Ask Tim Gunn
Andrew H. Walker / Getty
Tim Gunn advises the frumpy and fashion-challenged every week on Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, and he mentors contestants on the Bravo hit Project Runway, which enters its fifth season on July 16. He spent 23 years at Parsons The New School for Design before becoming Chief Creative Officer at fashion label Liz Claiborne in 2007. Use the form below to submit your questions for Tim Gunn, then look for the upcoming interview in TIME.
Dear TIm,
I can’t tell you how limited I feel with shopping options for a nearly-50 year old woman. It is not my size that makes my choices difficult (I am a size 4) but the narrow selection of stores that reliably offer smart, timeless basics without either looking too dowdy or too ‘cougar’-trendy. I find stores that cater to 50 year old women (Talbots, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers) to be too dull and unimaginative. Are there any sources you particularly like for clothing that is not too ‘old lady’ but not outrageously expensive. I would love to follow Oprah Winfreys beautiful wardrobe but she buys high-end designers and I don’t have that budget. Thank you very much for any advice you might offer!
Cordially,
Christine
What’s with the suit?
Have you ever wanted to kick a participant off “Project Runway”? Which contestant most twisted your (albeit stylish) knickers in a knot?
Lord knows there have been some I’d like to smack.
Mr Gunn:
You’ve done alot to help raise self-esteem which has always impressed me. While watching your show, I find myself thinking about the women veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan who have been wounded and/or maimed and wonder if helping them to present themselves to the world in a positive way through fashion is possible? Just wondering out loud….
denise
What do you think will be your impact in LIZ CLAIBORNE?
With which designer, dead or alive, would you love to spend a lunch dishing fashion ideas?
What do you think of Hillary Clinton’s fashion style?
Do you think Christian should have won in the last season, or would you have wanted someone else to win?
Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?
Mr. Gunn,
What are your thoughts as to why it seems that the fashion industry often feels the need to have a huge change for women every year/season as to what is fashionable, while for men it’s often the same (in stores and/or on the runway for both). Or is it more of that’s just how society feels and the fashion industry feels the same.
Along the same lines–any thoughts why many women won’t wear the dress they wore to party X for party Y, while men give little thought about wearing what they wore to party X for party Y.
Thanks,
Hi Tim,
It is about 110 here in Phoenix and what advice do you have for
me to look pulled together and cool.
You’re now with Liz Claiborne, who was Dana Buchman’s mentor and champion. Now the Dana Buchman line has been sold off to Kohl’s, a far cry from the places her clothing used to inhabit, like Neiman Marcus, and Buchman herself has virtually gone into hiding. After having spent time soaking up Claiborne lore and history as the CCO, how do you explain what happened to Dana Buchman and the entire line?
Would you consider a Tim Gunn label for either men or women? How would that style be defined?
How does the difference between being in academic field (Parsons) and in commercial field (Liz Claiborne) impact your taste on fashion?
What do you suggest wearing to a September evening wedding in D.C.? Would a long velvet dress be suitable? Please suggest some acceptable styles.
Sincerely, Susan
Mr. Gunn,
I’m interested to see how a true design person takes on the huge challenge of design at a label that has been greatly homogenized for the department store market. Since the mid-level Liz Claiborne label is now confined to a Macy’s shopper since they have taken over the formerly very different and vibrant department stores, how does that limit or how does that challenge the design process?
What’s the worse fashion trend you’ve ever seen?
In your opinion, how does the fashion reflect our globalized culture?
How has fashion, both high-end and main stream, been impacted by reality television shows such as Project Runway?
Tim,
What specific style recommendations do you have for a typical American Male? How can I look as stylish as you on what is probably a lower budget?
Why can’t clothing sizes be accurate? No two brands of anything match in size. It’s frustrating!
You have a fine arts background. Do you still create any sculptures or artwork today?
Hi,
My name is Patricia. My daughter and I am interested to join Fashion Industry and take proper training. Can you give us the proper guidance.
Thanks & Regards
I admire the way you express yourself with words! How did you achieve such eloquent speech?
