Proenza Schouler is the brainchild of Parsons grads Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. Presented in 2002 as their senior thesis, the collection was so well received that it was immediately picked up by Barneys New York and led to a CFDA Swarovski/Perry Ellis Award for Ready-to-Wear and the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award in 2003. A shoe collection and handbag collection were introduced in 2004 and 2008 respectively.

"Our girl would be contemporary, interested contemporary culture, art, fashion design and she loves luxury, handcrafted things, but her attitude is more undone. She's that mix of polished and something a little rough round the edges."