Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, co-founders of Proenza Schouler, are the dynamic duo at the forefront of New York’s fashion scene. Meeting at Parsons School of Design, they famously combined forces for their senior thesis, naming their fledgling brand after their mothers’ maiden names. The debut collection was picked up in full by Barneys New York in 2002—a fairy-tale start for what would become one of the city’s most talked-about brands.
From the beginning, McCollough and Hernandez approached fashion with a unique lens. Their early focus on luxurious fabrics and unexpected materials, combined with an uncanny instinct for what’s cool, propelled Proenza Schouler to cult status. Their aesthetic, often described as an intricate mix of downtown ease and uptown polish, reflects the designers’ ability to distill New York into clothing that’s relevant, sharp, and always a step ahead. Their PS1 bag, launched in 2008, quickly became a modern classic, embodying the kind of wearable luxury that’s become synonymous with their name.
The duo’s career is studded with accolades, including multiple CFDA awards and collaborations that have taken their vision beyond the runway—think Birkenstock and Mercedes-Benz. In 2019, they introduced Proenza Schouler White Label, bringing their signature approach to a more casual line, further expanding their universe. Through it all, McCollough and Hernandez have remained steadfast in their mission: to dress the modern, urban woman in pieces that feel as relevant as they are refined.
As Proenza Schouler continues to evolve, McCollough and Hernandez’s creative partnership remains at its core. Whether designing a fragrance, a new collection, or even a laid-back take on their staples for White Label, the designers’ deep connection—and their knack for tapping into the pulse of contemporary fashion—is what keeps them at the forefront of American fashion today.