Outgoing Parsons dean Simon Collins will be sorely missed
News that Simon Collins will step down from his post as dean of Parsons fashion school in December came as a shock to some in the industry. His will be a hard act to follow.
"Parsons has never been in better shape than now, and I think it's a person's duty is to leave a job in better shape than when they found it," Collins says when asked about his reasons for leaving. "We have raised the quality of everything we do over these past six years and I am confident the team will continue the great work.
"Also, I think it's important to leave a party at its peak rather than when you've outstayed your welcome. While we have had many great successes, I know the school will benefit from a fresh face and a new vision."
He has been a great representative for the school, lifting its international profile while turning Parsons into a mega brand.
"We have gained wide exposure in Brazil, France, Dubai, Spain, China, Japan, UK, Korea and many other regions," he says. "We are invited to work on projects and to speak all over the world and always it is because people recognise and respect the Parsons brand."
Collins has been tireless in his support of young graduates as well as high-profile alumni such as Derek Lam, Donna Karen, Narsico Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui.
"More than anything I will miss the students," Collins says, "then also the parents, the faculty and the staff. It is incredibly energising to be surrounded by eager young designers who are hungry for knowledge."
Collins’ ability to engage with popular culture and the media, both in the US and globally, has been a standout of his tenure at the school
Collins' ability to engage with popular culture and the media, in the US and globally, has been a standout of his tenure at the school. I was introduced to him a few years ago by a Parsons alumni in Hong Kong, and since then I've seen him tirelessly promote a brand of fashion education that was not solely about design, but also about how to succeed as a business.
He has had his fair share of challenges over the years. With no previous academic experience before taking the role, there was a lot to learn.
However, he has shown himself to be a skilful networker, leader and creative thinker when it comes to the big tasks. Having lived in Hong Kong for several years as creative director of Nike Asia Pacific before his appointment at Parsons, his Asia background and knowledge raised the profile of the school in the region dramatically.
Through talks, industry events and judging roles such as on Chinese design-based reality TV show (think Chinese Project Runway) alongside China's editor-in-chief Angelica Cheung, Collins has made sure that Parsons is the fashion school of note to many mainlanders. Collins will continue to focus on Asia, working with Trends Group in Beijing and being on the advisory board of the Textile Institute at Tsinghua University.
"In addition, I have been approached by the Chinese government to speak about design thinking and my career in Shanghai in the new year," he adds, saying he looks forward to new opportunities in Hong Kong. "It is always a strong desire of mine to give back to the place I love so much," he says.
Collins signed off his announcement email with one of his favourite phrases: "You Never Leave Parsons."
There is no word yet as to who will replace him.
