You soooo want to meet Tim Gunn when he drops into the Windy City this week.
You want to ask him to utter his signature “dee-zhine-erz” (emphasis on the “zhine”).
You’re dying to get caught up on “Project Runway,” returning this summer after a legal tussle between NBC Universal and Lifetime sidelined the show last fall.
But don’t worry if you can’t get to Gunn during his appearance at the Kate Spade store, 56 E. Oak St., from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.
RedEye caught up with the self-proclaimed “fashion therapist” and got all the designer dish.
Gunn on … the ‘Runway’
How do you feel knowing that “Project Runway” is on its way back to the small screen?
I thought it was an April Fools’ joke at first. I feel so bad saying that, but I wasn’t confident we were coming back.
Do the designers know who won?
The finalists do because we did the “Runway” Q&A and deliberation. The rest of the designers do not. I just have to express how odd it was to be at Fashion Week in Bryant Park and have no one in the audience have any kind of emotional attachment to the finalists because the season didn’t air.
And it was also different because you filmed in L.A., right? How did that affect the production?
I had a lot of trepidation at first. I kept thinking, “How can we leave New York, how can we do this?” … But L.A. proved to be refreshing and invigorating. I was reminded that, until World War II, Hollywood was the center of the fashion universe for this nation. … It was an epiphany for me.
But what about the heat in L.A.? Did you shelve your trademark suit in the hot climate?
(Laughs.) The only time you’ll notice a wardrobe change is in one beach scene where I was wearing jeans and flip-flops, no, wait, make that khakis and flip-flops on the beach.
We can’t wait to see the drama between Season 6 contestants. In the past, some have even gotten ticked at you, it seems. Have you made up with some of your, um, more challenging contestants like Kenley Collins and Victorya Hong?
Nooooo, oh no. And this may sound horrible but I really don’t intend to. I don’t want to walk back into that wasp’s nest. As much as people want to, they don’t really change, and it’s better to know who people are. Both Kenley and Victorya are extremely talented, and that’s what is so criminal.
Do you stay in touch with other contestants?
We have a very burgeoning alumni association, so to speak, and I’m in touch with them as often as they want to be in touch with me.
Well, what do you think about the fact that some of them are not in the limelight, even some of the past winners? With the exception of Christian [Siriano], where is everyone else hiding?
I will say this about Christian: We did find the next great American fashion designer. He is this generation’s Marc Jacobs, appropriately ambitious about wanting to be the next top fashion designer. In the case of everybody, in a manner of speaking, they are all in a position to take as much advantage of opportunities as they choose to and to be as ambitious as they can be for this moment in time.
Gunn on … Chicago style
How often are you in Chicago, and how do you like it?
I don’t get there often, but it is the most stunning city in the world, architecturally. I call it a clean New York. I’d love to spend more time there because I get the shopping bug in Chicago in a way I never do in New York. Things look so appealing. I can’t tell you how much I’ve spent.
Where do you shop in Chicago?
Michigan Avenue in general, and I love Water Tower Place.
Who are your favorite Chicago designers?
Most of my favorites are from [“Project Runway”], and I know Maria [Pinto], who works with Michelle Obama, and like her work very much. From a fashion viewpoint, Chicago is Michelle Obama’s closet.
How do we stack up against New York or L.A.?
I don’t think we can compare it. L.A. used to be considered the other fashion capital of this nation, aside from New York, but now that they don’t have a Fashion Week. I think that cancels that out. I think L.A. is good for red carpet or denim, and nothing much in between. When I think of Chicago, I think less of the fashion designed there, but more about how the people look. There’s a sophistication, a civility and a polish. I think Chicagoans look great.
Is that why you won’t help us out on your “Tim Gunn: Guide to Style?” You’re always helping New Yorkers.
(Laughing.) That’s a budget issue, really. I’d love to shoot in Chicago. I haven’t even heard from Bravo whether we’re getting another season. They haven’t called.
Whaaat? We’ve got to do something about that.
Yes, we should.
Only if you bring it to Chicago.
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WORD PLAY
Maybe we should have called our game “words association.” When RedEye hit Tim Gunn with random fashion-related terms, he just couldn’t limit himself to one-word responses.
RedEye: Shoulder pads
Gunn: (Gasps) Joan Crawford
RedEye: Crocs
Gunn: Oh, my God. I’m without words. I don’t understand how the whole thing happened, though they’re very successful. They’re the joke that keeps on giving.
RedEye: Snuggies
Gunn: (Silence) What?
RedEye: Those blankets with sleeves.
Gunn: Oh. Sure. They’re fine if you’re at home on the couch. But don’t take them anywhere. Just remember, there’s a chance that someone might ring your [door]bell. Be careful.
MAKEUP
Do: Look natural, but shimmery. The pink look is hot on fairer-skinned women, as the gold or bronzy look is on darker-skinned women, according to local and celebrity makeup artist Sharai Facen, who works at NBC Chicago. “We’re not looking for a lot of color, though at night you can do more mascara,” Facen said of the shimmery eye fad.
Don’t: Go to the dark side. Dark lipsticks are out amid a spring style dominated by moisturized tints rather than heavy foundation. Sorry, Pete Wentz, but it sounds like guy-liner is out too if fashion is more natural glam than Goth.
CLOTHES
Do: Embrace color this season, said style guru Tim Gunn, who drops into town Thursday. If you’re scared of color in fabrics, Gunn said, embrace it in an accessory.
Don’t: Dress solely based on what’s stylish. Gunn said he is a “fashion therapist,” not a “fashion dictator,” but there are some styles he cannot stand. Skinny jeans and high-waisted skirts and pants are among those closet casualties despite their popularity. “Those are pretty dicey,” Gunn said, his worry palpable even through the phone.
SHOES
Do: Opt for vivid color. Canary yellows, lavenders and bright oranges are the shoe shades of choice for the ladies this season, according to Kathryn Kerrigan, a shoe designer from the northern ‘burbs. Shoe-lovers will appreciate two-toned color palettes, plus this season’s comfy 1-inch platform heels. “We’re getting away from the ribbons, seeing a lot of floral-inspired sandals,” said Kerrigan, adding that flowers will be big on shoes this season.
Don’t: Cheap out or slip on. Kerrigan does not want to see the lovely ladies of Chicago stepping out in inexpensive slip-ons that may be of poor quality. She will be doubly offended if you rock those Crocs. “They are great if you are 5 years old or younger,” Kerrigan said. “I really cannot think of any other excuse where you should wear that. Why are they still here?”
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kkyles@tribune.com
