The American brand’s next act is unwritten, but the stakes have never been higher. As Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez exit, the race to carry their legacy of arty, intellectual cool begins
When Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez announced their departure from Proenza Schouler after over two decades, the New York fashion scene let out a collective gasp. The duo, who’ve shaped their brand into a touchstone of arty, intellectual cool, are leaving their namesake label to embark on an adventure of their own. And while they may have always valued risk-taking, it’s the rest of us who are left in suspense: who will inherit this American fashion powerhouse?
RELATED: Fashion’s Finest: The Winners of the British Fashion Awards 2024
The Arty Darling of American Fashion
From the crucible of Parsons School of Design, Proenza Schouler (named after McCollough and Hernandez’s mothers’ maiden names) became a sensation the moment Barneys New York snapped up their senior thesis collection in 2002. The label brought a fresh energy to the often-commercialized landscape of American fashion, melding conceptual artistry with wearability.
Their designs are a study in contrasts: soft drapes meeting architectural lines, bold graphics clashing with muted palettes, and the occasional flirtation with chaos in their celebrated deconstruction. They’ve mastered the art of looking like they didn’t try too hard while, of course, trying just the right amount. Think draped dresses, slinky knitwear, and statement bags that bring downtown grit with uptown polish.
Proenza Schouler’s influence looms large. Their whip-smart tailoring and art-school aesthetic shaped a generation of New York fashion, influencing everyone from Alexander Wang to emerging brands today. It’s a legacy built on attitude—a palpable energy of creativity that pulses through the city itself.
The Changing of the Guard
Their twenty-year anniversary was a moment of deep reflection. Reflection, perhaps, for the duo—but for us, it’s more like speculation. Fashion loves a game of musical chairs, and with Hernandez and McCollough’s exit, the industry is already buzzing about their next move. Could they be heading to Loewe to replace Jonathan Anderson, rumored to be moving to Dior? Or will they throw everyone a curveball and end up at Fendi, where Kim Jones recently vacated his post?
The possibilities are endless, but let’s not forget the vacancy they’ve left behind at Proenza Schouler. The label itself is prime for reinvention—much like Carven, Margiela, and the other houses in search of their next star. While the industry’s usual suspects (Hedi Slimane, Pierpaolo Piccioli, John Galliano) are in the mix for high-profile gigs, Proenza Schouler might opt for someone unexpected.
Who’s Next?
If there’s one thing Proenza Schouler has taught us, it’s that risks pay off. Who might take over? Will they follow the path of brands like Bottega Veneta, choosing a lesser-known designer to reinvigorate their vision? Or could they tap into the next-gen who grew up idolizing their work?
Whoever steps in will inherit not just a brand but a philosophy. Proenza Schouler lies in the culture. It’s about the line between art and commerce, the push and pull of chaos and control. And in this age of fashion where the stakes are higher and the attention spans shorter, that’s a mantle not everyone can carry.
The Bigger Picture
Of course, McCollough and Hernandez’s departure is a reminder that fashion, like life, moves in cycles. Designers leave, houses evolve, and brands either flourish or falter under new creative visions. But it’s also an opportunity for the vitality of New York fashion itself. Proenza Schouler is set in the grit and glamour of the city that birthed it.
Who will take over Proenza Schouler? For now, it’s anyone’s guess. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, it’s that risk pays off—and fashion never stays still.
Photos: PROENZA SCHOULER (via website and Instagram)
The post Are the Proenza Boys Leaving for LOEWE? What’s Next for Their Label appeared first on MEGA.Are the Proenza Boys Leaving for LOEWE? What’s Next for Their Label
Source: Insta News Pinoy
0 Comments