American boys Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez began working together in 2003 by collaborating on their senior theses at Parsons School of Design in New York. The collection was bought in full by Barney's and Proenza Schouler was born. Widely recognized as one of the most innovative new American fashion designers the duo have been awarded the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2004, the CFDA Womenswer Designer of the Year Award in 2007 and in 2011. The brand is known for its references to art and youth culture and for its iconic 'PS1' bag.