Hudson Williams became the unexpected star of Balenciaga’s Haute Couture debut after ditching his jacket to beat the sweltering Paris heat.
Not even Pierpaolo Piccioli’s long-awaited debut at Balenciaga managed to steal all the attention. Instead, one of the most talked-about moments of Paris Haute Couture Week came courtesy of Hudson Williams, whose candid reaction to the soaring temperatures quickly became a viral sensation.
The ‘Heated Rivalry’ actor arrived at the show wearing an oversized chocolate-brown double-breasted suit, perfectly in keeping with Balenciaga’s sharp aesthetic. But as temperatures climbed to around 30°C in the French capital, it wasn’t long before practicality took over.
After taking his seat on the front row, Williams removed his jacket and watched the show in nothing more than a simple black vest. Laughing at the situation, he admitted: “Oh my God. Don’t look at me! I’m pouring with sweat.”
The moment immediately caught the attention of fans online. Social media quickly filled with humorous reactions, with one user joking, “Someone save his Canadian self from this heat,” while another wrote, “I don’t know whether to feel sorry for Hudson or thank the sun for letting us see his arms.”
The show took place outdoors at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, where guests endured unusually warm weather while dressed for an Autumn/Winter couture presentation.
Among the celebrity attendees were Lily Collins, who arrived in a look inspired by Audrey Hepburn as a nod to her upcoming film, alongside Teyana Taylor, Cynthia Erivo, Shailene Woodley and Thai actor PP Krit.
The heat proved equally challenging for the models. Gigi Hadid, Anok Yai and Alva Claire took to the runway wearing voluminous coats, dramatic feathered pieces and sculptural silhouettes, all while showcasing Piccioli’s first haute couture collection for the iconic French fashion house.
The collection revisited many of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s signature codes, including the maison’s celebrated cocoon and balloon silhouettes, architectural tailoring and a dominant palette of black, the founder’s favourite colour.
Yet despite the craftsmanship on display, it was Hudson Williams’ refreshingly honest response to the sweltering weather that became one of the defining images of the day.