Hi Tim:
How Liz Claiborne is going to outcome the financial problems that are affecting the American Industry, and continue producing the same quality.
Good Day Sir
Have noticed shoes for man, also trousers for man has unpleasant dimension.Why are those shoes suddenly long and clumsy.Did you ever seen those retailer for all? .What has happened to those 1970 when we had even in eastern block side, had some class .Why mans shoes has to be like an army boots.?We need to return to those slick ,light yet pleasant looking garments what man had .Well for winter and different season there are those famous clothing that makes our lifes .Man had fine dressing standard .I talking international here.
Kind Regards to you
Rev.Borris
What city would you say has the most stylish people? What can we learn from them?
Dear Tim,
I am having a problem accepting my age I am a 59 year old european woman who has made her home in America. I think the American woman are so elegant these days, much more so than when I first crossed the pond. I used to be considered very smart. But, now I seemed to have lost my way. am 5ft 7″ 140.lbs. I have not worn a dress or a skirt in years. My son has rarely seen me in a dress! Help My problem is I don’t like my legs or my tummy — I have skinny legs and a pouch that I have been working on years, i also stress Long before an event. I have to be careful of the pocketbook because times have changed. I would appreciate any advice you may be able to offer.
Thank you in advance
Margaret
Tim,
I’m a young woman who is just beginning to establish her work wardrobe. What would be the most important peices to invest in now, that are appropriate and won’t go out of style?
Thanks
What has been your favorite outfit designed by a contestant on Project Runway?
Hi Tim! Is there anyone in the entertainment business that you would, without a doubt, always love their fashion choices?
Do you think fashion design is a form of art expression? Do you consider yourself an artist?
fgfgg
NEAR 50 WHAT COLOR DO YOU RECOMMAND ?
Who or what inspired you to join the world of fashion?
Hi Sir,
What do you think about the way in which Asian women dress? Are we mere followers? We seem to (more often than not) model after what American and European women wear. Also, what do you think about Asian fashion designers? Thanks!
Mr. Gunn -
What’s your opinion of the two fashion miscreants on What Not To Wear? I’m curious as to how they can rationalize their own style-challenged attire, much less advise others. (shirttails hanging out below sweater, putrid pattern mixes, etc.)
I ask because I admire your own classic sensibility.Please be frank.
Tim - -
Given the increasing laxness in “business casual” attire, do you think the tie will disappear from men’s wardrobes in the next decade?
What is your favorite decade for fashion?
It’s every fashion designers’ dream to have there own brand. How have you resisted in starting your own brand?
which season did you think had the most talented designers in Project Runway?
When is the first time you realized you loved fashion?
With all the media focus on celeb fashion, trends, and the season’s “must-haves”, is there a fashion/style topic or area you feel is getting the short-shrift by the fashion press? What type of articles do you wish there were more of?
When working your way up in the fashion industry were there any people you walked all over that now when you reflect you wish you wouldn’t have?
Dear Mr. Gunn,
Who do you feel is the biggest style icon that has emerged in young Hollywood?
Hi TIm!
My friend’s younger sister is a rising sophomore (and aspiring designer) at Parsons. What advice would you have for her (and for those like her) who would like to make a foray into the fashion industry - specifically, getting internships, experience, etc.? She’s a little shy and needs an extra push.
Thanks!
Naomi
In your opinion what movie/tv cast has had the biggest impact on the fashion world?
Hi Tim,
What do you think of the no-stockings trend and what is the best thing to wear if you can’t give them up either because they are required at work or you are older -60- and don’t feel comfortable not wearing them? If I wear them to formal events, etc - will I look dated? Thanks - love the show and you are all heart and elegance -
Recently in an article on much beloved Tim Russert, he was noted as being able to make a custom made suit look shabby. Can a candidate’s sartorial look influence many voters?
Greetings Tim,
I would like to know how Project Runway has helped you in your career? Thank you.
As fashion guru, is there someone who had became your greatest influence as to how you look up fashion today?
Tim ole chum, How did you acquire such an expansive vocabulary ?
