Fashion is a constantly evolving industry, but it takes a special kind of talent and vision to endure for two decades in the business. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the designers behind the brand Proenza Schouler, have proven to be just that. The key to their longevity in fashion is a combination of consistency and adaptability, and their recent collection is a testament to this philosophy.
At their recent show during New York Fashion Week, the designers made a statement by inviting American actress Chloe Sevigny to open the show. She has been a fan and wearer of Proenza Schouler since the brand’s inception 20 years ago, and her appearance on the runway was a nod to the personal relationships that the designers have built over the years. This collection was not just about celebrating their longevity in the industry, but it was also a reflection of the women in their lives and what they want from their clothing.
The Fall/Winter 2023 collection was personal and intimate, with minimal prints and embellishments. The designers used elements from past collections but updated them to appeal to the grown-up, sophisticated women in their lives. The velvet shirt dresses, for example, were a nod to their best-selling tie-dye velvet dresses from 2018, but with a subtler, more mature vibe. The evening wear was also inspired by previous collections, but elevated with sequins “baked in” for a more luxurious feel.
McCollough & Hernandez emphasized the importance of using their signature ingredients and not starting from scratch every season. This is evident in the small tweaks they made to their garments, such as the differently shaped sleeves and asymmetrical knits, which elevated their pieces above the ordinary. The collection was not just about making a statement with bold designs, but it was also about making the everyday feel special. From the vertical zippers on blazers to the plush hoodies and glossy gold leather “jeans“, the collection was a celebration of the beauty of the everyday.
