Proenza Schouler, the brand founded by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, has announced a leadership transition. The acclaimed design duo will step down from their roles as Creative directors by the end of January, capping a two-decade journey known for a distinctive aesthetic often described as “anti-minimal modernism“.
“Our twenty-year anniversary was a moment of deep reflection for us,” Hernandez candidly shared. “The time feels right to make the personal decision to step down from our day-to-day leadership role at the company and hand over the creative reins to someone new. We have always valued risk-taking and a sense of adventure and feel ready to open ourselves up for whatever comes next.”

McCollough expressed similar sentiments about their departure: “While change is never easy, this decision – one we’ve carefully considered – feels like the right step at the right time, at this stage in our lives.” However, both designers will retain their shares in the company and continue to serve on Proenza Schouler’s board. They assured that the brand’s operations will continue smoothly despite its absence from the upcoming Official New York Fashion Week schedule for Fall/Winter 2025, which runs February 6th-11th.
CEO Shira Suveyke Snyder, who joined the company last October, is leading the search for new creative talent while maintaining the brand’s strategic growth. Proenza Schouler is sold in more than 300 locations worldwide, including prestigious retailers and through its online platform.
The move also provides an interesting opportunity to test the rumors that the designers may be heading to Loewe, paving the way for wunderkind Jonathan Anderson to take the helm at Dior. However, both designers are remaining tight-lipped about their future plans, focusing instead on ensuring a smooth transition for their beloved brand.

Their success story began at Parsons School of Design, where they met and their collaborative thesis became the brand’s first collection and was bought by Barneys New York. The name Proenza Schouler is derived from the maiden names of the designers’ mothers.
In 2007, the Valentino Fashion Group acquired a stake in Proenza Schouler. Four years later, a group led by John Howard and Andrew Rosen acquired the majority of Valentino’s stake. In 2018, Mudrick Capital Management helped the designers buy back their company.
Recent months have seen significant shifts among fashion’s elite creatives, with John Galliano leaving Maison Margiela, Louise Trotter joining Bottega Veneta, and Matthieu Blazy joining Chanel, marking another chapter of change at the industry’s most famous houses.