Hi Tim,
I just want to know where did you get the inspiration to say “Make it Work!” It just sounds so pleasant when you say it.
From,
Giancarlo
The contestants on Project Runway have the most difficulty designing for women with “real bodies”. What advice do you give them to make their skills more commercial?
Dear Mr. Gunn,
Soon to be 50 (Next Month), I am 5′5″ in height, size 6 in search of fashion sense for my body type. I love color but it scares me. With two teenage daughters with great fashion sense, I feel like the outsider. I don’t want to look like a teenager, I want to look like the terrific 50 year old woman I am but with amazing fashion sense. What are the basic rules for putting yourself together. I believe I am a pear shape. Thank you very much for your help.
Thank you,
Darla
Why does Liz Claiborne sell clothing that you’ve found so objectionable on Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style - things like capris, florals and horizontal stripes for larger women, etc?
Tim Hi!
Mine is not a question but a comment. I just wanna let you know that am a big fun for Project Runway. I wish there were no breaks regarding the show.
Nora
I am a jewelry designer, and at the moment am selling my designs at art shows which is quite a greuling way to make a living. We do very well and it’s a great way to determine which designs are hits. on the other hand the traveling has gotten to be cost restrictive. I would very much like to know who i contact to wholesale my designs and also wonder how I price my items for that market. I’m aware of the trade shows but heard the attendence is way down this year. how can i reach buyers from big stores like bergdorff goodmans, barney’s of new york, niemans and the like. we’ve been generating about 150,000 a year but much of that income is eaten into by gas, show fees, and lodging.as well as of course, materials. my time spent on all of this isn’t even calculated. please advise as i really have a gift, for design as well as people. my website is http://www.derujinskydesign.com please check it out, thank you Andrea Derujinsky.
Hi Tim,
Do you ever watch Project Runway when it airs? How do the edited versions of the show compare with what the TV viewers never see?
John
Hi Tim,
I love your work. You always seem so calm & collected on the screen. How do you feel about it? Do you ever cringe when you see yourself on TV?
What advice would you give someone who is aspiring to start a career in such a competitive industry as the fashion industry?
Dear Mr. Gunn,
What’s your advice on when to buy trends and when to stay away? Should you ever succumb to trends or always stick with the classics?
Sartorial advice for men seeking quality, well-fitted suits on a budget. The designer Hugo Boss sells a variety of suits in my price range, but I seem to continually fall between sizes. Strategic tips on what can and cannot be altered in a man’s suit, for difficult-to-size men?
Also, extra question: what style goals should men aspire toward, as they age? Is custom-made clothing the best way to achieve a signature look? Thanks so much.
How would you compare your current efforts at Liz to the revamp of curriculum that you led at Parson’s? Is being responsible to shareholders more difficult than entrenched faculty?
Also, with two seasons of PR, your own show to tape, and responsibilities to Liz, you’re obviously a busy man. What DO you do to decompress?
Which one of the guests on Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style was it the most fun to work with?
What are some of your favorite fashion trends and how do you think the world would be without them?
To you, what is the secret behind looking stylish? How does a person need to act, look, and feel to be 100% stylish?
What do you think of relation between identity and fashion? and how do you analyze the Japanese fashion being very much westernized?
Mr. Gunn: Would you comment on why the fashion industry has yet to realize that not every woman is a size 2? There are many beautiful, stylish, and trendy women [with expendable income for fashion] who wear double digits (think 20 not 10) in the world who would prefer to not be shoved in over sized caftans, clothing designed for Granny, or into styles made to flatter a waif-like body as opposed to a more voluptuous one. I assume there are no real designers for this demographic, but if there are would you please share your favorites as I would adore a respectable suit or evening gown in my actual size that isn’t designed for a 75 year old woman (as I am a 25 year old Attorney )? Thanks so much!
I know you can`t answer this without making alot of women angry, but which country do you think has the chicest women?
Hi Tim,
My friends and I are devoted fans of “ProjRun,” and we love quoting your clever quips from the show! Your extensive and descriptive vocabulary never ceases to amaze us. To whom or what do you credit for your stellar use of language? (Perhaps you have some good book recommendations?)
