The late, and simply genius, Ola Hudson remained relatively unknown to the wider public but the brilliant designer and bona fide creative mind was behind some of the wildest and most fierce stage outfits for the 70s biggest music stars.

Born Ola Oliver in 1946, as a young adult her vibrant energy manifested itself through dance. Mrs. Hudson studied with the Lester Horton School of Modern Dance and with Bella Lewitzsky and Linda Gold in Los Angeles. Her talent and ambition landed her in the prestigious Institute of Dance in Paris, Switzerland’s Le Loft, and The Max Rivers School in London.

It was here where she settled down for a spell, marrying fellow free-spirit Anthony Hudson. Hudson was one of the lucky ones. During a time when album covers were true works of art, his was displayed on many including that of Joni Mitchell, David Bowie & Neil Young. In July of 1965, the pair welcomed their first child into the world. They named him Saul Hudson, the rest of the world calls him Slash.

Not much is publicized about Ola’s return to LA in the late 60s, but all signs point to a turbulent marriage to her alcohol addicted spouse and a desire to embark on a career as a costume designer. Mrs.Hudson wasted no time in making a name for herself as a premiere costumier to the stars. Her lengthy clientele list included Diana Ross, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, the Pointer Sisters, Stevie Wonder and David Bowie.

Ola Hudson designed the suits worn by Bowie in the 1976 film, The Man Who Fell To Earth. A collection of her work designed for the British pop star is on permanent display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.

Mrs. Hudson was a major player in the industry, designing fashion collections for Henri Bendels in New York, Fred Segals and Max Field Blu in Los Angeles, Right Bank Clothing in Beverly Hills, Neiman Marcus and was the creator of Skitzo, an authentic boutique situated on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip.

After a long battle with cancer, Mrs. Hudson passed in 2009 at the age of 62. A life cut too short, it was inspiring, bold, fabulous and full of adventure. Speaking of his mom, Slash once said, “She turned me onto all different forms of art and the importance of artistic self-expression and creative communication thru music and dance from as early on as I can remember.”