Proenza Schouler is a New York based womenswear and accessories brand founded in 2002 by designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. The duo met while studying at ParsonÍs School of Design eventually collaborating on their senior thesis, which became their first collection as Proenza Schouler. Named after the designers' mothers' maiden names, the collection was bought in its entirety by Barneys New York. Proenza Schouler is defined by its fusion of craftsmanship and attention to detail with a sense of refined ease. Inspiration drawn from contemporary art and youth culture is combined with an emphasis on tailoring and the use of custom developed fabrics. Proenza Schouler has played an important role in reinvigorating American fashion. Awarded with the inaugural CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award in 2004, the emerging brand was established as a leading talent in the industry. Proenza Schouler has won five CFDA awards including the 2003 Swarovski award for Ready-to-Wear, the 2009 Accessory Designer of the Year award, and the Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2007, 2011 and 2013. Proenza Schouler launched its first handbag collection in 2008, including the PS1, a classic satchel that embodies a sense of wearable luxury that has become the brand's signature. In 2012, Proenza Schouler signed a license agreement with Onward Luxury Group S.p.A. to produce and distribute the brand's footwear collections. Proenza Schouler and LÍOr_al signed a licensing agreement in June 2015, paving the way to the future in luxury fine fragrances. In 2016, the brand appointed Judd Crane as Chief Executive Officer. The first Proenza Schouler store opened in New York in September 2012, located at 822 Madison Avenue. Proenza Schouler opened their second New York store in October 2013, a flagship boutique located at 121 Greene Street in Soho. Proenza Schouler has 6 freestanding stores throughout Asia and is sold in over 350 doors worldwide.