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Season 5

 

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Tims Take

Tim Responds To Your Comments!

Thoughts and explanations about this season of Project Runway.

Oct 13, 2008

Sometimes I'm shocked by the judges' picks. They have picked a few items that no one I know would ever wear! What do they base their choices on? - Debbie
Oh, Debbie! I wish you could be with me in the literal and metaphorical darkness of the Parsons auditorium as I watch the judges' deliberations! Like you, it's infrequently that I can anticipate the judges' decisions. Who's going home? Who's out? Beats me. When the designers' looks on the runway are well executed, then the decisions become a matter of taste. What are Heidi's, Nina's, and Michael's proclivities on any given judging day? I can't begin to answer that question. Chacun a son gout.

There were comments that there are several options to the traditional jacket/skirt suit for interviews. Anyone have appropriate ideas for more creative business wear? I wish they would have elaborated on that comment! - Melissa
Melissa, you're right; there should have been some examples given. Whenever I talk about a woman's alternative to stuffy menswear tailoring, I cite Donna Karan, who redefined executive dressing for women going back to the mid-'80s. It was Donna who took those basic pieces - jackets, skirts and pants - and made them sophisticated and, yes, sexy. She achieved the latter by showing off the curves that women possess, not by trying to obfuscate them under boxy separates. There is no reason for a woman, under any circumstances, to dress like a man.

What exactly is the point of this 4 designer showdown? I mean, come on, what was the point of last night's show anyway if the judges couldn't make up their minds and boot off the least deserving designer? - Amelia
Um..., uh...it's this flavor of question that gets me in big trouble because I agree with you! I feel that it's unkind and even mean spirited to victimize one of the designers, because the judges were unable to render a verdict at an earlier time. If they can't decide, then they should accept responsibility for their indecision and allow four designers to present at Bryant Park.

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Hello Tim,

Where can we see your creative work, your paintings, sculptures & collection of 3D Pop-up books? Thank you.

Tim - my house recently burned and we lost everything! On the bright side, I am able to completely start over with my wardrobe, but am really overwhelmed! Where do I start?

Greetings Tim, I just want to thank you for your taste and grace. I recently bought a V neck top that sais "Carry On". I think of you whenever I wear it. I know that it is just a "catch prase" from a reality show, but for me it is as true a metaphore as any. I am retired seamstress and designer of bridal and formalwear. I retired because I got ill. And every day I recite your mantra, "Carry On". I live my fantasy of being a major designer vicariously through project runway.The first time I ever saw the show,I thought I could do that. Alas I cannot but you make the frustration of being limited by disabilty bearable.Thanks for all of your support and advice to the designers. Respectfully, Linda

Tim, I am an avid fan of project runway. My two kids and I stay up just to watch. When is the next season starting? Also, we have a great idea! You should have all the past winners compete. Can not wait until the next installment!

Hey Tim you wear some great Suit's and us guy's who go out to try to find a good Suit and as you know it's hard , will you have your own line of Suit's for us Guy's to buy and wear

Good post, admin.

I agree with you Tim completely on letting all four designers show at Bryant Park lasr season because they really deserved it. As far s bashing Kenley, I agree with you TIm that she is immensely talented and hopefully learned something from you about how to conduct herself, although it seems with her arrest I am guessing not yet. Iwas a bit disappointed last season with the overall talent level compared to the Seasons 3 and 4; but I am glad that one of my favorite designers finally won. Keep up the good worka dn let us know when the new season begins.

I think there was a ganging up on, it was painful to watch. That creates extreme, ongoing pressure and stress. The more she is driven into the defensive, the more people see her as the problem. It's a process which starts in the situation. The mobbing / stigmatization continues to this day.

Like every contestant Kenley has a dream and had very high hopes. Terrible it was allowed to get crushed by underhandedness instead of honest competition. Also there wasn't such excessive judgement and scrutiny with other contestants. Why do people feel entitled to judge her like that? Are they psychologists?

How was she selected for the competition? Probably because she's alright and... good!

IMO she's very talented, just look at her design versatility there's so much creativity there, beautifully hand painted, elegant, flawless, etc. She should have won!

Tim you're a professional, but give Kenley a break. In a mobbing process things get increasingly twisted, consider her when she entered the competition, outside developments during the show.

Hello,Tim! So happy to find out this web and write to you. I am a 17-year-old girl in China. 3 years ago I began to watch the show. It was amazing!! I was shocked by the fantastic world of Design. I think you really teach the designers a lot! And I always use your words "Work,work,work!" to encourage myself. :) Actually,I love drawing since I was a child. And I do hope to become a designer that brings people happiness. And maybe take part in the Project Runway one day. I am trying hard. But here in china,I don't have any art class in my high school. And we high school students are all busy preparing for our entra exam of the college. So,you see,I find no way to my dream at the moment. And sometimes I am worried and am no sure whether I can be a designer. However,I draw some pictures and often think about designs in my spare time. And I watch your shows hoping to learn something. Next year,I will go to the college and I hope I can study design later. :)I am going to "Work,work,work!":P Thank you for giving us such an excellent show!! Thank you for reading my words!! Hope you have a sunny day! SusanZhang ^_^

Tim,

Enjoy Project Runway, and especially your part in the show. I really appreciate that you treat each participant equally and that you don't show partiality. I would like to see a segment where you invite all the past winners (including the final 3 of each season). I would love to see the Season 4 final 3 especially - Christian, Rami & Jillian. While Christian was the winner, I felt that Rami Kashou was far more talented and showed more class than Christian. However, since that's over and done, I would like to see what the final 3 are currently doing. Maybe a little segment like when you visited each of the final 3 before the final Bryant Park Fashion Show. That would be just AWESOME!

