Proenza Schouler – pronounced “Pro-en-za Skoo-ler” – is a brand you’ve likely seen on your Instagram feed.
Launched in 2002, this contemporary fashion brand embodies modern luxury with its playful silhouettes and quirky designs inspired by New York’s urban jungle.
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the designers behind the New York-based label Proenza Schouler, named the label after the maiden names of their mothers (Credit: Kristin Callahan / ACE / INSTARimages)
Proenza Schouler, founded in 2002, marked its 20th anniversary in 2022. Now is the perfect time to look at the brand and why it deserves a spot in your shoe closet.
Meet the Visionaries: The Designers Behind Proenza Schouler
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez founded Proenza Schouler as a womenswear and accessories brand.
Front side decoration display and design of Proenza Schouler luxury fashion store at Emquartier Bangkok shopping mall (Credit: Saranya Phu Akat / Shutterstock)
The brand’s name, Proenza Schouler, is a tribute to the designers’ mothers, combining McCollough’s maternal surname, Proenza, with Hernandez’s, Schouler.
The pair met as students at Parsons School of Design, creating their senior thesis, which would become Proenza Schouler’s debut collection.
In January 2025, The New York Times reported that Proenza Schouler’s founders, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, announced their departure as creative directors, effective January 31, 2025. They will remain on the board and continue as minority shareholders. The brand’s CEO, Shira Suveyke Snyder, is leading the search for a new creative director.
Anna Wintour is seen arriving at the Proenza Schouler fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 11, 2022, in New York City (Credit: Startraksphoto / John Nacion)
The brand found instant success after having its first collection picked up by Barneys New York. In 2008, Proenza Schouler introduced its first footwear collection in partnership with Giuseppe Zanotti before switching to Onward Luxury Group in 2012.
Proenza Schouler has a flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City, and its products are also sold at several high-end department stores worldwide, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Amazon, Farfetch, and Mytheresa.
Rooney Mara stuns at the New York Film Festival in a striking Proenza Schouler dress, pairing the edgy-meets-elegant look with sleek Brian Atwood sandals on October 14, 2013 (Credit: Joel Ginsburg / WENN)
Proenza Schouler’s Journey: Ownership, Growth, and Evolution
The success of Proenza Schouler meant it was quickly touted as the next ‘it’ fashion brand.
The Valentino Fashion Group purchased a 45% stake in the brand in 2007 before Castanea Partners bought a minority interest that led to the appointment of Judd Crane as the brand’s CEO.
At the end of 2018, McCollough and Hernandez used private investors to reclaim full ownership of Proenza Schouler by buying back the company shares.
Where Does Proenza Schouler Stand in the Luxury Fashion World?
While Proenza Schouler doesn’t sit on the same tier as Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, it’s considered a contemporary luxury brand.
The brand has evolved since its foundation, moving from the seasonal ready-to-wear calendar to following the couture fashion calendar instead.
Serinda Swan wears a white Proenza Schouler long-sleeved off-the-shoulder waisted dress at the 2017 Summer TCA Tour ‘Disney ABC Television Group’ on August 6, 2017, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Proenza Schouler has hosted two fashion shows at Paris Fashion Week a year since adopting the couture calendar in 2017.
Proenza Schouler launched a diffusion line called “White Label” in 2017. This diffusion line was created to offer more casual and understated pieces than their mainline collection, making the brand more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
The PS1 Bag: Proenza Schouler’s Iconic “It” Accessory
The PS1 was one of the first “blogger bags” to go viral. In the early days of fashion bloggers, the PS1 was the style everyone wanted to be seen carrying.
Kate Bosworth carries a Proenza Schouler PS1 clutch at the official launch of the first Topshop LA store on February 14, 2013 (Credit: Brian To / WENN)
The PS1 was Proenza Schouler’s debut handbag, launched in 2008. The laidback unisex nature of the bag – inspired by the classic satchel silhouette – made it an instant hit.
It remains the brand’s best-seller and was named by Vogue as the ultimate ‘back to work’ bag in 2021.
Proenza Schouler has introduced newer versions of its ‘PS’ line of purses, but the classic black ‘PS11’ remains a perennial favorite among bag enthusiasts. Introduced in the early 2010s, the PS11 gained popularity for its distinctive design and has maintained a dedicated following over the years.
Anna Kendrick nails effortless airport style in an edgy black leather jacket, sleek Proenza Schouler PS11 bag, and chic loafers while leaving her NYC hotel on October 28, 2016 (Credit: WENN)
Star-Approved Style: Celebrities Who Love the Proenza Schouler PS1
Proenza Schouler’s PS1 bag has been a staple among fashion-forward celebrities, each incorporating it into their unique styles:
- Nicky Hilton: Often seen with her PS1, Nicky Hilton showcases its versatility across various outfits.
- Olivia Wilde: Embracing a ’90s grunge aesthetic, Olivia Wilde paired her vintage MTV T-shirt and skinny jeans with a Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, blending comfort with high fashion. She also styled the bag with a blue Madeleine Thompson knitted sweater.
- Jessica Alba: The actress kept it effortless in Fidelity Denim “Malibu” boyfriend shorts, a white tank top, and a stylish cover-up, completing her laid-back look with Birkenstock “Arizona” sandals and a Proenza Schouler PS1 pouch in white.
- Kate Bosworth: At the official launch of the first Topshop LA store, Kate Bosworth added a touch of sophistication to her ensemble with a Proenza Schouler PS1 clutch.
