Confirmed: Design duo behind Proenza Schouler are off to Loewe
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandes, the duo who founded New York-based Proenza Schouler back in the year 2002, have been appointed the Creative Directors at Loewe, effective 7 April.
The design duo succeed Jonathan Anderson who announced he was stepping down last week after 11 years at the Spanish luxury brand’s helm. Anderson said: "They say all good things must to come to an end, but I disagree. While my own chapter draws to a close, Loewe’s story will continue for many years to come and I will look on with pride. Love, Jonathan." So, the question left on everyone's minds is: Will Jonathan Anderson define a new era at Dior?
As we await the blockbuster announcement, Loewe has cleared Anderson's path to Dior announcing that McCollough and Hernandez would carry "the entire creative responsibility of all Loewe collections across womenswear, menswear, leather goods and accessories" to WWD.
Loewe CEO Pascale Lepoivre elaborated, explaining why they were chosen to lead Loewe into a new era. He said: "To name just two factors: They are highly creative and also entrepreneurs, whose curiosity and vision go beyond fashion and extend to diverse cultural fields as well as to the diversity of markets and customers that we talk to.
"They are warm, open and lively, an excellent fit with the company culture of being intense and passionate, while also committed to being playful and not taking ourselves too seriously."
"Their vision and creativity are a perfect match for the codes of the house that we have built, and I am excited to see them shape its future."
McCollough and Hernandes are relocating from New York City to Paris. However, their first days will be spent in Madrid, visiting the atelier, meeting artisans and browsing the archive.
In a statement issued by Loewe, McCollough and Hernandes said: ‘We are incredibly honoured to join LOEWE, a House whose values and mission align closely with our own. We look forward to working alongside its extraordinary teams and artisans, whose talent—under the exceptional creative direction of Jonathan Anderson—has shaped LOEWE into the cultural force it is today."
The pair founded the US-based womenswear and accessories brand Proenza Schouler in 2002. Over the years, it has become renowned for its avante-garde collaborations with MAC, Birkenstock, Vans and more. In 2007, the Valentino Fashion Group bought a 45% stake in the brand and Castanea Partners acquired a minority interest. In 2018, Nudrick Capital Management led the designers’ buyback of their company, reclaiming full ownership of the label.
It is yet to be revealed as to when the duo will unveil their first collection for Loewe.
