Tim Gunn Quotes & Sayings

Most 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 Gunn

Taking the high road is always the best way to go. You feel better about yourself, and the world feels better about you. — Tim Gunn

You can be too rich and too thin, but you can never be too well read or too curious about the world. — Tim Gunn

Being in the moment is everything. So being in the moment for me is just letting the narrative play out, listening to the designers and giving them helpful feedback about what they're doing. — Tim Gunn

To be a good houseguest, you should be as independent as possible. You should buy groceries or take your hosts out for dinner. Pick up after yourself. Pretend to have a good time even if you're not. Say, 'I'd like to make a dinner reservation tonight. What's your favorite restaurant?' Try not to break anything. Be quiet. — Tim Gunn

I will say that the high road can get so high that you can get a nose bleed, in which case you have to get off the high road. — Tim Gunn

We can wear whatever we want and get away with it. Just be confident about being who you are and dressing for that person. — Tim Gunn

We shop out of boredom, for release, for excitement, for a sense of achievement, for a sense of control over our unruly existences. And every so often, we shop because we need something to wear. — Tim Gunn

People come up to me and share very personal and intimate things with me, and I am so touched by all the trust they have in me. — Tim Gunn

I love the word 'fashion.' That's why I'm using it in the title of this book. Fashion is about change and about creating clothes within a historical context. To me, dismissing fashion as silly or unimportant seems like a denial of history and frequently a show of sexism
as if something that's traditionally a concern of women isn't valid as a field of academic inquiry. When the Parsons fashion department was founded in 1906, it was called 'costume design,' because fashion was then a verb: to fashion. But the word 'fashion' has evolved to mean something much more profound, and those who resist it seem to me to be on the wrong side of history. — Tim Gunn

If I think about most of America, and maybe I'm terribly wrong ... but I think most of America would say that they're not in favor of gay marriage. But there is certainly a large cohort, not a majority but a large number of people, who are articulate and vocal and they'd rally behind this. They're making their opinion known. — Tim Gunn

Whether it's fashion or it's home, it's all about style. The clothes we wear send a message about how we are perceived, and our home does the same thing. — Tim Gunn

Life is not a solo act. It's a huge collaboration, and we all need to assemble around us the people who care about us and support us in times of strife. — Tim Gunn

The element of fashion I'd like to see more often? Clothes that fit people well. For me it's not so much about the clothes. — Tim Gunn

Most people wear clothing that is too big or too small for them. And "oversized" is the downfall for most of us. We have to be careful that we don't look like we're slipcovered! — Tim Gunn

You know people like this, right? People who are incapable of enjoying anything. — Tim Gunn

I believe in the semiotics of clothes. They send a message about how the world perceives us. For me it goes beyond clothes, it's grooming. It's accessories. It's the whole head to toe look. — Tim Gunn

The fashion industry at large has been the worst public relations vehicle for larger women and petite women, they are both maligned and neglected. And I honestly do believe it's getting better. — Tim Gunn

My favorite meal to make for myself is meatloaf.I prepare the the ground beef (I don't use anything else) and flatten it out so it's about 1/2 inch thick, then I spread shredded cheddar all over it, then I roll it up. It's amazing. Like a big cheeseburger. — Tim Gunn

I'll give you some life advice," I said. "The first piece is: Listen and listen intently when you're being spoken to about something. The second: Take the high road. When presented with frustration or anger or discontentment with a situation or a person, don't reduce yourself to that level. Don't get into a conflict in that moment. You'll feel better about yourself for it." Well, to my surprise, this created a near frenzy in the room. The students were aghast. I was surprised by the reaction, so I said: "Tell me more about why that seems like bad advice to you." "I believe I should stand up for myself!" said one student. "I'm not saying you shouldn't stand up for yourself," I said. "I'm just saying, in the heat of the moment, walk away from it. — Tim Gunn

I don't believe in the scraping of stuff. Take the existing condition, offer up a diagnosis for what's wrong, and a prescription for making it work. — Tim Gunn

Remember someone is going to be out, so don't make it you. — Tim Gunn

From my own experience, there are so many people who believe that the individual can change. The individual doesn't have to be LGBT. — Tim Gunn

I 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

If you are going to be catty, you have to be careful with whom you do it, and in what manner! It's the kind of behavior that is best kept behind closed doors. — Tim Gunn

I would certainly rather the industry not go broke, but if that's what it takes for everyone to acquire some values and lose that sense of entitlement, maybe a little belt-tightening wouldn't be so tragic. — Tim Gunn

Whoever's designing for plus-size doesn't get it. The entire garment needs to be reconceived. You can't just take a size 8 and make it larger. — Tim Gunn

Mood has a scuba section? Who knew? — Tim Gunn

My advice to the 10 year old daughter is: fashion happens in a context. It's societal, it's cultural, it's historic, it's economic, and it's political. So all of her studies, everything that is happening in the world, all needs to be channeled through her in order to be a good designer. — Tim Gunn

I'm constantly reminding myself that the world owes us nothing. We have to make our way and we have to work hard, persevere and make our own way in the world because the world isn't waiting for us, so let's let the world know we are here. — Tim Gunn

