Proenza Schouler has officially named Rachel Scott, the visionary behind the fashion label Diotima, as its new creative director. This announcement, made by the New York-based brand on Tuesday, has created a buzz in the fashion community, suggesting that her leadership will be embraced widely.
Scott’s first collection for Proenza Schouler will be unveiled in February 2026, showcasing the Fall/Winter 2026 line. This marks a significant moment in the brand’s journey, as they embrace a new creative direction.
Previously, Scott joined Proenza Schouler as a consultant earlier this year, where she collaborated closely with their design team, influencing the creative trajectory of the label. The upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection, crafted during this partnership, will serve as an introduction to her vision and a glimpse into the evolution that’s set to unfold in the seasons to follow, according to the brand.
Proenza Schouler has long been associated with elegant craftsmanship and the essence of New American luxury. With Rachel Scott now leading the charge, the brand is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter. Her extensive design knowledge, global perspective, and unique aesthetic resonate with Proenza Schouler’s foundational identity, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation coupled with tradition.
“Rachel is one of the most acclaimed designers of our time, bringing a refreshing and feminine eye to a label rooted in the ethos of the modern American woman. Her deep understanding of Proenza Schouler’s brand principles, combined with her skill to blend craftsmanship with inventive ideas, made her the ideal candidate to steer the brand into the future,” stated Shira Suveyke Snyder, CEO of Proenza Schouler, in an official statement.
Scott takes the reins from the founding duo, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, who stepped down this year after two decades to assume creative direction at Loewe in Paris. Their departure came as a significant shift in the fashion landscape, considering their pivotal role at Proenza Schouler.
“Joining Proenza Schouler is an honor I approach with great enthusiasm. It’s a brand I’ve respected for years, at the very heart of American fashion. I appreciate the beauty that Jack and Lazaro have so skillfully created, and I’m eager to engage with their legacy while introducing my own perspective. I am thankful to Shira for her confidence in me and excited to take this next step,” expressed Scott with palpable excitement.
A Jamaican native, Scott, who is 41 years old, has always explored fashion through a linguistic lens, integrating themes from French existentialism and post-structuralism into her work. With 16 years of experience spanning Milan, where she worked at Costume National, and New York, where she established Diotima in 2021, Scott has garnered notable acclaim and a devoted following for her bold and innovative collections.
“When we departed Proenza Schouler last January, we knew the brand’s narrative would continue, but we were yet to identify who would carry on that story. Rachel is a talent we have always admired, and her remarkable journey in recent years has been a joy to observe. As founders and board members, we are thrilled to welcome her to this iconic brand and can’t wait to see how she will honor and enrich the legacy we started,” commented Hernandez and McCollough in a press release.
Image Source: Rachel Scott @ Instagram
