Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez dropped a style bombshell this morning, revealing they’re leaving Proenza Schouler after 23 years at the helm. Their next move remains under wraps, though whispers about a potential leap to Loewe have been getting louder. Regardless of the rumor mill, Proenza Schouler will continue operating, with the two founders staying on as shareholders and board advisors. The label has yet to name a new creative director, but their newly appointed CEO, Shira Suveyke Snyder, confirmed that the search is underway.
The news marks a pivotal shift in New York fashion. Since their debut in the early 2000s, McCollough and Hernandez have often been hailed as industry game-changers. Their first Parsons collection caught the eye of Barneys, practically cementing their status as the cool kids on the block. Over the years, they pioneered a different form of American style—polished but streetwise, playful but elevated. That signature point of view never really lost its edge, and even as the brand grew in scope—hello, cult-favorite PS1 bag and that Target collab—the pair somehow kept it fresh.
“We have always valued risk-taking and a sense of adventure and feel ready to open ourselves up for whatever comes next,” Hernandez said in a statement. McCollough echoed the sentiment, adding, “We will miss working each and every day with the extraordinary teams that we have built at Proenza Schouler, who are like family to us. We could never have experienced the highs we have had over the years without their hard work and dedication to our vision, nor could we have sustained the more difficult moments without their unwavering support and faith in what we do.”
Their approach, from boundary-pushing runway concepts to savvy side ventures, defined an era of independent-minded American design. Proenza Schouler’s influence has only expanded in recent years, with the White Label line launched in 2021 to capture an even broader audience. Now, the brand is forging ahead without the duo at the design table—an intriguing new chapter for a house that has always thrived on reinvention. Wherever McCollough and Hernandez land, you can bet the industry will be watching.
