Proenza Schouler is a New York-based fashion brand founded in 2002 by designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. The name of the brand is derived from the maiden names of the designers’ mothers, “Proenza” and “Schouler.” The duo met while studying at Parsons School of Design and initially collaborated on their senior thesis, which later became their debut collection. Their vision for the brand was to create a contemporary luxury label that melded downtown New York edginess with uptown sophistication.

The brand gained rapid recognition after its first collection was picked up by high-end retailer Barneys New York, cementing its place as a noteworthy player in the fashion world. By 2008, Proenza Schouler had launched its first handbag, the PS1 bag, which became one of the brand’s most iconic pieces. The design of the PS1 was inspired by utilitarian school satchels, combining a minimalist silhouette with luxurious materials like soft lambskin leather. Its practical, yet stylish design earned it a cult following, particularly among fashion bloggers, and it remains the brand’s most successful product to date.

In addition to its bags, Proenza Schouler expanded into footwear in 2008 in collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti, and later shifted to the Onward Luxury Group for further growth. The brand has also ventured into various collaborations, such as with cosmetics giant MAC and footwear brand Birkenstock.

In 2017, Proenza Schouler made the move to follow the haute couture calendar, participating in Paris Fashion Week, which marked a new phase for the brand, focusing on elevated, high-fashion collections. The same year, they launched a more accessible diffusion line, White Label, to broaden the brand’s appeal beyond luxury consumers.

The brand continues to embody a mix of innovation and classic design, with the PS1 bag at its core, embodying the perfect blend of modern New York cool and high-end luxury.