Proenza Schouler

Summary

Proenza Schouler is a New York based womenswear and accessories brand founded in 2002 by designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. The design aesthetic is defined by the duo’s use of fine luxury materials crafted with sense of effortlessness and ease. Proenza Schouler has won five CFDA awards including the 2003 Swarovski award for Ready-to-Wear, the 2009 Accessory Designer of the Year award, and the Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2007, 2011 and 2013.

History

New York-based womenswear and accessories brand Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 by fashion designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, who duo met while studying at Parsons School of Design and subsequently collaborated on their senior thesis which became their first collection as Proenza Schouler. It was an instant hit. Named after the designers’ mothers’ maiden names, the collection was bought by Barneys New York.

Awarded with the inaugural CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award in 2004, the emerging fashion brand was quickly established as one to watch out for in the industry. Since, Proenza Schouler won five CFDA awards including the 2003 Swarovski Award for Ready-to-Wear, the 2009 Accessory Designer of the Year award, and the Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2007, 2011 and 2013.

Proenza Schouler makes luxury fashion for the intelligent urban woman. The body of work is defined by Jack and Lazaro’s use of luxury fabrics and an effortless design aesthetic. The fashion brand launched its first handbag collection in 2008, including the PS1, a classic satchel that has been described by fashion editors as wearable luxury and quickly became become the brand’s signature.

In 2012, the brand expanded its accessories line with a footwear collection licensed through Giuseppe Zanotti, Vicini SpA. Buoyed by success, the brand diversified into swimwear in 2014 through a licensing agreement with Swimwear Anywhere. The following year, Proenza Schouler signed a licensing agreement with L’Oréal for the development and creation of fragrances.

Proenza Schouler quickly mapped its rise through a number of significant collaborations with leading brands. The duo created a line of hand painted denim with J Brand, collaborated with filmmaker Harmony Korine on their first original video featuring the Fall 2010 collection, collaborated with MAC Cosmetics on a limited-edition makeup collection and partnered with Parisian department store Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche for a capsule collection and exhibit.

The following year, the duo collaborated with Harley Weir and Jen Brill on an original video, ‘Legs Are Not Doors’, featuring the 2015 Spring Collection and again the following year on their second original video together, ‘PS I Love You’, featuring the Pre-Fall 2016 collection.

There were a lot of structural changes. In 2007, the Valentino Fashion Group bought 45 per cent stake in Proenza Schouler. Stefano Sassi, Valentino Fashion Group CEO, became Chairman of Proenza Schouler and Shirley Cook continued to be the CEO. “We’re happy we now have a security net for our company, which we never had before,” Hernandez told WWD. “The business has been growing exponentially, and to do that you need the proper funding.” McCollough added. “It’s also having a strategic partner who can really get involved in terms of the factories, to be able to help with timely deliveries, and with distribution networks — all things the Valentino Fashion Group has a lot of strength in.”

In 2011, Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez issued a joint statement to confirm that Andrew Rosen and John Howard took over a stake in their business from Permira—the conglomerate that operates Valentino. Finally, Castanea Partners acquired a minority interest in the fashion brand, appointing Judd Crane as CEO. In end-2018, however, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez – with the help of private investors – bought back their company’s shares from Castanea Partners.

In 2017, Proenza Schouler announced their exit from the traditional ready-to-wear calendar to align with the couture calendar. This switch changed the location of their runway shows from New York to Paris, and merged their main and pre-collections, only showing twice a year. The fashion designers continue to stay grounded in their design aesthetic while staying relevant.

On their Fall Winter 2023 collection, Vogue wrote, “Clothes-wise, the idea was to make an art of the everyday. By adding vertical zippers to the back of blazers that flashed a hint of skin but also enhanced ease of movement, by whipping up a hoodie in the softest, plushest knit, and by cutting “jeans” in a glossy gold leather…”

Proenza Schouler has a flagship boutique located at 121 Greene Street in New York, and is sold in over 350 doors worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, Galeries Lafayette, and Shinsegae. The brand is available online at www.proenzaschouler.com, as well as through its retail partners including Net-A-Porter, MyTheresa, Matches Fashion, Moda Operandi, and FarFetch.

Vision

Proenza Schouler is a New York-based luxury fashion brand acclaimed for its innovative approach to modern luxury, blending sophisticated craftsmanship with cutting-edge design. The brand’s vision is rooted in redefining contemporary fashion through an artistic lens, where meticulous attention to detail meets a bold, yet refined aesthetic. With a strong focus on tailoring, quality fabrics, and experimental silhouettes, Proenza Schouler consistently pushes the boundaries of traditional design while maintaining a sense of timeless elegance.

