Hudson Williams is making his relationship with Bvlgari official, and it comes with plenty of sparkle.
The luxury jewelry house has welcomed the Heated Rivalry star as its newest ambassador, adding another fashion milestone to the actor’s growing résumé. For Williams, the partnership comes down to a shared appreciation for individuality and a little boldness.
“I’ve always been drawn to people and ideas that feel bold, original and unafraid to be themselves,” Williams said in the announcement. “That’s what I love about Bvlgari, there’s such a strong sense of individuality and creativity in everything. I’m excited to join the Bvlgari family and see what we can create together.”
A sparkling relationship already in the making
If you’ve been following Williams’ red carpet looks, this pairing makes perfect sense. The actor has already given Bvlgari jewelry several memorable outings, including a Serpenti necklace and hoop earrings at this year’s Golden Globes. He also wore the house’s jewelry for his Met Gala debut in May.
More recently, Williams brought the sparkle to the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Yaga, wearing a Bvlgari Serpenti necklace, earrings and a ring with an Orange Culture look. A backless blazer and all those diamonds? He clearly understands the assignment.
From ‘Heated Rivalry’ to high fashion
Williams became a breakout star playing Shane Hollander opposite Connor Storrie in Heated Rivalry, the queer hockey romance that put both actors on fans’ radar. Since then, his fashion résumé has been filling up, too.
Back in February, Williams was named a Friend of the House at Balenciaga and appeared in creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut campaign for the label, photographed by David Sims. His new Bvlgari ambassadorship builds on a year that has brought both luxury campaigns and increasingly memorable red carpet looks.
‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 is on the way
We can’t write about Williams without mentioning that he and Storrie are returning as Shane and Ilya Rozanov for the second season of Heated Rivalry, which is currently in production and scheduled to premiere in spring 2027.
The next chapter will draw from Rachel Reid’s The Long Game, continuing the couple’s story beyond the first season. The cast is also expanding, with additions including Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie, Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding and Priyanka.
Fans also got a little off-screen reunion last week when Williams and Storrie made a surprise appearance at the Kate Spade New York Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health. Taking a break from filming Season 2 in Canada, the actors joined a panel discussing resilience, belonging and community, alongside the newly launched Irina Foundation. The initiative brings a fictional foundation from the Heated Rivalry universe into the real world, supporting LGBTQIA2S+ and underserved communities through sports and the arts.
The announcement centers on being bold, creative, and unafraid to be yourself, qualities Williams says drew him to the house. We’ll be watching to see how that translates into their next collaboration. Preferably with another very good necklace.
