Who Are Loewe’s New Designers?

One speculative week later, the industry can finally officially announce Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez as Loewe’s new co-creative directors. Effective April 7, the previously New York-based designers will take over from beloved Jonathan Anderson. While the duo might not hold the same international name recognition for non-industry insiders (yet), you have definitely witnessed their work on red carpets, in street style photos, and on cult-favorite celebrities like the Olsen twins and Chloë Sevigny.

While in their final year at Parsons in 2002, McCollough and Hernandez founded Proenza Schouler. The co-designed thesis collection was bought in its entirety by former luxury retailer Barneys. Almost instantly, Proenza Schouler became a refined cool kid in the New York City fashion scene. The brand’s designs mastered the subtly of contemporary fashion, unburdened by trends. Despite the tumultuous cycles of logomania, TikTok’s induced Y2K phenomenon, and the over-saturation of quiet luxury, the designers remained steadfast to their sartorial approach, prioritizing comfortably chic silhouettes, popular bags, and unique footwear.

In 2008, the brand launched its iconic PS1 bag, which has since been cemented in the hall of fame of it-bags alongside the Balenciaga City, Louis Vuitton Speedy, and, of course, Jonathan Anderson’s masterful Puzzle Bag. Nearly 20 years later, the satchel-like messenger, named after New York City’s school system, still holds the same timeless, functional appeal.

Though post-pandemic, Anderson’s fashions took on an increasingly fantastical approach and kitschy online presence, many speculate that McCollough and Hernandez’s design ethos, and strong celebrity foothold, are a sound commercial fit.

No definitive replacement at Proenza Schouler has been named as of yet, however, the two will remain closely involved in brand operations in order to preserve its New York legacy. Just after the New York Fashion Week runways in February, the design team released its first lookbook, shot by Tim Elkaïm, signaling business as usual.

McCollough and Hernandez are estimated to make their runway debut this September alongside Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel, Louise Trotter’s Bottega Veneta, Demna’s Gucci, and his still-unknown successor at Balenciaga.