Proenza Schouler has named Jamaican designer Rachel Scott, founder of Diotima, as its new creative director, marking a pivotal shift for the American luxury label. Scott officially started on August 15 and will oversee all categories — from ready-to-wear to accessories. Her debut collection will be seen in February 2026 (the brand’s Fall 2026 show), though her influence will be seen sooner at New York Fashion Week, where she collaborated on the Spring 2026 line as a consultant.
Scott succeeds founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, who exited in January to take the reins at Loewe. The duo remain Proenza Schouler shareholders and board members, and helped guide the global search with CEO Shira Suveyke Snyder, who called Scott the “quintessential” choice to carry forward the brand’s balance of American ease and European refinement.
“When we left Proenza Schouler last January, we knew the story would go on but not yet who would write the next chapter. Rachel is someone whose work we have always admired. Her trajectory over the last few years has been impressive to watch. As founders and board members of the company, we are proud to welcome her to this very special brand and excited to see how she will embrace and evolve the legacy and spirit of what we started,” Hernandez and McCollough said in a statement.
Lauded for her craft-driven, Caribbean-inspired aesthetic, Scott has swiftly risen as one of New York’s most exciting designers, earning multiple CFDA awards since launching Diotima in 2021. She will continue running her label while leading Proenza Schouler, signaling a new era defined by female creative leadership in American fashion.
Her appointment comes at a moment of expansion for the house, following a new SoHo flagship and strong digital growth. Industry insiders, including Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo, hailed the move as both “momentous” and “inspiring,” setting the stage for a fresh, modern vision of the Proenza Schouler woman.