Tim and Kate mentioned some of the key ideas in the book: navigate the world in confidence; think about how you want people to perceive you by your dress, and so forth.
There was a funny moment when Tim expressed that, though the book is aimed primarily at women, there are chapters that are "genderless." He then corrected himself and said that he meant some chapters are for both genders and joked, "genderless: gender-free fashion!" It doesn't translate nearly as well here, but the way he said it was very humorous and elicited a laugh from the crowd.
When asked by one attendee how best to deal with having a "curvy backside," Tim and Kate suggested trying an outfit with an empire waist and also repeated Tim's advice to try different things -- different silhouettes and proportions -- and find what worked. He reiterated that fit is key.
Tim and Kate touched upon how fashion changes and is influenced by popular culture. Kate mentioned that it's important to keep one's "eyes open to every aspect." Tim stated that fashion is contextual, not static; he said a designer should listen to his or her own voice but also have an awareness of culture and history.
One attendee asked what she should major in at fashion school. Tim indicated that at Parsons, students either focus on being a fashion designer or on working more on the business side of the fashion industry. He stated that one cannot be both a designer and a business manager -- that a designer needed to have a good awareness of what's involved in managing the business aspect but should get a good partner to actually handle those details.
When asked about his feelings regarding ethics in fashion, Tim mentioned having brought people from PETA to meet with his students at Parsons. He said that designers need to have awareness about where the textiles are coming from that they use, and the choices they make as designers. For example, if a designer chooses to use fur, he should know where the fur came from, how the animal was treated, and so on. Likewise, designers should have knowledge about how the workers are treated in the factories that produce their textiles and/or garments. He feels ethics are very important and believes that some changes need to be made in the industry; this will probably occur in small steps over time.
Tim relayed how the new CEO of Liz Claiborne, Bill McComb, had invited him out so they could meet. They got to talking about Tim's search for a new apartment. Tim kept bemoaning the fact that he was tired of living like a student, was having a hard time finding anything affordable in New York City, etc. Bill interjected something like, "But not any more!" several times, to the point that Tim was started to feel a little irritated; he wondered if Bill -- like many others -- thought Tim was getting rich off of his appearances on Project Runway (he's not). Little did Tim realize that Bill's comments were the result of his intent to offer Tim the newly-created position of Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne. After the dinner, Tim discussed the offer with Kate; he said he ultimately realized that it was too incredible an opportunity for him to pass up. (And was all know Tim likes to "applaud risk taking.")
Oh, and yes, he DID find a new apartment and will be moving later in May.
Another audience member inquired which season of PR was Tim's favorite. He replied that he enjoys the show more and more each season but that season one was the most emotional for him because it was new and exciting sailing through uncharted waters. He still feels the initial challenge at the grocery store is the best challenge the show has ever had.
Someone followed up and inquired about what Austin is doing now and Tim mentioned that Austin is working for Amsale. Then somebody else asked about Jay and Tim stated that Jay is very talented, but that he thinks Jay is trying to find himself right now; he feels Jay will do so eventually.
Was there a time when Tim disagreed with the judges? It should come as no surprise to BPRers that Tim disagreed with the choice to "Auf" Alison rather than Vincent during the recycling challenge in season three. Tim mentioned his personal rule that a design doesn't work if the person wearing it can't successfully get into a taxi. He also mentioned that after expressing his displeasure with the results of that challenge in his blog, the show's producers got upset with him; they apparently were concerned that he needed to present a more united front (my words, not Tim's). But Tim told them the whole thing was "beyond the pale."
After the panel and Q&A, we headed across the street to the book signing area. I managed to stop Tim for a few seconds and let him know that "BPR is here!" As always he was incredibly gracious. Had he not needed to go sign books, he probably would have stopped right then and there and chatted with me. I let him know I'd be in the line, and then Mom and I made our way to the end of an already long queue -- which literally ran down the street and around the corner within just a few moments.
While Mom held our place in line, I walked up and down and chatted with a few people. First I spoke with Phoebe. She originally is from California and watched the show until she moved to Utah; now she can't get Bravo and relies on updates from her sister, Robin. Robin works as a set costumer for MadTV (and is currently working on the Ironman movie). She mentioned the PR/Tim Gunn spoof they'd done and said we should definitely try to catch it on reruns (check Comedy Central). Robin said watching and discussing PR is a weekly event for her and her co-workers when the show airs; they've been viewers since season one. She also mentioned that they put together about 100-150 costumes a week for MadTV, so obviously they take Tim's "make it work" to heart!
Rosemary is from Los Angeles and has been watching PR since the first season. She saw Tim in Santa Monica the other day and joked that she felt as if she were stalking him. Actually, she was there to have a second book signed to give as a Mother's Day gift for her mom, Jan. She said Tim is so nice and gracious that people feel as if they know him.
Rosalyn came from Claremont, CA. She started watching PR during reruns of season one. She's a big fan of looking for the right fit in clothing and was very happy to hear Tim articulate its importance. She just missed the opportunity to ask Tim a question during the Q&A session -- she was next in line when things wrapped up -- and was hoping to have time to ask him at the book signing. Her question: "How do you think the industry should respond to plus-sized women?" Tim, if you're reading this and didn't get the opportunity to answer this when signing Rosalyn's book, she'd love if you could send the answer into BPR!
Lisa lives in Los Angeles but is originally from Chicago. She reads BPR and recognized my field reporter badge immediately. Hi, Lisa!
Finally, I spoke with Chuck and Lorrie who had come all the way from Akron, OH. Chuck said he was at the festival to see Ray Bradbury and Lorrie was there for Tim, but then he confessed to also being a big PR fan. He told me the show has "been a good influence" and that he's more aware of what he's wearing now. They, too, have been watching since the beginning, and they feel season one was the best of the three we've seen.
Eventually we made our way up to Kate and Tim. I introduced myself to Kate and we shook hands. She seems like a terrific lady and has wonderful chemistry with Tim. It was a pleasure meeting her. Tim and I chatted for a few moments, and he said that he reads BPR to get all the news. A very nice man who was in line behind me took a picture of the two of us. I tried to encourage my mom to get in the shot, but she didn't seem to want to impinge on my time with Tim. Again, he was his usual self: friendly, sweet, and just an all-around wonderful guy. He really does have that "it" factor -- not only in terms of charisma, but also the way he makes people immediately feel at ease and as if he's a longtime friend. He even seemed to remember me from our brief meeting at the Macy's event back in November; either that, or he's incredibly good at faking it and playing along. ;-) Either way, it was truly a pleasure to see him again.
Thank you, Tim and Kate, for a great day, and thanks Mom, for all your help, too. All in all, it was a pretty good way to spend a warm and sunny Saturday.
Click here to comment.
