Hudson Williams just added high fashion to his résumé.
The Heated Rivalry breakout confirmed to GQ this week that he has been named a Friend of the House at Balenciaga, marking a major milestone for the rising actor. The announcement places him at the forefront of creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s first campaign for the brand, a reset moment for the storied label.
Photographed by David Sims, the campaign introduces Piccioli’s early collections for the house, including Summer 2026, titled “The Heartbeat,” and Fall 2026, “Body and Being.” Williams appears alongside fellow ambassadors Winona Ryder, Harris Dickinson, and Havana Rose Liu, forming what the brand describes as a newly defined creative circle.
A New Chapter for Balenciaga
Piccioli, who built a reputation for emotional storytelling in couture, framed his debut not as a spectacle but as a gathering. In a press statement, he emphasized selecting individuals rather than personas, seeking presence over performance. The aim, he said, was to build a community shaped by shared values, respect, strength, sensitivity, freedom, without erasing individuality.
That ethos comes through in the imagery. The portraits are stark and direct. Williams leans across a Balenciaga bag in one frame, then offers a fashion-forward nod to Rodin’s “The Thinker” in another. It’s minimalist staging with personality intact.
For Williams, the collaboration felt intuitive. In comments shared with GQ, he called the pairing of Piccioli and Balenciaga “a no-brainer,” citing the brand’s legacy of reshaping silhouettes and the designer’s bold point of view. He described the opportunity as an honor and admitted he’s still processing the scale of it.
Beyond the Clothes
Williams didn’t stop at fashion talk. In a reflective note to the outlet, he offered a reminder that ambition doesn’t magically repair inner turmoil. External wins, he wrote, don’t automatically fix what’s happening internally. His advice was blunt and grounded: be kind to yourself, stay disciplined, address your issues, and keep your edge.
It’s the kind of candor that’s helped fuel his ascent. The actor has built a following not only for his on-screen work but for an openness that feels rare in celebrity culture. That blend of vulnerability and confidence aligns neatly with Piccioli’s stated goal of spotlighting real people rather than constructed images.
Friends of the House
Williams leads a slate of newly announced Friends of the House, the first class appointed under Piccioli’s direction. Also joining the extended roster are British composer Labrinth and Danish model Mona Tougaard, broadening the creative range beyond film and fashion.
The move signals where Balenciaga may be headed next: less about shock value, more about cultural conversation. Piccioli’s framing suggests a focus on craft and human connection over spectacle.
As for Williams, the partnership adds another line to an already expanding career. From buzzy screen roles to luxury campaigns, he’s navigating the spotlight with intention. Whether draped over a handbag or delivering a pointed life lesson via email, he’s clearly comfortable occupying space, and doing so on his own terms.
