Tuesday, July 22, 2008

10 Questions with Tim Gunn via Time Magazine

Tim Gunn is the host of Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. He currently mentors designers on Project Runway. Here are his answers to 10 Questions courtesy of Time Magazine.

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With which designer, dead or alive, would you like to spend a lunch dishing fashion ideas?
Oh, the first really seminal designer of the 20th century: Coco Chanel. That would be some lunch. If it were a living designer, there's no one more fabulous to have lunch with than Diane von Furstenberg.



Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?
Michelle Obama. Absolutely. She looks so comfortable and relaxed in her style, in her fashion, and she exudes that. She has a presence that gives you confidence in her.




What's the worst fashion trend you've ever seen?
Well, sandals with socks are certainly up there. Generally speaking, it's footwear trends. I mean, the Croc - it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously? I know it's comfortable; I understand that. But if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, don't get out of bed.





How can I look as stylish as you on what is probably a lower budget?
The key to getting your fashion right is the same for men and women. First of all, know who you are and how you want the world to perceive you. Understand what colors, what patterns look good on you and the whole interaction of silhouette, proportion and fit. If you can get that right, you'll look great in anything.

What would be the most important pieces to invest in now that won't go out of style?
A classic blazer or jacket would be a wonderful purchase. I have my 10-essentials list for getting your wardrobe right. It's the blazer, the classic white shirt, a skirt, a day dress, a basic black dress, black pants, jeans, a sweater of some kind and a trench coat - you can wear it to the grocery store or the opera. The last one is a sweat-suit alternative - something that you feel good in and look good in and that you can go out and walk the dog in.

Is there anyone whose fashion choices you always love?
Angelina Jolie. She knows what's occasion-appropriate. She knows what she looks good in. She's sexy without ever being remotely vulgar. I think she has a fabulous sense of style and a fabulous sense of who she is.





What is your favorite decade of fashion?
The '60s. I don't think we've ever seen in any decade as much of a transition in how people dress. From the Kennedy years - very polished, very sophisticated - we go to Woodstock and hippie-dom and Carnaby Street and Twiggy and the mini. Quite a lot of drama happened.

What factors help determine tomorrow's fashions?
I'm frequently asked where fashion is going, and my response is, if I knew or if the industry knew, we'd already be there. There are so many things that can trigger a trend. It may be something from the street - witness hip-hop. It may be something from a fashion show.

What movie or TV cast has had the biggest impact on fashion?
Sex and the City. Absolutely, hands down. Thank you, Sarah Jessica Parker.

What is your favorite thing to wear?
There is no better feeling for me than to go to a black-tie event in a classic tuxedo. Every man looks great in a tux.

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