The work is at such a high level and is so well executed, it really is a matter of taste ... [Source: Project Runway - but consider, applied to the theme of book reviews, it seems apropos!] — Tim Gunn

I always say I have a Socratic approach to most things that I do. I pummel people with questions, because I need to know what they're thinking, what they're trying to achieve, what they believe the final outcome is going to be. — Tim Gunn

Frankly, I think that fur on a man is difficult to pull off. If it's the warmth you're after, then I'd go with a fur-lined coat - it won't show. — Tim Gunn

It's man's impact on our world that appeals to me more than just nature running wild. — Tim Gunn

In a manner of speaking. I certainly never want to lose my voice as an educator. — Tim Gunn

I've worn a suit and tie for most of my life. And I believe (for me), it makes me more confident navigating the world. — Tim Gunn

But if I had to choose a single destination where I'd be held captive for the rest of my time in New York, I'd choose the Metropolitan Museum of Art. — Tim Gunn

If I could predict the trends, they would already be there. — Tim Gunn

I don't believe in texting while dining, sending one-word e-mails in lieu of formal thank-you cards, wearing shorts to the theater, or settling for any of the modern trends that favor comfort over politeness, ease over style. Manners are simply about asking yourself, What's the right thing to do? — Tim Gunn

I also have no problem if you want to find a cave and have someone roll a boulder in front of it. — Tim Gunn

Remember, channel your inner winner. — Tim Gunn

A T-shirt is a T-shirt. Spending hundreds of dollars on it doesn't elevate it. He was under-dressed, even if his casual outfit did cost more than my suit and tie.
I once had another fashion victim tell me, 'This T-shirt cost twelve thousand dollars!'
What difference does that make? If that's the message you want to send about yourself and your fashion sense, you should wear the price tag, or that should be the message on your T-shirt: 'Hi. This T-shirt costs more than a semester of college.' Or: 'Hi. I have money to burn. Please help me get rid of all this wealth.' And my shirt, in turn, would say, 'Great. Please write a $12,000 check to charity. — Tim Gunn

I love HGTV. I love the Food Network. — Tim Gunn

At all costs, avoid clothes that are too big. The more volume your clothes have, the more volume you appear to have. — Tim Gunn

If someone doesn't ask, you don't have a moral obligation to say every thought that pops in your head. — Tim Gunn

With fashion, you really need to understand the aspects of construction. Not just design on an iPad. — Tim Gunn

On my first day teaching my own classroom, I threw up before I entered the building. — Tim Gunn

We no longer need fur for warmth and protection. There are plenty of textiles that provide that today. It's pure whim and vanity to choose to wear fur. It shows a level of ignorance or lack of concern that reflects poorly on the wearer. — Tim Gunn

Leggings 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 Gunn

My role as the chair of the fashion department at Parsons put me face to face with all the big designers, retailers, and editors. Since I was moving in these new circles regularly, I realized I needed to do something about my own personal style. It was really Diane von Furstenberg who gave me the nudge. — Tim Gunn

And Brooke Elliott is a great actress. — Tim Gunn

As 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 Gunn

I 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 Gunn

I have my flaws and my issues, past and present and who knows what will happen in the future. I want people to know I'm vulnerable too and each one of us is. — Tim Gunn

I just think the Kardashians have an absence of taste and I don't think that that should be perpetuated. I'm sorry I'm sounding like an old farty, snob, but it bothers me. — Tim Gunn

I believe that treating other people well is a lost art. — Tim Gunn

Speaking of high-end shoe designers, in 2011 it was fascinating to see the design company of Christian Louboutin try to stop the company Yves Saint Laurent from producing high heels with red soles, claiming that Louboutin was the originator of the red sole. Louboutin lost, and I was glad. He was not the first person to paint a sole, and I am wary of patenting a color, like Tiffany blue. Why should we grant that entire history to Louboutin and say there are no predecessors and should be no successors? — Tim Gunn

I have one brand I go to, and it's Suit Supply, and it's fantastic. I was spending $3,500-$4000 on a suit, and the suit I'm wearing today was $500. And they last you forever. The shoulders are set in by hand, it's phenomenal. — Tim Gunn

Men: don't wear the untucked shirttail. It cuts you in half, which is a very bad proportion. Think of yourself as a series of thirds. So when the shirt is tucked in, you're 1/3 on top, 2/3 on the bottom. — Tim Gunn

I do things like hem a pair of pants, I do my own tailoring but I wouldn't attempt a jacket. — Tim Gunn

Success needs to be measured according to the ambitions and the resources of each designer. And many aren't interested in being a megabrand. — Tim Gunn

Take the high road. No matter how much strife, and consternation, frustration and anger you might be confronted with - don't go to that level. — Tim Gunn

I'm constantly correcting young people and fashion students in this nation when they say "Well, I do couture." By definition, you don't. You have to be licensed by the government of France to do couture. So don't use that term. You can say that you do one-of-a-kind, you can say it's custom, but you can't say it's couture - because it's inaccurate. — Tim Gunn

Fashion it's not just about learning how to draw pretty pictures, and how to sew, it's everything that makes up your life. — Tim Gunn

