Hudson Williams Makes a Statement in Deconstructed Tuxedo at GQ Met Gala After Party

Hudson Williams proved he's not afraid to take fashion risks as he made his way through New York's post-Met Gala scene.

The 25-year-old Heated Rivalry breakout arrived at the GQ Met Gala After Party at Cafe Zaffri at The Twenty Two New York on Monday evening (May 4), trading his red-carpet elegance for an avant-garde take on formal wear.

For the gala itself, Williams channeled a striking Black Swan aesthetic, complete with dramatic eye makeup that marked his Met Gala debut. His makeup artist Aika Flores drew inspiration from the transformation between the white and black swan, crafting a look that captured the shift from innocence to something more commanding and refined. "I was inspired by the idea of transformation—a journey where innocence gives way and grace takes on a darker edge. It's like the white swan shedding its softness to become something sharper, untouchable, and entirely reborn," Flores explained to Harper's Bazaar.

By the time he stepped out at the after-party, Williams had switched gears entirely. He wore a deconstructed tuxedo ensemble from ERL's Fall/Winter 2026 collection that blended high fashion with unexpected elements. The look featured an artisanal tailcoat evening jacket with silk satin peak lapels and a cropped front, layered over a pleated tuxedo dress shirt with silk cummerbund and Lycra evening gloves. Rather than traditional trousers, the outfit incorporated track shorts—a bold juxtaposition that showcased the brand's playful approach to tailoring.

The ensemble was completed with an ERL logo beret, custom dress socks, and handcrafted ERL loafers. Williams accessorized with sunglasses and jewelry from Bulgari, adding polish to the unconventional silhouette.

The look exemplified the kind of experimental styling that has become a hallmark of Met Gala after-parties, where attendees often push boundaries even further than they do on the main red carpet.