Tim Gunn, known to viewers as the mentor to the fashion designer contestants on the TV show “Project Runway,” has been named chief creative officer of Liz Claiborne Inc. (New York), effective March 5, 2007. The company said Gunn will be responsible for attracting, retaining and developing the creative talent within the Liz Claiborne portfolio of brands. He will report directly to ceo William McComb.
“His mission is twofold,” said McComb, “return our culture to one that is friendlier to the creative process and help shape more competitive, consistent and compelling product. To be clear, this role is not that of master editor — the divisions will continue to have full control of the brand positioning and product design. Rather, Tim will be a spokesperson for the creative community, a champion of product innovation, integrity and exceptional price-value and a catalyst for the creation of the irresistible product our consumers want and deserve. He is also charged with creating systems to further develop our creative community and scouting the market for great talent.”
Gunn had been chairman of the department of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design (New York). He joined Parsons in 1982 and was associate dean from 1989 to 2000. He has been appearing on the Bravo television show, Project Runway since 2004. Later this year, he will also star in his own show on the network, “Tim Gunn's Guide to Style,” based on his forthcoming book.
“While we knew of and had great respect for Tim through his work at Parsons, we like many Americans got to know him even better through Bravo's ‘Project Runway,’ ” said McComb. “Tim knows we fully support his Bravo projects, including his own upcoming series. In fact, it is his involvement in these initiatives and the design world at large that will help keep Tim vital in this new role.”