These celebrity moments highlight the PS1’s status as a must-have accessory, seamlessly blending luxury with everyday wear. How do you like Mandy Moore’s purple Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel that she toted while shopping in Beverly Hills?
Fashion Meets Innovation: Proenza Schouler’s Top Collaborations
Proenza Schouler’s popularity means it collaborates with some of the most recognizable brands in the fashion and beauty industry, including MAC Cosmetics and J Brand. In 2020, the brand partnered with Birkenstock to create the must-have sandal of the year.
A reimagined pair of Birkenstock’s classic Arizona sandals made in collaboration with Proenza Schouler
Following its success, the collection was re-released in 2021 to meet the high demand for these stylish yet comfortable shoes.
This striking pair of two-band Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler slides combines glossy patent leather with contrast topstitching and a legendarily comfortable footbed
Birkenstock described their collaboration with Proenza Schouler as being “inspired by utilitarian workwear and athletic footwear,” and they emphasized that Proenza Schouler managed to retain the integrity of Birkenstock’s iconic design while infusing elements of urbanism and luxury into the collection.
Olivia Palermo exudes effortless elegance at the Tibi Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, wearing a chic Tibi ‘Byzantine’ embroidery dress, Proenza Schouler suede booties, and an exotic Hermès ‘Jige’ croc-embossed clutch (Credit: MEINRADphotography / WENN)
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Proenza Schouler
Proenza Schouler has become a favorite among celebrities, with many showcasing the brand’s distinctive designs on various occasions.
At the 69th Taormina Film Festival photocall in Italy, Bella Thorne wore a pale blue dress from Bottega Veneta with Proenza Schouler square metallic buckle slide sandals.
Many years earlier, Jessica Alba looked stunning in a reptilian-inspired Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 dress paired with matching sculptural wedges. She’s also been spotted toting a Proenza Schouler clutch with a color-blocked ensemble.
Here are some of the most stylish moments featuring Proenza Schouler:
Dakota Fanning Wears Proenza Schouler at the ACE Awards
- Event: 18th Annual ACE Awards
- Outfit: Dakota Fanning made a bold statement in a blue crochet net dress from Proenza Schouler’s Spring 2015 collection.
- Footwear: She paired the revealing dress with black strappy sandals, highlighting her evolving fashion sense.
- More Details: Dakota Fanning’s bold Proenza Schouler red carpet look
Mandy Moore in a Color-Block Proenza Schouler Dress
- Event: NBC and Universal Emmy Nominee Celebration
- Outfit: Mandy Moore donned a geometric color-block dress by Proenza Schouler.
- Footwear: She completed the look with black suede ankle-strap mules, showcasing her chic style.
- More Details: Mandy Moore’s best Proenza Schouler fashion moments
Emma Roberts Stuns in a Proenza Schouler Midi Dress
- Event: Launch Celebration
- Outfit: Emma Roberts looked stunning in a white Proenza Schouler pleated bustier midi dress.
- Details: The ensemble featured a sweetheart neckline and corset-like design, accentuating her elegant style.
- More Details: Emma Roberts’ Proenza Schouler fashion statement
Emily Ratajkowski in Proenza Schouler Zebra-Jacquard Boots
- Event: New York Fashion Week
- Outfit: Emily Ratajkowski turned heads in a mini dress paired with Proenza Schouler’s Trap zebra-jacquard knee-high boots.
- Footwear: The bold footwear choice added a striking element to her ensemble.
- More Details: Emily Ratajkowski’s daring Proenza Schouler fashion week look
Jamie Chung Styles a Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag
- Event: Beverly Hills Shopping Trip
- Outfit: Jamie Chung showcased a casual yet polished look, accessorizing with a Proenza Schouler PS1 Large leather bag.
- Details: The stylish accessory complemented her sweater, jeans, and knee-high boots ensemble.
- More Details: Jamie Chung’s effortless street style with a Proenza Schouler PS1 bag
Another celebrity fan is Solange Knowles, who showcased her flair for fashion in a bright orange Proenza Schouler coat and a vibrant yellow dress. These moments highlight Proenza Schouler’s appeal among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.
Kirsten Dunst stuns in a chic black lace Emilio Pucci dress, paired elegantly with Proenza Schouler d’Orsay pumps and a black satin headband, at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at JW Marriott in Los Angeles on April 23, 2013 (Credit: Apega / WENN / Brian To)
At the 2013 CFDA Fashion Awards, Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez won the Designer of the Year for Womenswear award.
Miranda Kerr and Proenza Schouler Shine at the 2013 CFDA Fashion Awards
Miranda Kerr exudes elegance in a Proenza Schouler dress during the 2013 CFDA Awards at Alice Tully Hall, New York City (Credit: PNP / WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image)
Miranda Kerr graced the event wearing a stunning Proenza Schouler dress. Thanks to its silhouette, this fit-and-flare dress has a sexy but playful vibe. The print reminds me of a globe, maybe because of its green and blue color.
Miranda Kerr dazzles in a Proenza Schouler creation at the 2013 CFDA Awards, embodying playful sophistication in New York City
Miranda Kerr pulled it off to perfection, though. She paired it with strappy pumps and an envelope clutch. Even though the hairdo was sheer perfection, I’m not surprised. Miranda always looks impeccable no matter what she wears.
At the CFDA Fashion Awards on June 3, 2013, Miranda Kerr showcased an elegant look in a Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2013 dress, paired with a Stuart Weitzman Keeping clutch and Stuart Weitzman Privacy ankle-strap pumps (Credit: PNP / WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image)