Ten Minutes With Tim Gunn

by Ryan Rice

For all of us who are native Houstonians, we know that our city is one of growth, culture, diversity and most of all style.  In fact, the style set has steadily been streaming through Houston to promote their causes, campaigns and crusades.  Brett and I were invited by our friends at SKIRT Magazine to sit down with the incomparable Tim Gunn and get the tips and techniques Houstonians need to fine tune their personal style and always put their best fashion foot forward.

I must say I was slightly intimidated, as many may be, to meet the man who changes lives on his show Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, inspires people to “make it work” in his book A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style and guides young designers to new heights in the hugely popular series, Project Runway.  As if he wasn’t busy enough, Gunn was in town to promote his Liz Claiborne Denim Tour, a multi-city trek to show every woman how to find the perfect pair of jeans for any occasion or body type.  In a crowd-filled tent at Macy’s in Memorial City Mall, Tim took to the stage to do what he does best – tell the cold hard truth.  This candid honesty was the very reason I was intimidated. What do you wear to meet someone known for fixing what is broken in your wardrobe?  Saturday, outside, denim – so many factors.  I opted to stop obsessing and wear what I felt confident and comfortable in. Turns out I was following Tim’s mantra – “Be true to who you are!”  “Confidence,” says Gunn, “is the key to developing your personal style, as well as letting the world know who you are! “  As a fan, and follower of his views, I had to find out who and what inspires his style and ask a few Houston-specific questions to keep us looking cool in the heat and haute in the winter.  SKIRT Magazine editor Dusty Gilbert, Brett, Pattie and I were invited to sneak back into the executive offices of Macy’s and spend what I will call, Ten Minutes With Tim!

Trying to stay cool and show my confidence, I was pleasantly surprised to feel completely at ease and downright chatty with the celeb.  I started with my standard list of questions, which I ditched as the conversation started.  This was not a man with a set of standard answers. This was a man with a passion for fashion and a drive to make a difference.

First thing I wanted to know:  Who inspires the inspirer?  According to Gunn, the person who inspires him, coaches him, and serves as a sounding board for his observations is world-renowned designer and fashion mainstay, Diane Von Furstenberg.  “She is a friend, a dreamer and a fashion icon”, said Gunn.  I must say I was as impressed as many of you.  Hers is a name that transcends to the masses, while still remaining unique.  Everyone knows the wrap-dress that has become synonymous with her name.

This got me thinking celebrities! Which celebrities does Gunn think have a style to mimic?  Debra Messing, Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchet top the list.  “Confident, mature women are always in style,” said Gunn.  “Working the red carpet I was blown away by Blanchet.  She takes risks that pay off.  She knows herself and it shows.”  Describing Mirren, he used a one-word descriptor, something he is known for, and matter of factly said, “Stunning!”

Since we were there with SKIRT, the best new women’s pub in town,  I thought I should also see what guidance he had for the fellas out there.  Knowing we men are a visual people, I had to ask Gunn what his favorite men’s look was.  “Cary Grant’s style in South by Southwest,” he grinned.  “It is classic, timeless and masculine.”  He also added that it is a look that people can tailor to fit their personality – once again reinforcing the importance of being true to yourself.

The conversation started to turn toward our great city, one he has visited often in the past few years, including a hometown visit with Chloe Dao during the second season of Project Runway.  We all know our Chloe was tops in the end, but what Houston attractions rank at the top for Gunn? “The Rothko Chapel,” Gunn quickly replied.  “It is amazing.  You feel like you are hovering above ground,” he elaborated.  I can just see him sitting on the bench in the dark chapel, refining his thoughts and developing recommendations for clothing cohesion. 

This image stuck, so I decided to see what his thoughts were on some of the most oft-asked fashion queries.  First, what look do you dislike?  “Bare midriffs,” he sneered.  White after Labor Day?  “If you can pull it off,” he smirked.  How do you pull of seasonal looks with inclimate temperatures?  “Go for seasonal styles with a breathable fabric.  Use lighter layers, and don’t be afraid to break any rules,” said the expert.  “Above all, be true to yourself.”

As our time started together neared an end, I had to get a little gossip on Project Runway, past, present and future.  I confess, I didn’t watch season one, but immediately was drawn to the second season because of my fave,  Chloe Dao.  When asked his thought on Chloe he smiled and said, “Chloe is a fit master!  She had a consistent performance and was a favorite going into the finale.  I found out the winner when everyone else did and naturally, I was delighted.  Had competitor Santino won, we would have to change the name of the show to Project Freak Show, “ he jokingly added.  He shared that the new season, which premiered November 14th on Bravo, was the best yet!  “This season is a must-see, filled with characters you will love and hate!”    Further request for elaboration led Tim to say, “Tune in, you won’t be disappointed.”  I have been watching and, as usual, Mr. Gunn is right!  We will most likely be adding some posts as the season heats up…so stay tuned to Houston Photographer Brett Chisholm’s blog!

As we wrapped our chat, Tim signed books for our entourage as well as a book for our December 6th event with Brett Chisholm Photography, that featured a fashion show for Chloe Dao’s newest line, all benefiting SNAP (Spay Neuter Assist Program). 

As we shook hands and thanked his reps for the opportunity, I was able to ask one more question for our lady friends out there.  What is the one item women should splurge on?  “A great pair of shoes,” he said.  There you have it ladies, your license to splurge from the reigning expert and down-to-earth, classic gentleman. Just tell your husbands, boyfriends or anyone else who gives you grief – “Tim Gunn said I could!”

Ryan Rice
Ryan@RyanRicePR.com

Comments

[Catherine Burch Graham]

Great interview, Ryan, with Tim Gunn! And now, I'm off to go shoe shopping... :-)

[Barbara]

Hey! I just saw Tim Gunn's fashion shows on video clips. Great summer trends, style ideas and fashion tips from Tim! Heres the link:

www.lizclaiborne.com

[Elvia Francis]

Oh wow, I was at this event and I got a chance to speak to Tim Gunn too (although I was extremely nervous meeting him and ended up rambling on about fashion magazines). It was great to speak to a well-versed fashion expert and such an eloquent, well-mannered individual. I really love this post, even though I just now saw this :)

[Coach Factory Online]

spingere i consumatori del Lazio ad andare ad acquistare nelle Regioni limitrofe

[JacobsonKristen]

If you want to buy a car, you would have to receive the home loans. Moreover, my sister usually utilizes a short term loan, which seems to be the most useful.

[Barefoot Sports Shoes]

I ask some strangers what they think, and average their thoughts. But, as long as it looks good to YOU, go for it, I say.