Tim Gunn makes it work
Leslie Spears, communications manager for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, poses with Tim Gunn at the Oklahoma City event.
If the crowd at Dillard’s in Quail Springs Mall is an example — and it is — women love Tim Gunn.
Young and old, petite and plus size, they came to see everyone’s favorite fashion mentor, who comes into our living rooms via television’s “Project Runway” and “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.”
Gunn, chief creative officer of Liz Claiborne, was in Oklahoma City for the “Your Perfect Style” event and fashion show. Instead of 6-foot, size 2 runway models, this event featured more real-size women — women who might actually be out there buying Liz Claiborne clothes.
“You don’t have to be a size 4 to wear our clothes, guys,” said Leah Caruso, marketing director for Liz Claiborne.
Gunn and Caruso talked about each outfit, explaining and showing the audience how to make a splash with colorful accessories, the many ways to wear a classic white shirt and that a shawl collar exaggerates shoulders and can mitigate a larger hip.
“These are real clothes on real women, and it’s still fashion,” Gunn said.
Then Gunn took questions from the audience, who asked everything from personal fit isues to how many pinstripe suits he owns to whether “Guide to Style” will return this season. It will, but without the underwear drawer segment. Applause, applause.
Tim Gunn fans know he’s not a fan of crop pants, so, of course, the question came up. He explains them as “dicey.” They can make short legs look even shorter, he said. While it’s clear he’s still not sold on crops, most women are.
Gunn’s mantra is silhouette, proportion and fit. He maintains that without those elements, no outfit is going to look good.
He suggests women look carefully and critically in a mirror and ask, “Is this outfit helping me or hurting me?”
He and Caruso also advocate having clothes tailored. Most people can’t wear clothes right off the rack and have them fit perfectly, he said.
And don’t even think about buying one pair of jeans to wear with both flats and heels. When you find a style you like, buy two pairs. Alter one for flats and leave the other long to wear with your favorite heels.
So, ladies, in Tim Gunn’s words: Make it work.
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What makes Tim Gunn a successful person is he knows how to treat people. He treats everyone, including fans like me, with such respect. He listens well. He takes in the information and answers so cleverly. I’ve just never known of anyone like him. Tim is a word master, extremely witty, gracious, and so very nice. I’m so grateful I got to meet him. I think he has a lot of qualities that one could learn from. I definitely want the ‘make it work’ attitude always!
Thank you LIz Claiborne and Dillards for bringing Mr. Gunn to OKC. Oklahoma City should get more events like this!