By Pam Lutrell –
Project Runway’s Tim Gunn is known for his inspirational, gentle, kind spirit and, of course, his infamous line, “Make It Work.” I was able to experience this first hand on an October afternoon during a fashion show Tim hosted in my city for Lucky Brand Apparel. Not only were we treated to his fashion advice and wisdom, but I was able to ask him about advice for the over 50 crowd.
“I celebrate 50,” Tim said as he even straightened his posture with pride. “It was six months after my fiftieth birthday when the producers of Project Runway asked me to come on board.” Tim is excited the show has attracted some 50+ designers such as Season 8’s Peach Carr and Season 9’s Bert Keeter.
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“It is the time to get active,” he continued, “Do what you love do not shut down.”
Around this encouragement, Tim also shared some of his styling advice, the television audience has come to know and love. He took time to teach his principles about the importance of silhouette, portion, and fit. “Everything in your closet should be transition pieces; except your wedding dress, of course,” he said. “Also, a well fitted jacket is the best piece anyone can own.” This said after advising men and women to keep a blazer on the back of a chair at work so you can pull on a polished look if the boss walks into the room.
A few Tim Gunn-isms from the afternoon:
*I can’t tell you who my favorite designers are from the show…they are like my kids.
*I am writing a book on fashion history… so many others are just a snooze fest… and I want to write this one from the perspective of what is in a woman’s closet. Because I love the history of draping, I would love to have dinner with Cleopatra.
*I grew up in Washington D.C. with a very fashionable mother, grandmother, and great aunt; but I originally wanted to be an architect.
*The more volume you wear, the more body it looks like you have.
*His favorite challenge on the show was in Episode 1, Season 1 in the grocery store. When he saw Austin Scarlett with all of the ears of corn, he thought, “Oh, that poor soul, he’s going home for sure.” Austin also got a whole cart of potato chips which we never saw on camera, and told Tim they were for the ride home!
* Jeans should be worn mid-rise for the most flattering look. Skin should never be seen above the waistband.
*When asked which designers he liked the least, Tim said that it is all about character… the ones he obviously believed had less of it?… well, here’s the hall of fame you least want to be in…
Season 1… Wendy Pepper
Season 2… Zulema Griffin
Season 3… Vincent Libretti
Season 4… Victorya Hong (an off camera whiner)
Season 5… Kenley Collins
Season 6… Gretchen Jones (I guess we know who Tim thought should have won!!)
I also recommend his new book, Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work!”
During the 1980s, Pam Lutrell left a thriving public relations career to be a wife and mother. At the age of 47, she began to teach high school journalism and prepare for life at middle age. After a huge wakeup call on her fiftieth birthday, Pam made some significant changes in her life and today has added several awards as a teacher, freelance writer, lifestyle blogger, and public speaker to her resume. She is having the time of her life with her developing fashion & style blog for middle aged women… women of strength, dignity, and joy! Find her also at http://over50feeling40.blogspot.com; over50Feeling40@gmail.com Twitter: Over 50Feeling 40; Facebook: Over50feeling40; and bloggers for www.mysa.com, The San Antonio Express News.
1 thought on “Project Runway’s Tim Gunn: 50 Is a Time To Make It Work!”
I’m always impressed and inspired by Tim. He’s at the top of the fashion world; his depth and wisdom seems to dominate over the in-the-moment quality of the industry in general.