I've never told anyone this, in an effort to run from my past and disguise it, I got rid of all of the scrapbooks my mother kept going back to when I was a baby. Truly. So that's why whenever talk show hosts or a producer asks for these pictures, there are barely any. My sister had a few, but that's it, and this was before digital. I've never told anyone that, but that's the truth.
Tim GunnWhat's important to a fashion designer? It's much more than learning how to make clothes. In fact, that merely makes you a dressmaker. It doesn't make you into a fashion designer.
Tim GunnWhen it comes to dressing, comfort is overrated. A little discomfort probably means your clothes fit and they're not pajamas.
Tim GunnMost designers want to show apparel that makes the wearer look as long and lean as possible. And most people who buy clothes want to look as long and lean as possible.
Tim GunnYou can be too rich and too thin, but you can never be too well read or too curious about the world.
Tim GunnWhen I'm working in the real world with real women and we're shopping, we find that fashion seems to end when you get any larger than a size 12. How ridiculous is that?
Tim GunnFrankly, from my perspective, the bomber jacket is such a classic item you can wear it even when it's not on trend.
Tim GunnAs I continue to mature and navigate the world, there are so many myths that are dispelled for me.
Tim GunnIf you don't have experience sewing, start with that, because that will inform what you are able to design.
Tim GunnI'm frequently introduced as a fashion designer, and I quickly say I'm not, and instantly people are incredibly disappointed and think that I'm some sort of charlatan who's been perpetuating this falsehood.
Tim GunnI've never mentioned this, but when I was at Parsons teaching, the other design disciplines, they don't like fashion design. They see it as very nineteenth-century.
Tim GunnWhen 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.
Tim GunnA couple of things for the not-so-diminutive man: avoid any prints that are large scale, because you will look like the print is wearing you, as opposed to you wearing the print.
Tim GunnAs I've matured, I've developed more confidence in pattern mixing and in having a slimmer fit and in taking some risks, and I enjoy it!
Tim GunnWhen it comes to Project Runway, for me the most memorable look ever presented goes back to season one, episode one, when Austin Scarlett created a ravishing cocktail dress out of cornhusks. It was really amazing.
Tim GunnI really believe things happen for a reason, and sometimes that reason isn't revealed until much much, much, much later.
Tim GunnI grew up with an absolutely horrible, debilitating stutter, and it was what caused me to retreat into myself and caused me to have very few friends and not want to socialize, and it made me absolutely terrified of giving reports in school. It was awful. It wasn't until I was 19 that I had intensive speech therapy. I had it for two years and it really helped, though I will say when I'm tired, the stutter comes out, even now.
Tim GunnI'm really not a trend promoter because I feel that people push trends on people they shouldn't.
Tim GunnThe fit of jeans can be worlds apart from brand to brand. If you can find the right fit, skinny jeans can be very flattering.
Tim GunnI am a stickler for good manners, and I believe that treating other people well is a lost art. In the workplace, at the dinner table, and walking down the street--we are confronted with choices on how to treat people nearly every waking moment. Over time these choices define who we are and whether we have a lot of friends and allies or none.
Tim GunnI hate the word "eclectic" .I'm a classicist, and I like comfort. Lots of books, lots of artwork, pieces of family furniture, and newer upholstery.
Tim GunnIt's not an area where designers want to focus or pay attention - women who are larger than a size 12.
Tim GunnI believe that it's very important to get to know people with whom you can have a substantive dialogue about design and its development. In addition, read everything about fashion that you can get your hands on. A palpable point of view is what makes a designer, so you need to be confident about yours.
Tim GunnI have heard women complain about men holding doors for them,, as if it is inherently offensive and implies that they are weak. ... I would hold a door for anyone. ... It has to do with noticing our fellow human beings and saying, "I recognize that you're on this planet, and I don't want a door hitting you in the face.
Tim GunnLeggings are everywhere, indeed. Personally, I'm not crazy about them, but they can look great with the right look, a tunic, for instance, or a long cardigan. Just don't try to dress them up!
Tim GunnI am the anti-trend guy? I don't believe in chasing trends. And before anyone shops, I believe you benefit from doing a closet inventory. Ask yourself what am I wearing, what am I not wearing, and you'll probably discover things you didn't even know you had.
Tim GunnIf you had pockets, you were associated with a labor force. It meant you had things to carry yourself. Otherwise, your lady's maid or your manservant would have done it for you.
Tim GunnWhat's interesting about textiles is that they are determined about three seasons in advance, that's why when you walk into a store you think "Gee, everything looks about the same."
Tim GunnI love the history of the sport, I love the culture that surrounds it, and I never dreamed I'd become a fanatic. I'm such a fanatic now that I'm committed to competing.
Tim GunnPeople put on certain clothes for certain reasons, I assume, when their closet is filled with clothes.
Tim GunnAt all costs, avoid clothes that are too big. The more volume your clothes have, the more volume you appear to have.
Tim GunnMy best life advice:Take the high road.No matter how much stress, or strain, or consternation you are facing, take the high road.You will never regret it.
Tim GunnI learned from teaching. If you are perceived by the student to be belittling them or purely criticizing them without offering up words of encouragement and support, they shut down and discredit you.
Tim Gunn