In the ever-evolving intersection of fashion and automotive innovation, rare is the collaboration that feels both inevitable and electrifyingly new. Yet Volvo Cars and acclaimed American designer Sergio Hudson have managed precisely that, unveiling a limited-edition capsule collection to mark Volvo’s 70th anniversary in the United States. More than a mere celebration, this partnership is a meditation on heritage, sustainability, and the art of design—delivered through two meticulously crafted wardrobe essentials inspired by the fully electric Volvo EX90 SUV.
A Capsule Rooted in Heritage and Vision
At the heart of this collaboration are two exclusive pieces: a tailored wool blend car coat and the Nordico in Dawn belt. Each item is a sophisticated nod to Volvo’s Scandinavian design ethos and Hudson’s signature approach to modern American luxury. This is not simply about commemorating a milestone; it is about reframing the conversation around what luxury means in the age of conscious consumerism.
But the story runs deeper still. Both Volvo and Hudson are bound by geography and sensibility. Volvo’s EX90 is assembled in Ridgeville, just outside Charleston, South Carolina—a region that shaped Hudson’s own creative journey, growing up in Ridgeway. The collection, then, is as much a tribute to local craftsmanship as it is a statement about global design dialogue.
The Tailored Wool Blend Car Coat: Automotive Heritage, Reimagined
The centerpiece of the capsule is the tailored wool blend car coat (MSRP $1,895). More than a garment, it is a distillation of both brands’ philosophies. Constructed from the same responsibly sourced, natural wool that graces the EX90’s seats, the coat marries form with function. Hudson’s sharp tailoring—his calling card on international runways—finds new expression in an oversized silhouette engineered for driving comfort.
Mid-thigh in length, the coat is a modern evolution of the classic car coat, a staple of early automotive culture designed to keep drivers warm while leaving legs free for pedal operation. Hudson’s interpretation is both reverential and forward-looking, blending heritage cues with a distinctly contemporary wearability. The result is a piece that feels as at home behind the wheel as it does on the city streets—a testament to the longevity and versatility that define truly considered design.
The Nordico in Dawn Belt: A Tribute to Innovation
No less compelling is the Nordico in Dawn belt (MSRP $225), a fashion accessory that pays homage to one of Volvo’s most transformative contributions to automotive safety: the three-point seat belt. Here, Hudson employs the same Nordico upholstery found in the EX90—premium bio-attributed PVC with 100% recycled polyester textile backing—rendered in a serene Dawn colorway.
A platinum-inspired buckle, embossed with co-branded Volvo and Sergio Hudson insignia, lends a finishing touch of polish. This is more than a utilitarian accessory; it is a conversation starter, a piece that fuses the language of safety and innovation with the grammar of contemporary style.
Three Looks, Infinite Possibilities
Understanding that true luxury is defined by versatility, Hudson has curated a three-look capsule collection that pairs each collaboration item with select pieces from his own fashion line. These ensembles are designed to move seamlessly from day to night, inviting wearers to embrace wardrobe longevity and conscious curation over fleeting trends.
- Daytime Ease: The car coat styled with relaxed tailoring for casual sophistication.
- Transitional Utility: The Nordico in Dawn belt cinching a fluid dress or high-waisted trousers, offering a tactile link between car and closet.
- Evening Refinement: Both pieces elevated with statement accessories and bold silhouettes, affirming their place in the pantheon of modern luxury essentials.
Hudson’s vision is clear: these are not one-season wonders, but future classics, crafted to stand the test of time both in terms of style and substance.
Shared Roots, Shared Values: The South Carolina Connection
At a time when the fashion industry is increasingly globalized—and often disconnected from place—this collection stands out for its celebration of local heritage. Both Volvo and Sergio Hudson are deeply tied to South Carolina; the EX90 is born in Ridgeville, while Hudson’s formative years unfolded in Ridgeway. This connection is more than symbolic. It is a reminder that world-class design can, and should, be rooted in community and craft.
The collaboration is also a testament to the power of cross-disciplinary inspiration. Hudson immersed himself in the Volvo Charleston plant, absorbing the nuances of Scandinavian design and the intricate processes that shape the EX90. This hands-on experience influenced every aspect of the finished pieces, from material selection to color palette to the smallest finishing details. The result is fashion that feels as intentional and thoughtfully engineered as the vehicle that inspired it.
Sustainability: Where Luxury and Responsibility Converge
Perhaps the most significant achievement of the Volvo x Sergio Hudson capsule is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Every material has been chosen with environmental stewardship in mind—the wool is responsibly sourced, the Nordico fabric leverages recycled polyester, and the ethos of made-to-order manufacturing reduces waste.
This is not sustainability as an afterthought, but as a core value. By foregrounding responsible production, the collaboration challenges the notion that luxury is inherently wasteful or exclusive. Instead, it posits a future where indulgence and integrity are two sides of the same coin, and where visionary brands can set new standards for what is possible.
Made to Order, Made in the USA
In an era increasingly defined by digital immediacy and fast fashion, the decision to offer these pieces exclusively online and made-to-order is a bold statement. Starting October 20, 2025, customers in the US, Canada, and UK will have the opportunity to acquire these limited-edition items, each crafted in the United States by Sergio Hudson Collections. This approach not only ensures quality and exclusivity, but also supports local manufacturing—a subtle yet powerful reinforcement of the collection’s South Carolina roots.
The exclusivity is more than a marketing ploy; it is a reflection of the thoughtful, deliberate process that underpins both the automotive and fashion sides of the collaboration. Each piece is imbued with a sense of purpose and place, making ownership an experience rather than a transaction.
Design Intentionality: Voices from the Collaboration
The statements from key figures involved in this project illuminate its deeper ambitions. Kelly Mason, Head of Communications at Volvo Car Americas, frames the collaboration as a "celebration of luxurious style, purpose, and our presence in the Charleston area." She underscores the synergy between Hudson’s obsession with detail and Volvo’s own philosophy of Swedish craftsmanship, highlighting a shared respect for heritage and a relentless pursuit of modern luxury.
For Sergio Hudson himself, the visit to the Charleston Plant was transformative. "I was struck by the intentionality behind every design choice," he reflects. "I witnessed an attention to detail I apply during my own design process. The EX90 in particular is warm, sophisticated and mindfully crafted. I wanted to capture that same feeling of elevated comfort and conscious luxury in pieces that make you feel elegant and confident."
These are not mere platitudes. They are the guiding principles that have shaped every stitch, every seam, and every silhouette in the collection.
Pricing and Availability: Investment Pieces for the Discerning Collector
The price points reflect the collection’s dual commitment to luxury and sustainability:
- Tailored wool blend car coat: $1,895 USD
- Nordico in Dawn belt: $225 USD
While not accessible to all, these are pieces designed for the discerning collector—those who value provenance, intentionality, and the story behind the object as much as the object itself.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Future Collaborations
The Volvo x Sergio Hudson capsule collection is more than the sum of its parts. It is a blueprint for how brands with shared values and distinct heritages can come together to create something that transcends category. By bridging Scandinavian automotive innovation and American luxury fashion—while remaining steadfast in their commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship—Volvo and Hudson have set a new standard for what collaboration can achieve.
As the worlds of fashion and mobility continue to intertwine, one can only hope that more partnerships will follow this example: thoughtful, rigorous, and driven by a genuine desire to move culture forward. For now, the road—and the runway—belong to those who dare to innovate with purpose.
