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Ten years ago, brothers Barry and William Hudgins shared a dream and transformed it into a living, breathing reality. For a decade, they passionately poured ambition, faith, and vision into an annual tradition that became one of Atlanta’s most anticipated fashion events.

Year after year, they put on an amazing show, leaving audiences in awe, raising the bar each time and leaving guests eagerly awaiting the next. William, with an undeniable passion for fashion and creative vision, and Barry, with his extremely business-oriented acumen and precise execution, together formed the powerhouse behind Living Royalty.

L–R (Barry Hudgins, Trinidad James, and William Hudgins)

After 10 consecutive shows, the duo recently took their final bow, bringing their decade-long tradition to a grand finale. But while the curtain may have closed on their annual production, their story is far from over; it’s simply the start of a new chapter. One that honors the ongoing legacy they’ve built while looking ahead to fresh horizons, not just as designers and entrepreneurs, but as individuals.

The seed for Living Royalty was planted and birthed in 2015, when William decided he wanted to launch a clothing line. The brothers brainstormed several names until they finally landed on the one that perfectly captured and embodied their vision of making people truly feel like royalty when wearing their designs. Barry, the business strategist, immediately saw the vision and potential and joined forces with William to bring Living Royalty to life.

“When we started, our main goal was to make a name for ourselves and see where things went,” they reflect. “We knew we wanted to start our own business and that results would come, but we didn’t imagine at the time it would turn into a 10-plus year journey”.

Barry understands the untold labor behind each production. “Putting on a show on this scale takes a village. People often see the final product: the lights, the runway, the crowd, but they don’t see the countless number of hours and moving pieces behind the scenes,” he says. “That’s why we go out of our way to show appreciation to every person on our team and anyone involved with Living Royalty in any capacity.”

For William, the creative force behind the brand, the message behind their collections has always been the same: “Fashion is yours, it’s all about how you piece it together, but you can make anything look good.” Built on versatility, Living Royalty prides itself on having something for everyone, no matter the occasion.

What sets this brand apart from others is its relentless drive to be different and its refusal to take shortcuts, creatively and financially. Every production and every piece is designed to push boundaries, continuously build their name, surprise the audience, and elevate the experience for everyone involved, from models and designers to team members and guests.

Their success and strength lie in the ability to recognize their balance. William brings innovation, new trends, and fresh ideas to the table, while Barry refines, structures, and executes them to perfection. William admits to moments of anxiousness and frustration leading up to their final show. “When you’re putting on a show, you can plan everything out, but you never really know what might happen or how it will go.” Barry and William describe a feeling of bittersweetness. They’ve produced successful shows for a decade, but now face the question of what’s next for Living Royalty and how they continue to inspire audiences for another ten years.

Currently, they are working on a docuseries reflecting on the past decade while remaining open to the next chapter, both for the brand and personally. These ten years have taught them invaluable lessons not just as designers and entrepreneurs, but as Black men. “Whatever you put in is what you’re going to get out. Whatever it is you’re passionate about, you have to eat, breathe, and sleep it,” William says. Barry adds, “Dedication, success, and failure are all three things you’ll experience in business. Everyone who starts with you isn’t going to finish, and just because people are around doesn’t mean they are going to support you. You are your brand, and that’s something you’ll always have.”

To Barry, legacy is success, something his last name can live on forever. For William, success is eternal, something that lives on long after the moment has passed.

For young, aspiring Black creatives and entrepreneurs, their advice is simple yet firm: be ready for adversity. There will be people who don’t want you to succeed; it’s your job to prove them wrong. Believe in yourself, because no one else will if you don’t. And above all, keep going. Never stop. Always stay hungry for more.

As Living Royalty turns the page to its next chapter, Barry and William Hudgins remain grounded in the same values that built their empire: creativity without compromise, an unshakable work ethic, and a deep respect for the people who help bring their vision to life. Ten years of innovation have proven their ability to captivate, inspire, and set trends, but their legacy is still in motion. Living Royalty will continue to reign, not just on the runway, but in the hearts of those who believe in the power of vision, perseverance, and purpose.

Photo Credit: @dantegotracks and @selfmade_guy