While the world anxiously awaits the second season of Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams wasted no time in filming his next project, a supernatural mystery series called Yaga, based on Kat Sandler’s 2019 play of the same name. Ahead of the show’s premiere on October 23, Williams attended a preview at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where he made a rare red-carpet appearance in a fresh-off-the-runway look.
With the help of his stylist, Anastasia Walker, Williams pulled a set from the Orange Culture Fall/Winter 2026 ready-to-wear collection. Founded in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2011 by Adebayo Okelawal, the brand is known for its vibrant, gender-fluid streetwear, which was on full display here.
At first glance, the look seemed akin to those Williams has worn in the past, as it consisted of a black lapelless blazer paired with matching balloon trousers, truly breathtaking. But the jacket was given an unusual silhouette thanks to its curving high neck and sloping shape, while the front was decorated with two diagonal straps, like martingales. A red long-sleeve chiffon shirt was layered underneath for a striking pop of color; it featured a long train in the back that added a dramatic, matador-esque effect. I was ready to be the bull and charge towards him if I’m being honest…
A Red-on-Red Carpet Mismatch
The shirt was complemented with a pair of faux croc-skin shoes in candy red, also from Orange Culture. However, the red details on his suit got totally lost on the red carpet, which was the exact same shade as his shoes. That visual overlap was an unfortunate loss.
Hudson showed up at TIFF in the one outfit that would have truly popped against the Emmys’ famous blue carpet instead. Given that Heated Rivalry couldn’t compete at the Emmys this cycle, it raises the question of whether this choice was an intentional tease, a subtle “you could have had it all” moment from Williams, or simply a wasted opportunity for a killer pair of red shoes.
TIFF features a dedicated television section called “Primetime,” and the standout highlight of this year’s lineup is Yaga. The Crave series stars Carrie-Anne Moss, Noah Reid, Clark Backo, and Williams in his first major post-Heated Rivalry role.
High Jewelry and Custom Mouthwear
Even if his footwear blended into the floor, Williams made sure his accessories stood out. He made a sparkling entrance Thursday night, sporting nearly 80 carats of diamonds from Bulgari’s Serpenti collection alongside a custom pavé diamond grill.
The 25-year-old actor wrapped the Italian jeweler’s High Jewelry Serpenti necklace around his neck. The white gold piece features a pair of pear-cut diamond snake eyes and pavé-encrusted scales, similar to styles valued at over $525,000. He paired it with High Jewelry Serpenti earrings in yellow and white gold set with 36 marquise-cut diamonds, pavé stones, and four pear-cut rubies, estimated around $115,000.
A matching Serpenti ring ($59,000) finished the set, showcasing emerald eyes and 3.58 carats of pavé diamonds. To top off his famous smile, Williams wore a custom diamond grill created by jeweler Christy Cash, who iced out his top incisors and canines in pavé stones. Cash previously built Williams’ Met Gala after-party grill back in May, which featured white gold, opal, and a tiny Venus de Milo sculpture.
Though still early in his red-carpet career, Williams continues to execute these high-fashion moments with ease.
