Ask Tim Gunn

Dear TIm,
I can't tell you how limited I feel with shopping options for a nearly-50 year old woman. It is not my size that makes my choices difficult (I am a size 4) but the narrow selection of stores that reliably offer smart, timeless basics without either looking too dowdy or too 'cougar'-trendy. I find stores that cater to 50 year old women (Talbots, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers) to be too dull and unimaginative. Are there any sources you particularly like for clothing that is not too 'old lady' but not outrageously expensive. I would love to follow Oprah Winfreys beautiful wardrobe but she buys high-end designers and I don't have that budget. Thank you very much for any advice you might offer!
Cordially,
Christine

What's with the suit?

Have you ever wanted to kick a participant off "Project Runway"? Which contestant most twisted your (albeit stylish) knickers in a knot?
Lord knows there have been some I'd like to smack.

Mr Gunn:
You've done alot to help raise self-esteem which has always impressed me. While watching your show, I find myself thinking about the women veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan who have been wounded and/or maimed and wonder if helping them to present themselves to the world in a positive way through fashion is possible? Just wondering out loud....

denise

What do you think will be your impact in LIZ CLAIBORNE?

With which designer, dead or alive, would you love to spend a lunch dishing fashion ideas?

What do you think of Hillary Clinton's fashion style?

Do you think Christian should have won in the last season, or would you have wanted someone else to win?

Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?

Mr. Gunn,
What are your thoughts as to why it seems that the fashion industry often feels the need to have a huge change for women every year/season as to what is fashionable, while for men it's often the same (in stores and/or on the runway for both). Or is it more of that's just how society feels and the fashion industry feels the same.
Along the same lines--any thoughts why many women won't wear the dress they wore to party X for party Y, while men give little thought about wearing what they wore to party X for party Y.
Thanks,

Hi Tim,
It is about 110 here in Phoenix and what advice do you have for
me to look pulled together and cool.

You're now with Liz Claiborne, who was Dana Buchman's mentor and champion. Now the Dana Buchman line has been sold off to Kohl's, a far cry from the places her clothing used to inhabit, like Neiman Marcus, and Buchman herself has virtually gone into hiding. After having spent time soaking up Claiborne lore and history as the CCO, how do you explain what happened to Dana Buchman and the entire line?

Would you consider a Tim Gunn label for either men or women? How would that style be defined?

How does the difference between being in academic field (Parsons) and in commercial field (Liz Claiborne) impact your taste on fashion?

What do you suggest wearing to a September evening wedding in D.C.? Would a long velvet dress be suitable? Please suggest some acceptable styles.
Sincerely, Susan

Mr. Gunn,

I'm interested to see how a true design person takes on the huge challenge of design at a label that has been greatly homogenized for the department store market. Since the mid-level Liz Claiborne label is now confined to a Macy's shopper since they have taken over the formerly very different and vibrant department stores, how does that limit or how does that challenge the design process?

What's the worse fashion trend you've ever seen?

In your opinion, how does the fashion reflect our globalized culture?

How has fashion, both high-end and main stream, been impacted by reality television shows such as Project Runway?

Tim,
What specific style recommendations do you have for a typical American Male? How can I look as stylish as you on what is probably a lower budget?

Why can't clothing sizes be accurate? No two brands of anything match in size. It's frustrating!

You have a fine arts background. Do you still create any sculptures or artwork today?

Hi,
My name is Patricia. My daughter and I am interested to join Fashion Industry and take proper training. Can you give us the proper guidance.

Thanks & Regards

I admire the way you express yourself with words! How did you achieve such eloquent speech?

Hi Tim:

How Liz Claiborne is going to outcome the financial problems that are affecting the American Industry, and continue producing the same quality.