All the best,
Kari
What to you think of the Gladiator sandals that seems to be the new fashion shoe statement? They look so heavy with summer dress, and they’re not appropriate for an evening gown. What would you wear these things with, besides a lions cloth.
Dear Tim,
Why did Liz Clairborne stopped making men’s clothing?
Dear Tim,
In watching project runway for all the seasons, have inspired me to design and create some of my own fashions as well as for other people, I have no formal training and am learning from books and other advice on the internet. However whenever I have to do alterations I just want to pull out my hair. It seems that whenever I need to fix something I end up just redoing the whole thing. Is there any information out there about just altering for different figures or any type of advice you may have on this point?
I do have the book : “sewing for dummy’s”
Thank you
Please say HI to Heidi, Nina and Michael
Hi Tim,
I’m returning to full time employment, and I need advice on purchasing new clothes for my interviews and work environment.
Since I’m between sizes (moving down from a 12 to a 10 top and a 10 to an 8 bottom), I need separates. I’m in my mid-fifties, but look younger.
What do you suggest for someone who likes slacks over dresses and tailored over fussy clothes? I’m curvy in the right places!
Many thanks for always being a delight!
Susan
Between mentoring Project Runway contestants, filming your Guide to Style, and working at Liz Claiborne, do you ever sit down, take out the old sewing machine, and just make something?
Who are some of your fashion icons from past and present?
what would be a good name for my new design coming soon?
Tim,
What contributing factors in today’s environment help to determine tomorrows fashions or is it more a basis of your success with pure speculation similar to a stockbroker in estimating the target of tomorrows stock? Would you consider yourself more of a creator, inventor or speculator or all of the above?
Tim, are you comfortable in your skin? with your image? Your persona suggests that you are but how does Tim Gunn really feel about it?
1) Some fans of PR are reeling from all the changes coming in Season 6 of the show. What words can you give the fans that would assuage their fears that a good show may not meet the standards it has set in the past 5 seasons?
2) What was the most formative experience of your life and how does it influence the person you are now?
1. Would you have worn any of the designs in the Mens Challenge of Season 4?
2. Who do you think was the best designer of all 4/5 seasons?
3. Boxers or Briefs?
I mourn the moving of Project Runway to Los Angeles for Season 6. Your time is already so divided between PR, your own show, and your duties at Liz Claiborne. How does the move to LA affect your role as CCO? Are they starting to wish you didn’t have so many other interests?
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE NAME OF THE DRESS THAT JENNIFER LOPEZ WORE TO THE CAMPAIGN BANQUET IN THE MOVIE “MAID IN MANHATTAN”. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SEND A PHOTO OF THE DRESS, THANK YOU.
Mr Gunn:
what’s an absolute NO-NO when it comes to office dressing for women?
I live in India and the dress code for my company is “smart casuals”…what the hell does that mean? What body parts are show-able is what i mean!
I have noticed that for the past 6 yrs the quality and designs of Liz Claiborne have been on a down hill slope, so my question is why is that?? and what is the company planning to do about it? and are there any plans to modernize the label more and make it a bit more fashionable and follows the fashion trends but that is also stuitable for older aged women and even teenagers?
with the soaring prices of energy and the rising costs, how does the label protect its self from such and environment and maintane affordable prices?
What is your favorite thing to wear?
I watched a video on CNN about FLDS fashion. Do you think that the polygamists’ style of dressing could start new trends, with the edits that you suggested?
How do you about the lack of diversity (ethnic wise) on the runway, editorials, campaigns and fashion covers? For an industry to call itself unique, progressive, diverse; they don’t represent that at all. Just flipping thru the pages of a fashion magazine, I only saw a few people of color on editorial spreads. And it makes me wonder, what happend? There is an exception though and that’s Project Runway; your cast and models always represent a diverse range of individuals. I just wish as a whole, the fashion industry could do the same.
Plaid or Polka Dots?