The luxury fashion brand emphasises creativity and authenticity, consistently crafting collections that reflect the spirit of innovation and individuality. Proenza Schouler draws inspiration from diverse sources, such as contemporary art, global culture, and architectural forms, fusing them into unique and dynamic pieces. Their vision prioritizes the balance between wearability and artistry, allowing their designs to resonate with a sophisticated, discerning audience who appreciates fashion as a form of personal expression.

At its core, Proenza Schouler aims to create clothing that empowers its wearers, offering a sense of confidence and distinction. The brand envisions fashion as a platform for self-expression, where each piece tells a story of craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation. By maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and forward-thinking design, Proenza Schouler continues to shape the future of fashion, merging the avant-garde with the practical to create collections that are both striking and enduring.

Mission Statement

Proenza Schouler’s mission statement is to design a sophisticated, modern wardrobe that caters to the intelligent urban woman. Their collections embody a blend of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary edge, offering pieces that are versatile yet statement-making. The brand strives to create clothing that integrates into the fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyles of women who value both style and substance.

As fashion designers, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough bring a unique vision to Proenza Schouler, blending elements of high fashion atelier techniques with the influence of the 1990s, a period that shaped much of their design sensibility. This duality—fusing refined, couture-level craftsmanship with the relaxed, rebellious spirit of the Nineties—creates collections that feel both familiar and forward-thinking. The result is a wardrobe that honors tradition while staying relevant to the ever-evolving needs of modern women.

Proenza Schouler’s commitment goes beyond aesthetics; their mission includes designing clothes that resonate with women who lead complex lives, balancing work, personal pursuits, and creativity. Each piece is crafted to empower the wearer, reflecting her independence, intelligence, and sophistication. This balance between artistry and wearability ensures that Proenza Schouler continues to set new standards in contemporary women’s fashion.

Products and Services

Proenza Schouler, founded by designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, is a New York-based luxury fashion brand known for its modern, sophisticated aesthetic. The collections combine sleek tailoring with innovative designs, with structured silhouettes, playful textures, and high-quality materials. The brand often draws inspiration from contemporary art, youth culture, and street style, resulting in garments that feel both timeless and forward-thinking. Proenza Schouler’s collections range from ready-to-wear to handbags and footwear, each piece reflecting a strong, bold identity that resonates with modern women.

In addition to its seasonal runway collections, Proenza Schouler offers a range of services that cater to its high-end clientele. The brand is renowned for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, particularly in its leather goods. Signature items, such as the iconic PS1 handbag, have become cult favorites, cementing Proenza Schouler’s place in the luxury accessories market. Proenza Schouler also provides a bespoke service, offering clients the opportunity to customize specific pieces to their unique preferences. This exclusive option allows for an elevated, personalized shopping experience that goes beyond traditional retail.

Beyond fashion and accessories, Proenza Schouler’s services extend into a holistic lifestyle experience. The brand frequently collaborates with artists, designers, and other creatives to produce limited-edition collections, installations, and special projects that transcend the conventional boundaries of fashion. These collaborations foster a community of forward-thinking individuals who appreciate the intersection of style, art, and culture. Through its collections and services, Proenza Schouler has established itself as a leading voice in the world of luxury fashion, continuously pushing the envelope with its innovative approach.

Key Team

Founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

Awards and Recognition

2003: Swarovski Award for Ready-to-Wear; 2003: Inaugural CFDA/Perry Ellis Award for emerging talent and and the first recipients of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2004, taking home a cash prize of $200,000; 2009: CDFA Accessory Designer of the Year Award; CDFA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2007, 2011 and 2013. In 2014, the design duo won Designer of the Year at Accessories Council’s ACE Awards. Proenza Schouler was awarded Best Fashion Film at Fashion Film Festival Milano for their original video, ‘Legs Are Not Doors’, in 2015. The following year, Proenza Schouler was featured in Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.’

References

• Official website Proenza Schouler
• Proenza Schouler Inks Deal for Swimwear WWD
• ReIssue of first collection at Barneys Vogue
• Proenza Schouler Regains Full Ownership of Company Humble and Rich
• Facebook profile of Proenza Schouler Facebook
• Minority stake sold Fashionista
• Proenza Schouler Inks Licensing Deal for Footwear WWD
• Valentino buys 45% stake in Proenza Schouler Drapers
• Instagram profile of Proenza Schouler Instagram
• CFDA Awards nomination The Cut
• First fragrance launched Fashionista
• Proenza Schouler opens second New York store Fashion Network
• Twitter profile of Proenza Schouler Twitter
• Show moved to Paris The Cut
• LinkedIn profile of Proenza Schouler LinkedIn
• Proenza Schouler to Launch New Line WWD
• Youtube profile of Proenza Schouler Youtube
  Pre Fall 2016 The Cut
• Wikipedia profile of Proenza Schouler Wikipedia