Proenza Schouler held its Spring 2023 show in New York on September 9, marking the brand’s 20th birthday. Since 2002, talented designer duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have played an important role in reinventing American fashion. Their honours include five Council of Fashion Designers of America awards: 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.
The Proenza Schouler SS23 collection is all about water. At the beginning of the show, the audience heard falling water and was greeted by an impressive waterfall installation on the walls around the room, creating an immersive aquatic atmosphere. On top of that, the models’ slicked back hair and glassy skin was styled to reflect the light, giving the impression that they’d just stepped out of the ocean.
McCollough and Hernandez have added more searingly bright colors this season: electric chartreuse, bright lemon and azure blue sit alongside white, gold and black. The sea motifs were present in almost all garments in the form of flounces and flares. A white flared leg catsuit paired with black platform shoes had a splash of lime color peeking from its hems. An unforgettable electric chartreuse mini dress with miles-long flamenco sleeves paired with long earrings which resembled gigantic droplets of water. The polka dots in different sizes, white and gold lacquered knits, and lace and fringes all gave the feeling that next summer is going to be vibrant.
Looking at this collection, it’s easy to understand how artistic design, cultural influence and flawless techniques can perfectly complement each other and generate unique and beautiful garments.