Tim where did your saying “make it work come from”
Why shloud we care about fashion in our current society where there are so many problems way more important that what’s one wearing?
Is there anything you can’t accomplish?
Are you single? You seem lonley
I love fashionable clothes, follow the shows and read the magazines. However, I’m a large woman, so my choices are very limited. I know the situation is getting better, but the average American woman is a size 14. Why don’t designers and clothing lines wise up and present pretty clothes for work and play that don’t make you look like you’re wearing a mumu? Large ladies want to look nice, too — and we have money to spend!
When you tell the Project Runway contestants to “make it work” do you ever think one of their designs will never be able to work?
When were you first interested in the fashion industry?
How do you prevent your personal style opinions from influencing your advice to contestants on Project runway?
Why is that people from the fashion fraternity be it dress designers, models, Fashion photographers, hair stylists mostly gay and queer.Could you shed some light on it?
Does the industry promote and encourage such people ?
What do you think about the valuation of Liz Claiborne brand in global markets in 2008 and beyond?
Hi Tim, Previously posted - mistyped my email - sorry !!!
What do you think of the no-stockings trend and what is the best thing to wear if you can’t give them up either because they are required at work or you are older -60- and don’t feel comfortable not wearing them? If I wear them to formal events, etc - will I look dated? Thanks - love the show and you are all heart and elegance -
As someone who has a fashion design and marketing degree, who is now employed as an Apparel and Furniture product developer/designer/ patternmaker, I see so many people out there with the same degree who will never have any jobs in their field. Generally they have no basic office or communication skills, or don’t have a work ethic and definitely no experience in production, engineering, or pattern software. I think all but 2-3 schools in the U.S. who offer such a degree will prepare their students for even the most basic design jobs. I’m sure you have more insight on this, are there more? Is there an advantage we have in this country because of those schools? Will there be enough design jobs in this country to house all of those who are skilled?
Dear Tim,
as a lover of great fashion and all things surrounding it. When i get older i would love to become a fashion designer. Having a real knack for it, i have signed up for classes in the fall, for next school year. i would love to get started soon and use my entrepreneural skills. But being only in high school and being limited with money, i find it impossible to find a good place to start, especially for my age. Please help me if you can!!! Thanks!!
Monique
Why do you think so many people are surprised at your erudition? I am thinking particularly of the clips shown at one reunion show that highlighted your extensive vocabulary as though it were some sort of freak of nature. Is this attributable to a general American anti-intellectualism, or is it because this level of education and knowledge is not expected of someone in the fashion world?
How did you discover your passion for designing?
Have you ever thought of designing your own fashion line?
Which celebrity or political figure you feel “dresses to depress” (as opposed to impress) and how would you help her/him?
You show consistent objective, impartial comments to the designers on Project Runway. Who taught you such impressive teaching/molding/nurturing skills? Did you have an influential instructor or mentor?
You correct people’s fashion choices in your show but why not let them wear what they feel comfortable in? Why ask them to conform to what other people define as “appropriate” or “fashionable”?
My 7-year old daughter has proudly proclaime to all who ask, that when she grows up she WILL be a designer. What are the realistic future prospects in the industry and how can I best help her prepare?
In your opinion, who is, or was, the most influential designer of the decade?
IS THERE ONE PARTICULAR FASHION STAPLE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME, DEFYING DECADES AND FADS? THANKS!
戸田恵梨香 画像
Him Tim,
I am a HUGE Tim Gunn fan. You are so the best! Movin on w/Season 5 is thrilling. Last evening’s show was so cool and the winner well earned on her creativity…also loved the blue cup little number!
Sure would love you as my fashion consultant……….Carry on!
Dedicated Tim Gunn fan, Laney
Dear Tim,
Should a man wear a tuxedo to a wedding that takes place at 2:PM?
He won’t be in the wedding. Only a ‘wedding’ observer”.
One more thing… where can I find a pink, and I do mean PINK dress shirt? No button down collar , but with long sleeves. I mean PINK. I don’t want a pink shirt that looks like it’s been hanging out in the sun for a week!!!!