For Jack McCollough of Montclair (pictured right), success began with a thesis project back in 2002, when he and Lazaro Hernandez were students at the Parsons School of Design.
“When those clothes walked that runway, there was no question about it, this was a huge moment,” gushed Tim Gunn, then chair of fashion design at Parsons and today’s Project Runway star. The McCollough/Hernandez thesis collection was snapped up by Barney’s. The pair launched their line, Proenza Schouler, that same year.
That breakthrough was the first of many for the design team. But, alas, only those with deep pockets could enjoy their clothes. A Proenza Schouler suede jacket, for example, will set you back $3,110.
Now even the wallet-challenged can own the Proenza Schouler look—Target is selling a spring line. Most clothes sell for less than $50; the Proenza Schouler suede jacket at Target can be had for a reasonable $139.99.