This morning, Page Six informed us that Parsons design dept chairman (and Project Runway superstar) Tim Gunn would be announcing his resignation today, along with the happy news that he's going to be Liz Claiborne's new chief creative officer. And so he did, in his characteristic endearingly melodramatic fashion. "This memorandum is very difficult for me to write, because my heart and soul reside at Parsons and the University and, more specifically, with all of you in the Department of Fashion Design," it begins. Awww, we love you Tim! We love your smooshy widdle face!! Uh, sorry. The full memo is after the jump.

TO: Students, Faculty, and Administration: Department of Fashion Design

FROM: Tim Gunn, Chair

DATE: February 1, 2007

SUBJECT: Leadership Transition

This memorandum is very difficult for me to write, because my heart and
soul reside at Parsons and the University and, more specifically, with
all of you in the Department of Fashion Design. The achievements that
we have realized together since the time of my arrival in the Department
in September 2000 are phenomenal and we should all feel very proud. I
have had every reason to assume that we would be together for a very
long time. However, an opportunity has presented itself that I would be
foolish to turn down. I have been offered the position of Chief
Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne, Inc., and I have accepted that
position. In this new role, I will work with the 350 designers who
create product for each of the company's 40+ brands. I will serve as
a mentor, advisor, teacher, and advocate. It's very exciting for me
and it is also a welcome new challenge.

I want to emphasize that my work with you has been and continues to be
exciting and challenging. You students never cease to amaze me:
you're intelligent, exceedingly talented, and you're fearless,
qualities that ensure a metaphorical creative combustion! You faculty
are our academic leaders: you nurture, inspire, and give
unconditionally and selflessly to our community. Our work together is
the source of my greatest professional pride.

I want to assure all of you that my departure will in no way harm the
Department. Yes, there will be a period of transition in the
administration, but every measure will be put in place to ensure that
the highest quality education continues to be delivered. Towards this
mandate, I am working closely with the Office of the Dean and the
Department's administration and full-time faculty. I have every
confidence that there will be no disruptions to your academic
environment.

I also want to assure you that I'm not abandoning you! I continue my
commitment to the students in my class, I plan to fully participate in
the senior year thesis review, and I also plan to host the Parsons
Benefit and Fashion Show. Discussions are underway about how I can
continue to be active with Parsons, the University, and the Department
of Fashion Design. Furthermore, in my new role at Liz Claiborne, Inc.,
I will be actively and enthusiastically recruiting Parsons graduates.

Next Tuesday, February 6 at noon, I will hold an open meeting to
respond to your questions and to any concerns that you may have. All of
you are invited to attend.

Contact information for this author is not available.