Fashion Revolution: Proenza Schouler Founders Step Down
Proenza Schouler’s @proenzaschouler founders, Jack McCollough @jackmccollough and Lazaro Hernandez, have made a shocking announcement that on January 31 they are leaving the company they co-founded in 2002. Their decision defines the end of an era for the iconic New York-based label which is well-known for its avant-garde designs and significant influence on American fashion.
The Story Behind Proenza Schouler
The name “Proenza Schouler” is derived from the maiden names of the designers’ mothers: Hernandez’s is Proenza, and McCollough’s is Schouler. This deeply personal touch defines their collaborative partnership, which began at Parsons School of Design. Their senior thesis collection immediately attracted the industry’s interest, paving the way for the creation of a fashion-changing brand.
Groundbreaking Achievements and Legacy
Over the past two decades, McCollough and Hernandez have led Proenza Schouler to remarkable success:
- CFDA Honors: The label won the first-ever CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award in 2004, along with several CFDA awards, including Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2007, 2011, and 2013.
- Signature Pieces: The introduction of the PS1 handbag in 2008 became a milestone, achieving cult status and cementing the brand’s commercial success.
- Global Presence: Proenza Schouler expanded its reach with flagship stores in New York and a presence in over 350 retailers worldwide, including luxury hubs like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Harrods.
Their visionary blend of luxury, practicality, and innovation has been instrumental in reshaping modern American fashion.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhy They’re Stepping Down
After Shira Suveyke Snyder was appointed as CEO in October 2024, the decision to step down was made. In their official statement, McCollough and Hernandez said that reflecting on the brand’s 20th anniversary caused them to reevaluate their stances. They felt that the moment had arrived to relinquish creative control and pursue alternative possibilities. The two agreed that taking risks and exploring new things are essential to their creative process.
Even while they will remain board members and stockholders, Proenza Schouler will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, which is a significant change.
What’s Next?
The hunt for a new creative director is being led by CEO Shira Suveyke Snyder as the brand goes through this leadership change. In the meantime, the company’s continued dedication to expansion and innovation is demonstrated by the February launch of a new flagship location on Mercer Street.
The departure of McCollough and Hernandez represents a turning point in the fashion industry, and both industry insiders and fans are excited to see how Proenza Schouler develops under the new management and where the designers’ further artistic endeavors will lead them.
