of risks. If they embraced the way this could COMPLEMENT both of them as individuals, she wouldn’t be so emotionally high-strung and unnecessarily stressed, and he wouldn’t overthink his way out of potentially great opportunities.
Another favorite quote of mine is “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (Larry Dixon) Although you and your partner shouldn’t be so different that you’re constantly clashing and butting heads, it’s okay to bring different things out of each other by how you complement one another. Spend some time talking about if/how you do. It can reveal quite a bit.
What Would You Like to Accomplish, Relationally, Next Year?
GiphyRemember how I touched on the fact that boredom can lead to the demise of a relationship? As I close this out, another way to avoid stagnation in your relationship is to create plans for it.
In 2026, where do you want to travel? What new things do you want to try/attempt together? What are the strengths that you want to celebrate and the weaknesses that you want to work on? How do you want to progress spiritually? What needs still need to be met? What wants do you wish to prioritize? What habits do you want to break? What boundaries need to be set? What do you both want to get better at as far as communication goes? What can you do to become better friends, confidants, and lovers?
It’s kind of wild that, although most of us know the quote, “Fail to plan, plan to fail,” many of us literally FAIL at applying it to our relationship. Yet there is data all over the place that supports that if you want to succeed at something, planning is one of the most effective ways to do it.
Just ask Cey and Jai. #wink
Salute to them and Happy New Year to you and your man.
Here’s to plenty of progress…with barely any stagnation, chile.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Now, before we get into what that is, let me just say that NOTHING is 100 percent foolproof (when it comes to avoiding pregnancy) besides abstinence. Let me also say that other birth control options (like the condom, the pill, and IUDs…oh, and a vasectomy) have more odds at consistent success than what we are about to explore today.
Still, if you are looking for something that is hormone-free, there is a natural oil that has been known to pleasantly surprise some folks when it comes to avoiding conception for many, many years at this point: Neem oil.
Is It True That Neem Oil Is an All-Natural Form of Birth Control?
Okay, so you saw what this sistah in the Instagram post just did, right? If it low-key sounds crazy to you…it shouldn’t. The reality is there is science to back up that, at the very least, neem oil can be treated as an all-natural type of spermicide. The way it works is, if you apply it to your vaginal opening and to your partner’s penis right before intercourse, neem oil has the ability to kill sperm.
In fact, one study revealed that when 238 women used neem oil in this way, approximately five minutes before intercourse, only nine became pregnant during a 1-3 year period. Hmph. When you stop to think that 1 in 5 women typically get pregnant from the pull-out method, those odds are actually semi-impressive.
So, should you just run out to your local health store and cop a bottle of the oil? Well, you definitely should run your decision by your doctor first so that you can get even more intel about the pros, cons and risks. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that this method is not FDA-approved and it can sometimes be so potent that you could end up irritating your vagina.
Still, even with all that I just said, it can’t hurt to do your own additional research when it comes to using neem oil as a contraceptive alternative; especially if hormonal birth control is something that really doesn’t sit well with you (for whatever the reason).
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of neem oil, even if you don’t need it for birth control reasons, there are still several solid reasons for why you should have a couple of bottles in your possession. I’ve included seven of ‘em.
1. Neem Oil Is a Solid Antioxidant
Something that is pretty darn impressive about neem (extract) oil is it contains a whopping 140 different active compounds including ones that are potent antioxidants. Since it also has anti-inflammatory properties in it too, if you happen to have an ulcer or you simply want to reduce some oxidative stress (so that your liver and kidneys can remain in an optimal state), neem oil is an all-natural way to benefit your health and well-being when it comes to both of these issues…and much more.
2. Neem Oil Can Help to Heal Skin Issues
Whenever you get a pimple, there is some inflammation that transpires. In fact, hyperpigmentation that comes after a breakout is typically because your body overproduced melanin in order to get the inflammation down. That said, because neem oil is so powerful when it comes to its anti-inflammation elements and since it also contains antimicrobial properties and fatty acids as well, you can apply it to a zit to speed up the healing process or mix it with a carrier oil to achieve/maintain healthy skin altogether (especially if you happen to have eczema or psoriasis or you want your skin to look younger for a longer period of time).
3. Neem Oil Reduces Dandruff
Dandruff transpires as the direct result of your scalp producing too much fungus/yeast known as Malassezia. That said, guess what else neem oil is considered to be? It’s an antifungal oil too! Not only that but it contains an active ingredient known as nimbidin that can help to hinder the build-up of Malassezia, reduce scalp irritation and suppress the inflammation that is sometimes associated with dandruff. Very cool.
4. Neem Oil Can Keep Your Hair Healthy
Aside from what I just said about dandruff, there are properties in neem oil that can help to keep your hair healthy, period. For instance, if you blend it with a carrier oil like jojoba, it can significantly reduce any frizz that you may have; that way, your natural curls can end up having more curl definition. Also, since it helps to strengthen your hair follicles, neem oil may be able to assist in you experiencing less hair breakage — which means that you will be able to retain more hair length over time.
5. Neem Oil Helps to Maintain Oral Health
This month, I have to have minor oral surgery — and a sistah is not at all thrilled about it. Although I adore my (new) dentist, who wants to get cut and drilled on (which is exactly why I am opting to be sedated)? On top of that, even though I have dental insurance, this ish is not about to be cheap. SMDH.
Moral to the story here — always be as proactive as possible about your oral health and, thanks to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are in neem oil, it can help you out with your teeth and gums too.
Whether you are trying to naturally treat or prevent tooth decay, you want to try to avoid gum disease, you want your teeth to appear whiter, you desire stronger enamel or you’re looking for temporary relief from a toothache — it’s neem oil to the rescue on all fronts.
6. Neem Oil Improves Digestive Health
It’s super important to always remember that 80 percent of your immunity is housed in your gut. That said, in the realm of Ayurvedic medicine (check out “10 Ayurveda-Inspired Wellness Practices For A Balanced Fall & Winter”), neem oil has been long hailed as a way to bring relief to minor digestive issues. It does this by using its properties to soothe an upset stomach while reducing unpleasant symptoms such as gas and bloating.
7. Neem Oil May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
As if we haven’t already learn enough about how neem oil can be a real blessing, if you’re someone who wants to keep your blood sugar levels where they need to be, this oil may be able to help in this department too. The long story short with this one is some studies have revealed that neem oil has the ability to revive some of the cells that help to produce insulin. As a direct result, that can help to lower blood sugar levels. Now how dope is that?
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Hmph. Talk about an oil that is an unsung hero.
What are you waiting for? Cop some and see how (well) it works for you!
Featured image by Shutterstock