Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the highly acclaimed duo behind the luxury fashion brand Proenza Schouler, have announced their decision to step down as creative directors after 18 years at the helm.
The surprise departure of Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez as creative directors of Proenza Schouler has fueled speculation about their potential appointment as replacements for Jonathan Anderson at LVMH’s Loewe. Anderson, meanwhile, has been rumored to be heading to Dior, although this remains unconfirmed.
Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times noted that designers rarely leave stable brands they founded at a relatively young age (McCollough and Hernandez are 46) unless there’s been a disagreement with investors or they’re planning to take another role.
Proenza Schouler hasn’t disclosed the reason behind the duo’s exit. Despite stepping down as creative directors, McCollough and Hernandez will remain on the board and hold minority shares.
In a statement, Hernandez explained, “We feel it’s time to hand over the creative reins to someone new.” McCollough added, “This decision, although difficult, feels right for us at this stage in our lives.”