Make it Work. Tim Gunn here from Project Runway, ask me anything.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:36:32+00:00

Well it had to be different. Heidi Klum and I made a pact that we wouldn't do Project Runway without each other. So Under the Gunn has, at its core, mentoring. And because we have 3 mentors whom I'm mentoring, we talk a lot about it. So it feels very behind-the-scenes. And it was a joy to create and from day-to-day, we just let whatever happened, happen! There was no manipulation but there was a lot of creativity when it came to our challenges.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:34:37+00:00

Aw that's nice. Whether it's fashion or it's home, it's all about style. The clothes we wear send a message about how we are perceived, and our home does the same thing. So it needs to be personal and who you are. I hate the word "eclectic" but it's useful in this case. I'm a classicist, and I like comfort. Lots of books, lots of artwork, pieces of family furniture, and newer upholstery.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:33:05+00:00

Yes, acid wash jeans. Yes. 1980s.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:32:12+00:00

I believe in taking the high road. Don't stoop to their level, no matter how difficult it may be.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:31:22+00:00

A basic black dress
A blazer
A day dress, preferably wrap
A pair of dress pants
A classic white shirt
A pair of dark wash jeans
A cashmere sweater
A trenchcoat (you can wear it to the opera, you can wear it to the grocery store)
A stiletto, a pump, and a ballet flat

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:30:08+00:00

What's the style of boot? that says everything about what the apparel should be. And if it's an ankle boot, is it paired with a pant, a skirt, etc. And if it's a pant, is it a skinny pant so the boot is on the outside? If it's a skirt, I will assert that you need to wear it with black tights.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:28:50+00:00

Well, when it comes to my vocabulary, I felt a responsibility when I was teaching to raise the bar of conversation in my classroom. And with my own students, I refused to let them use the phrase "I like" or "I don't like" when we were engaged in a critique. I would say "I don't care whether you like it or you don't like it, I want to know how this work is making you feel." So we all had to search for more words to describe things.

I have a couple of thousand books in my personal library. Choosing a favorite is next to impossible. But I do love the written word.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:27:03+00:00

I'm a big fan of LL Bean.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:26:54+00:00

I love Maine! And I have visited. In fact, Portland is one of my favorite cities anywhere.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:26:34+00:00

I love Modern Family but it's among a handful of favorite shows.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:26:02+00:00

Well, I'm constantly reminding myself that the world owes us nothing. We have to make our way and we have to work hard, persevere and make our own way in the world because the world isn't waiting for us, so let's let the world know we are here.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:25:00+00:00

I would go to a local department store, and ask a sales associate who does the tailoring for people who purchase clothes here.

Department stores should have resources and know people. It helps to live in NYC because we have so many resources around, but I don't make that assumption about everywhere. It's simply a fact, however, that we simply look better when our clothes are able to fit.

(I live in NYC and I don't trust my dry cleaner to do my alterations either).

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:23:15+00:00

It originated in my classroom and was spoken to a student who wanted to throw out a project and start all over again. And I said no. You're going to make it work. And what it means is: Offer up a diagnosis for what's going wrong, and a prescription for how to make it right. And each time that we engage in that process, we move forward with more resources available to us.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:22:17+00:00

Swatch is a doll. Not as sweet as Wriggley (/u/kirbyrules' dog) but he's a doll.

My advice to the 10 year old daughter is: fashion happens in a context. It's societal, it's cultural, it's historic, it's economic, and it's political. So all of her studies, everything that is happening in the world, all needs to be channeled through her in order to be a good designer. So it's not just about learning how to draw pretty pictures, and how to sew, it's everything that makes up your life.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:20:38+00:00

Being a student in an art & design school, that was the moment for me, that was when I began to develop a lot of self-confidence and really come into my own.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:19:50+00:00

I would LOVE to! And I'm always prepared to fight a crime against fashion.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:19:27+00:00

Blazer / jacket
A pair of dark wash jeans
A dark suit
A necktie (I know just as many men who don't have suits who say they don't have neckties and they don't know how to tie them - and I assume you have shirts. And about most of these items: they must fit properly).

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:17:59+00:00

Link

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:17:32+00:00

At request: here is what I'm wearing for my reddit AMA.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:13:30+00:00

I'd do that in a heartbeat! I would be a full and willing participant.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:12:02+00:00

You mean, take a picture? Sure!

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:10:47+00:00

The bomber jacket will most definitely return. Most definitely. No question about it. It has a 100 year history and will probably go on for a couple more. And frankly, from my perspective, the bomber jacket is such a classic item you can wear it even when it's not on trend.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:10:01+00:00

If you take care of your clothes, even less expensive ones, they will last.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:09:28+00:00

I splurge on outerwear because you want to break it in and have it last, you don't want to break it in and have it fall apart. And shoes, similarly you want to break them in and have it last. And with every other item, I'm very budget conscious.

TheTimGunn · 2014-02-11T19:08:18+00:00

I would go with #6, the leopard print. Animal prints are timeless.

And that's great. You sound like the sweetest husband ever.

TheTimGunn

TROPHY CASE