I believe women do the best womenswear. — Tim Gunn

If 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 Gunn

Borrowing from cultures without understanding the fundamentals can yield some pretty weird and wholly illogical perversions. — Tim Gunn

To cheer myself up, I try to remember the difference between short-term and long-term success. Living a good life and making a real mark on society is a marathon, not a sprint. — Tim Gunn

I really cherish having my private time and being alone and being able to decompress. It's my own version of meditating. — Tim Gunn

Everyone has a best feature, so find clothes and accessories to accentuate those, whether it's your shoulders or your long legs! — Tim Gunn

When I took over as chair of the fashion program, I was horrified that only the faculty member was allowed to speak in a critique. I'm talking about perfectly nurturing teachers. But the rule was there would be no call of hands for students to contribute their feedback. It was embedded in the department's culture. That was alarming to me. When I was teaching, I was the least important person in the room as far as I was concerned
my students' points of view mattered most. I wanted to learn who they were and teach them to respect one another's perspectives.
I would start off by saying something like, I am having trouble understanding how this work solves the problem at hand. Here are some things about the work that I appreciate: X, Y, Z. But I see these virtues independent of the problem we're solving. — Tim Gunn

The pervasive idea is that if you're a man in the fashion industry, you're gay until proven otherwise. And of course there are lots of men who aren't. But people make certain assumptions. — Tim Gunn

The clothes we wear send a message about how the world perceives us. — Tim Gunn

You have no control over other people's taste, so focus on staying true to your own. — Tim Gunn

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 Gunn

I 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 Gunn

Doing as many makeovers as I do, I've learned a few things about what makes women feel better about themselves. The starting point is usually getting a new haircut. I don't want to generalize, because every case is different, but I think it's best to err on the side of styling your hair shorter the older you get. In my opinion, it's generally not a good look for women over thirty to have hair way below their shoulders. — Tim Gunn

Don't give up! You're too talented. You're too good! — Tim Gunn

Life is a collaboration, it's not a solo act. — Tim Gunn

I don't know why I've always been so captivated by architecture. — Tim Gunn

Being a student in an art & design school, that was the moment for me, that was when I began to develop a lot of self-confidence and really come into my own. — Tim Gunn

This explosion of athletic wear and rompers is very ironic when you think about how much more sedentary we've become. As we've become less active and higher-tech, we're wearing more and more workout clothes. — Tim Gunn

I'm not sure what the moral is here ... I really just wanted to tell that story. — Tim Gunn

I'm doing all that I can to prod the industry and get them to pay more attention [ to larger women and petite women]. Because I find it to be reprehensible and repugnant that two populations that are so pervasive in this nation should be so badly neglected. — Tim Gunn

I want to say to anyone who works in a drone workplace, raise the bar! There's no reason why you have to dress to the lowest common denominator. — Tim Gunn

Until the sixteenth century, men
priests, academics, judges, merchants, princes, and many others
wore skirts, or robes. For men, the skirt was a 'sign of leisure and a symbol of dignity,' writes Quentin Bell. This is still true for men in high positions. After all, can you imagine the Pope, or Professor Dumbledore, wearing trousers? Have you ever seen a depiction of God wearing pants? — Tim Gunn

Whenever people tell me they don't know how to get inspired, I say "What's the matter with you?! I could stay in my apartment and be inspired!" — Tim Gunn

It was very challenging to mentor the mentors, and yes, you do see more sides of my personality. — Tim Gunn

If you have to ask if a clothing item is a dress or a top, it is always a top. — Tim Gunn

Models come in all sizes and shapes. — Tim Gunn

It's not an area where designers want to focus or pay attention - women who are larger than a size 12. — Tim Gunn

I just don't like conspicuous consumption. I find it distasteful. — Tim Gunn

The color, the shape, and the texture
none of it is accidental. Every item we wear has a glorious (or sometimes not so glorious) history, and that history extends back years
centuries, even
before Oscar de la Renta's 2002 collection. — Tim Gunn

I try to phrase criticism in the nicest possible way, but I also never lie. If people ask, I assume it's because they want to know. People are not dumb about these things; they can tell when a compliment isn't sincere. — Tim Gunn

In my typical way, I declined to respond, saying that I didn't want anyone to run to a store just because I endorsed a trend. Besides, a trend is good only if it works for you, your wardrobe, and your lifestyle. — Tim Gunn

What I've learned from him is that boundaries are liberating. They can be readjusted all the time, but it's important to have them ... If you burn out, no one's going to benefit. So it's in everyone's interest for you to do what you can and then make it clear that you can do no more. — Tim Gunn

I understand the all black or all white look (to be perfectly blunt, it's easy and you don't have to think about it very much) but would any of us really want to be one of those people? — Tim Gunn

I love shopping on a budget. I believe that more fashion mistakes are made by people with deep pockets than by those who shop on a budget. — Tim Gunn

Frankly, from my perspective, the bomber jacket is such a classic item you can wear it even when it's not on trend. — Tim Gunn

Life is a big collaboration. And we can't navigate it alone. — Tim Gunn