PROENZA SCHOULER
Proenza Schouler began simply as a senior project at Parsons School of Design. It was there that, in 1998, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez first met while studying fashion design. For three years the two designed independently and quite successfully. In his junior year, Jack took an internship with Marc Jacobs, and for his subsequent junior collection he was awarded the National CFDA First Prize as well as a Silver Thimble. At about the same time, Lazaro had a chance meeting with American Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour that led to an internship and close working relationship with Michael Kors. For his junior collection, Lazaro was also a National CFDA finalist and received the prestigious Silver Thimble. In their senior year at Parsons School of Design, Jack and Lazaro designed their first joint collection that exceeded all expectations and received the Golden Thimble. As a result, Jack and Lazaro launched their own independent label, Proenza Schouler, named after their mothers. Throughout the years, their collections have received similar acclaim and have been purchased by stores throughout North America, Europe and Asia. In 2008, Proenza Schouler launched its first handbag line, PS1, inspired by a classic satchel, which has been modernized into a timeless version.