Product Description

There seems to be no one more qualified or equipped to ponder or even, dare I say, dictate 'quality, taste, and style' than Tim." -Sarah Jessica Parker, actor/producer

Television has introduced the world to a new fashion authority: Tim Gunn. As Bravo's style mentor and Chair of the Fashion Design Department at Parsons The New School for Design, Tim delivers advice in a frank, witty, and authoritative manner that delights audiences.

Now readers can benefit from Tim's considerable fashion wisdom in Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style. He discusses every aspect of creating and maintaining your personal style: how to dress for various occasions, how to shop (from designer to chain to vintage stores), how to pick a fashion mentor, how to improve your posture, find the perfect fit, and more. He'll challenge every reader-whether a seasoned fashionista or a style neophyte-to "make it work!"

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #474 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Plucked straight from Parsons's New School for Design, television network Bravo found a surprising hero in Project Runway style mentor Gunn, whose catch phrase "make it work" has inspired an undeniable following of armchair fashionistas. Though he'll admit that book writing isn't easy, this venture marks another feather in his tasteful cap. A precursor of sorts to his new series on Bravo, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, this accessible guidebook covers it all, including the "hunt," "stalk" and "pounce" of "shopping at its most instinctual" (inspired by cheap, forward-looking clothiers H&M), what to ask yourself before taking advantage of a bargain (is it season-appropriate?), the difference between a fashion icon and a mentor (Gunn's the former, Coco Chanel the latter) and full-on closet reconstruction. Gunn's friendly, conversational prose will give readers the feeling of a face-to-face encounter, and Runway fans will be happy to find Gunn hasn't abandoned his colorful metaphors (shopping as "safari") and 50-cent words ("insouciant"). Whether revealing the secrets of "The Under Arsenal" or ruminating on the "tone" and "diction" of a handbag, Gunn's text is clever, a touch waggish, and highly practical for both ensemble mavens and fashion criminals.
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About the Author
Tim Gunn is one of the stars of the hit Bravo show in which aspiring fashion designers compete for a runway debut at New York’s Fashion Week. He was the Chair of the Fashion Design Department at Parsons The New School for Design and is now the Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne, Inc. He lives in New York City.

Kate Moloney is the Assistant Chair of fashion design at Parsons, The New School for Design. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly Helpful
I looked at this book a couple of times at the bookstore but passed it by because it didn't have a lot of glitzy photographs. Then I ordred it anyway. To my surprise, it is chock full of great advice. Tim Gunn writes with humor and humility. He NEVER speaks down to the reader. In fact, he's very encouraging as he tells the reader to celebrate our flaws and to not be so hard on ourselves. He doesn't insist that everyone run out and buy the lastest fad, in fact, he discourages it. He urges simplifying one's wardrobe and continuously emphasizes scale and silhouette. Just because an article is a great piece doesn't mean it is right for everyone of every shape and size. Mr. Gunn discusses quality vs quantity...but he's always on the lookout for a bargain. He touts buying those few really great pieces and filling in with basics from you local discount store....IF you can find good quality for a good price. All in all, I was very happy with this book and the advice given by its author.

Charming Read
I am a big fan of Tim Gunn. He seems like the quintessential style guru and I enjoy watching him every week on Project Runway. I was very excited to read Mr. Gunn's book. After reading it, I was neither overwhelmed nor extremely disappointed. Gunn offered a lot of useful advice, but sometimes the book read like one of my college textbooks. The stories about Gunn's upbringing and how he came to be Tim "Make it work" Gunn was charming and witty. I wish he would have included some pictures or illustrations to reinforce his advice. All in all, this is a nice book for those who want to truly look their best at all times.

Sage Advice from Everyone's Favorite Style Master
First of all, let me say that this review will be biased. I absolutely LOVE Tim Gunn. Doesn't every girl wish that they had Tim as an uncle that you could call up for fashion advice? If so, my teens, twenties, and thirties wouldn't have been such a fashion disaster!

In this style tome, Tim gives direction without locking you in. Part of developing your style is doing some of the work yourself and he gives you the tools you need to do that. I love fashion personalities and Tim's definitions are clever. Great read.