Proenza Schouler Founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez Exit the Brand

Proenza Schouler founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have officially stepped down as creative directors of the brand they founded 22 years ago. Effective January 31, the duo exits the brand but is said to be working with Proenza Schouler’s CEO Shira Suveyke Snyder to look for a new creative lead to succeed them.

Their exit fuels the widely considered rumors that McCollough and Hernandez are being considered to be the new designers replacing Jonathan Anderson at LVMH’s Loewe. For months now, Anderson has also been rumored to be heading to Dior, though no official word has been said about that for now to confirm the continued game of designer music chairs. Vanessa Friedman of the New York Times points out, “A designer leaving a house he or she founded when it is relatively stable and they are relatively young (Mr. Hernandez and Mr. McCollough are 46) is almost unheard-of, unless there has been a falling out with a backer or the designer is planning to take another job.” The brand has not given a reason for the two’s decision to exit the brand.

While McCollough and Hernandez are exiting Proenza Schouler as creative directors, they are still expected to remain on the board and be minority shareholders. Hernadez said in a statement, “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 also added, “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.”

Bringing a sense of European timeless cool aesthetic to the fashion industry for a brand based out of New York, the designers have been eyed by various top fashion houses overseas. Back in 2007, Valentino Fashion Group acquired a stake in the brand and according to fashion insiders, LVMH had once been in talks with the designers to join of their marquee fashion houses. At this time, nothing has ben confirmed and it remains to be seen where the duo will go next.