Surf dudes with attitude

New York design duo Proenza Schouler takes inspiration from the beach for an online exclusive, says Rebecca Gonsalves

Ever since American department store Barney’s bought its senior thesis collection from New York Parsons School of Design in 2002, the duo behind Proenza Schouler have been in high demand. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, partners professionally and personally, named their label after their mothers’ maiden names – though they admitted recently they wish they’d chosen something a little easier to pronounce.

The brand has many hit pieces to its name, but among the most covetable are the PS satchels lusted after by anyone worth their urban-cool credentials.

Now the pair has created an exclusive nine-piece collection for online retailer Net-a-porter to celebrate the site’s continued support since it bought the brand in 2005. A surf-inspired collection features the bold, vibrant shades the label has become known for, as well as experimental textures, prints and patterns.

“The collection was based on some of our favourite pieces from past pre-spring collections and riff on the idea of surf-inspired classics such as the board short and the Baja pullover, but re-interpreted in luxe fabrics such as leather and custom tweeds,” they say. “Net-a-porter was one of the first stores to carry Proenza Schouler online so we wanted to do something special to celebrate their continued support over the years.”

Holli Rogers, fashion director for the site, was keen to work with the label: “Jack and Lazaro’s designs are loved by our customers around the world,” she says. “We are so excited about this collection which is everything you expect from Proenza Schouler – slick, cool and covetable.”

The collection artfully blends the experimental – tie dye printed twill wrap skirts and jackets – with the more commercial – block striped jumpers and jersey mini-dresses. Available now, net-a-porter.com