Wow! We totally didn't see this one coming.

Those damn Project Runway bitches won't let us have a week off!

From Women's Wear Daily:

"Liz Claiborne Appoints Tim Gunn Chief Creative Officer

By Whitney Beckett

Liz Claiborne Inc. is bringing out the big Gunn.

Tim Gunn is joining the company as chief creative officer, a new post — and the first major appointment by Claiborne’s new chief executive officer William L. McComb.

Gunn is stepping down as chair of the department of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design, but will continue on as task master for “Project Runway.”

For complete coverage, see tomorrow's issue of WWD."

We don't quite know how we feel about this yet. On the one hand, it's wonderful to see Tim get so much recognition. On the other hand, it's a shame he'll no longer be in a teaching role since he's so damn good at it. At any rate, huge congratulations are in order, so Congrats, Gorgeous!

Thanks Siobhan!

UPDATE: More info here.

"Commenting on the announcement, Mr. McComb said: "Words cannot express how happy we are to have Tim on board as our 'Creative Dean.' His mission is twofold: return our culture to one that is friendlier to the creative process and help shape more competitive, consistent and compelling product."

"Mr. Gunn said: "Though this is not something I had envisioned for myself, I jumped at the chance to serve as a mentor, advisor and sounding board for the design and merchandising community within Liz Claiborne Inc. The talent that currently exists at Liz is phenomenal and I am up to the challenge of harnessing and focusing such strength."