New York Fashion Week began last week, kicking off a season of change and an unprecedented number of designer debuts. At Proenza Schouler, that change was felt—its founders departed the label earlier this year, leaving to take over Loewe’s helm from Jonathan Anderson, who will make his womenswear debut for Dior this season.
Rachel Scott, whose appointment as creative director was announced earlier this month, succeeds Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. Her first full collection won’t debut until next year, but this season offers a first look at what’s to come. Scott fuses her vision with Proenza’s history and brand codes for Spring 2026.
The design process was a collaboration of sorts, with Scott telling Vogue Runway, “This is really a collaboration with the team: getting to know the language of the brand and silhouette and color, but then starting to inject a little bit of my point of view”.
A Season of Change
Pops of color and interesting textures were present throughout. As for the bags, it will be interesting to see what develops moving forward as the brand turns over hands and complete creative control to Scott, who has her own label Diotima, which was founded in 2021.
For Spring 2026, bags are a mix of iconic brand shapes and everyday bags like the Ruched Tote and the Days Carryall, juxtaposed with novelty bags primed for the season. Raffia and mesh added a touch of playfulness to the bags, which overall felt very commercial—wearable yet chic, the true essence of Proenza Schouler.
Bags That Balance Legacy and Modernity
images via Vogue Runway
