Tim Gunn's Blunt Talk
Tim Gunn,left with Leah Salak
Joking that his loose lips might land him in court, Tim Gunn, Project Runway co-host and Liz Claiborne chief creative officer, gave a rare display of dish on the show that made him famous. Tim’s foray into refreshingly frank talk took place on a hot afternoon April 16 at a runway show at Fashion Island retail center in Newport Beach, Calif.
On Jessica Simpson, one of the guest judges on Project Runway’s Season 8: “Jessica Simpson was there. I have no recollection of her at all,” he said.
On Gretchen Jones’ surprise victory on Season 8. She beat rival Mondo Guerra and the win was controversial. Mondo was a fan favorite and he crafted stylish fashion in the same provocative vein as winners of past Project Runway seasons. Jones’ strength was classic sportswear. According to Gunn, Michael Kors, another Season 8 judge, wanted to spread the wealth and make a sportswear designer a winner instead of the typical provocative couture designer. The debate on who was going to take the season’s top prize was tough, Gunn said. The show’s panel of judges included Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum.
Gunn confessed to feeling bad about Mondo’s loss. However the day after Gretchen took the Season 8’s top prize, a woman collared him at a New York deli. “Mondo is going to be fine no matter what,” Tim remembered the woman saying. “Gretchen really needs the money. That’s the truth.”
Before the talk, Tim and Leah Salak, Liz Claiborne’s Marketing Special Events director, presided over a fashion show of Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand and Kate Spade. Tim also dropped some wisdom that made him so popular on the show. Here are a few gems.
“If you look in a mirror and think you look like an ass, chances are you do.”
“As long as you accept responsibility for what you are wearing, I’m fine with it.”
And for Californians who want to dress up a casual pair of jeans and T-shirt. “A blazer is the easiest way to take jeans and T-shirts and go out for cocktails. But be mindful of the fit of the blazer,” he said.
