At New York Fashion Week, Rachel Scott presented her debut collection as creative director of Proenza Schouler, marking a fresh chapter for the brand.
When she stepped into the role last year, following founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s departure to lead Loewe, the duo expressed excitement about Scott ushering in a new era. They highlighted her Jamaican-American background as a way to infuse the label with a broader, global viewpoint, combined with her strong technical expertise and unique creative voice.
Scott had already built a strong reputation through her own label, Diotima, a consistent presence at NYFW since its launch in 2021. Diotima earned significant recognition, including the 2024 CFDA American Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. Her work there blends traditional Jamaican craftsmanship with modern silhouettes, emphasizing slow fashion and artisanal techniques.
Elements of that philosophy appear to carry over into her first full collection for Proenza Schouler. Titled “The First Women’s Collection by Rachel Scott,” the Fall/Winter 2026 lineup acts as a tribute to women—particularly the dynamic women of New York. It functions almost like a complete wardrobe, spanning everything from elegant evening pieces and professional office attire to relaxed everyday looks.
Signature elements from McCollough and Hernandez’s era persist in subtle ways, such as sharp, sleek tailoring seen in flared pantsuits and structured coordinates. At the same time, Scott reinterprets the brand’s global-minded customer—one who doesn’t chase flawless polish. This vision shines through in twisted gown silhouettes, fringed footwear, and inventive button-down details that add texture and character.
