Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at the helm of Loewe: A new era for the Spanish fashion house

The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and recent upheavals in the artistic leadership of major luxury houses are clear evidence of this. The announcement of the iconic duo of Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, founders and former creative directors of Proenza Schouler, as the helmers of Loewe marks a major turning point in the history of the Spanish fashion house, owned by the LVMH group. With a philosophy rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and experimentation, this appointment raises immense expectations and raises many questions about the artistic direction Loewe will take under their leadership. Since its acquisition by LVMH in 1996, Loewe has steadily gained notoriety, particularly under the leadership of Jonathan Anderson, who has successfully instilled a bold modernity while respecting the traditions of the house founded in 1846. His work has helped establish Loewe as one of the most influential fashion houses of recent years, brilliantly blending avant-garde design with artisanal expertise. Today, with the arrival of McCollough and Hernandez, a new chapter has begun, and fashion enthusiasts eagerly await their vision for this iconic brand.

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez are no strangers to the world of luxury and haute couture. Since founding Proenza Schouler in 2002, the duo has established their unique aesthetic, combining structured design, an intellectual approach to fashion, and a deep attachment to arts and crafts. Their ability to experiment with materials, play with architectural cuts, and offer sophisticated yet accessible fashion has earned them international recognition. This same approach would fit perfectly with the DNA of Loewe, a house that, for several decades, has emphasized excellence in leatherwork and innovation in the design of its pieces.

In a statement to Vogue Business, the new creative directors expressed their enthusiasm for this new role: “Loewe’s values have always resonated with us and are closely aligned with ours: a commitment to craftsmanship and the arts, freedom, experimentation, and culture.” This statement speaks volumes about their intentions and suggests a continuity in the spirit of the house while injecting new energy.

One of the big questions is how McCollough and Hernandez will redefine Loewe’s image after the Jonathan Anderson era. The latter has successfully established an offbeat aesthetic, blending craftsmanship with a modernity tinged with a certain surrealism. His collections were often praised for their ability to reinvent classics while playing with contemporary fashion codes. The challenge for the duo will be to offer a vision of their own, without denying the legacy of their predecessor.

The first collections under their leadership will be crucial in setting the tone for this new era. If their work at Proenza Schouler is any indication of their approach, we can expect a balance between structured minimalism and creative boldness. Attention to materials, cuts, and details will undoubtedly be central to their approach, as will a deeper exploration of the house’s Spanish roots. Loewe, under their leadership, could thus strengthen its position as a house where excellent craftsmanship meets stylistic experimentation.

Another element to watch will be their approach to accessories and leather goods, key segments for Loewe. Under Anderson, iconic bags like the Puzzle and the Hammock have redefined the house’s visual identity. With their experience working with accessories at Proenza Schouler, will McCollough and Hernandez be able to create new icons that will appeal to lovers of contemporary luxury?

Finally, as the fashion industry moves toward greater sustainability and ethics, their vision on these issues will be closely scrutinized. At Proenza Schouler, they have already demonstrated an interest in more responsible practices, and we can expect them to continue this approach at Loewe, emphasizing environmentally friendly production methods and promoting local craftsmanship.

With their arrival at the helm of Loewe, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez are taking on a significant challenge, but also a unique opportunity to write a new chapter for this historic house. Expectations are high, and the first collections unveiled under their creative direction will be crucial in measuring the impact of this change. Whether they choose a gentle evolution or a more radical departure, one thing is certain: fashion is constantly evolving, and Loewe is about to enter a fascinating new dynamic.