A pivotal moment has arrived in the American fashion landscape as Rachel Scott, the visionary behind Diotima, assumes the esteemed position of creative director at Proenza Schouler. This significant appointment, announced recently, heralds a fresh chapter for the celebrated fashion house. While her official collection will launch in February 2026, Scott will immediately begin contributing to the Spring 2026 line, working collaboratively with the brand's design team. Notably, she will maintain her leadership role at Diotima, balancing both creative endeavors.
This transition follows the departure of Proenza Schouler’s founders, Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez, who have embarked on a new journey as co-creative directors at Loewe. McCullough and Hernandez expressed their profound admiration for Scott’s work, acknowledging her impressive trajectory within the fashion industry. They conveyed their excitement for her arrival, confident that she will honor and advance the distinctive heritage and essence of Proenza Schouler, a brand they meticulously built.
Rachel Scott's distinguished career includes a tenure at Rachel Comey and culminated in her recognition as the CFDA's Womenswear Designer of the Year. Her label, Diotima, has rapidly ascended to prominence within New York's contemporary fashion sphere. Scott's designs are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, often featuring tailored pieces with intricate crochet detailing, skirts adorned with melted paillettes, and textured body-con dresses with delicate fringe. A significant aspect of her creative process involves collaboration with female artisans in her native Jamaica, emphasizing handwoven techniques. Her collections frequently explore themes of feminine individuality, diaspora narratives, and ancestral connections. Scott is widely considered an innovator in American design, continuously refining and evolving her unique aesthetic.
In her statement regarding the new role, Scott conveyed her enthusiasm for joining Proenza Schouler, a brand she holds in high regard as a cornerstone of American fashion. She acknowledged the profound artistic vision and world that Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez so skillfully created, expressing her eagerness to infuse her perspective while honoring their foundational legacy.
Scott’s design philosophy, particularly her emphasis on knitwear and tailored silhouettes, aligns seamlessly with the established DNA of Proenza Schouler. This brand became emblematic of an eccentric coolness in the 2000s, embraced by influential figures such as Chloë Sevigny and the Olsen sisters. Similar to Scott, McCullough and Hernandez redefined American sportswear, establishing a thriving enterprise on the principle that everyday attire can articulate a compelling narrative about the wearer, whether through a subtly frayed striped crewneck or an impeccably cut oversized blazer with an asymmetric collar. Scott is anticipated to impart a similarly distinctive yet precise sensibility to the label.
As the fashion world's attention often gravitates towards Europe for new creative director announcements, Scott’s appointment represents a moment of immense pride for New York fashion. Her talent, unwavering dedication, and imaginative approach position her to propel Proenza Schouler into its next era. Shira Suveyke Snyder, the CEO of Proenza Schouler, lauded Scott’s fresh and feminine perspective, highlighting her deep comprehension of the brand's core principles and her extraordinary ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation, making her the ideal choice to guide the brand's future direction.