Hi! First of all, I'm a huge fan of you and of course project runway! I just want to ask, why project runway's challenges usually making pieces for women? It's not that I don't like it, but from all of those challenges, it's getting a little boring.. Sorry, but I have to say that.. Those clothes are getting slightly similar to each other from time to time. I'm sorry if this message offend you. Still love project runway though.. p.s sorry if my english is bad.

HELLO TIM, I am a footwear designer in women fashion. I would like to know how I could show you some of my realizations and possibly get it featured on your show.....cheers and thanks. FB

All I have to say is a big"THANK YOU", Heidi and the judges for inspiration. I have sewn since I was 12yrs old. I am now 65, and my machines have a zillion miles on them. Your inspiration of couteur, focusing on detail, has sparked more energy into my designs. not schooled since high school, I still create. I'm a vibrant, super active Sr., and PROJECT RUNWAY has refueled the creativity in my soul and my machines. Thank you and the designers for wonderful inspirations.

Dear Tim,

I'm from Portugal, I really enjoy to see your comments on Project Runway and Tim Gunn Guides for Style...I think you are very honest in every comment you make! I have a question, should we use brown and black all toguether? For instance, if I choose to put brown shoes or boots, should I use a brown purse or should I mix everything with the black?

Thank you for your time.

Love

Alex

P.S. - I'm a girl ...I'm what you can call "petit", if you have any advice to give, I really appreciate it!

Hi Tim, i see your program Tim Gunn's Guru of style, and everytime i saw the show i have a qustion, how you know to buy the correct underware. Im of south america. I don't have a perct style but i have to say that i defense myself with my cloth. I'm very practical i want to dress more fashion but dont have the $$ to do it, ans my problem is my body. I think im fat but many people said that im not, but my breast is big, very big and i have problems with that. Can you help me with some advise about the underware???? im my biggest problem thanks a lot for your answere and sorry about my grammar :S xoxo Yuvisa

Tim: Whatever happened to the best show on contemporary TV-"Project Runway." I have gotten no answers from Bravo TV. I miss you and Heidi and Nina and Michael and those wonderful contestants and the more realistic challenges that that worked on. I hate this new "Designers," show, it is minor league and a fraud of the Tunway. Is Runway coming back, if so where and when? Are you and Heidi and Micahel, and Nina going to be on the new Runway? What station? What happened to "Project Runway?" I heard something about leagal problems. What is the truth? Bruce Bennett Tyler, TX

Tim, I adore you. I find your humor to be quick and your words kind. I think you have the very best fashion sense around. My husband and I are moving to NY from Denver. My husband has a career in the financial space. He is revamping his wardrobe. He's removing all the white collars from his hand made shirts and having the collars made to match the fabric on the rest of the shirt. (Remember the days of the banker's white spread collars? I was never a fan.) Anyway, cufflinks or plain buttons on the sleeves? My advice to him was to do half with buttons for a more casual look, and half with cufflinks for a more polished look. What do you think? Looking forward to the new season! Warmest Regards, Dianne

Hi Tim!

I am a Swedish viewer who could not help to notice the male judge's (Micheal is is name, right?) choice of wearing sunglasses at the finale runway show (S5). As a marketing MBA I found it kind of disrespectful and maybe somewhat unprofessional(?) of a judge to use this "filter" when judging clothes that delivers a lot of immaterial value through its color, saturation, etc etc. It might come across as a small issue to react to but still, I believe that a judge who regards himself as a professional would care to remove unnecessary filters to perceive what the contenders are trying to showcase.

Thanks for adding your unique touch to the show!

regards,

Henrik

Mr Gunn, why should I buy anything from these designers when they obviously don't care about their own wardrobes or appearances at all? To appear on national TV or at the fashion shows, especially NY fashion week in blue jeans and tee shirts, messy hair and kooky strange thrift shop clothing says, fashion is just a way to make silly women spend money. At least Chanel dressed properly and the other designers of note tried to carry the image of well dressed women and men. If I wanted a designer's line, I'd look closely at how they "dress for success" themselves. I'll withhold my hard-earned money until we return to style and taste.

Tim, I hope the show will continue, there is always those people on the show who think they know everything, and as we all know no one does. I hope to see oyu next season!

Hello Tim :)

I'm from Portugal and a big fan. I only want to congratulate you and send you a big Kiss, maybe one day we will meet and you will say... Susana keep on with the good work!!! BYe and... keep on with the good work!!! Big Kisses

Hello Tim,

I am a huge fan of the show! I am a plus sized person and would love it if Project Runway would consider a plus sized season. Fashion forward designs for plus sizes are hard to find. I'm 29 and caught between either looking like a grandma or a teenager. There has to be some amazing plus sized designers out there....can you find them? I think this would be an amazing opportunity if you could, "Make it work." ;-)

Thank you,

Amanda

Tim, I love Project Runway !!

I'm from Portugal and I'm a huge, huge fan !

I want meet you, Heidi and The Jugdes !

I'm 13 years old !

Me, my sister, my dad and my mum don't miss any show of the Project Runway.

Kisses From Portugal !

:D

I LOVE PROJECT RUNWAY !

Hello Tim,

I only know you on 4th and 5th season of Project Runway, because I live in Europe and never had seen the program till now. Seeing the programs I see you as a gentleman of fashion. That knows many things. Personally, I think that fashion is what a person wear and then we can see what the majority of people wear. And not what rich people, actors, etc wear or want. One question for you Tim.... How can I learn to do clothes for myself without go to a professional school or university? I don't want to be a professional designer ( because I'm a poet) but it will be nice to do something for myself. Thanks for all. Continue to do want you like Tim. Kisses,

Catherina Sanders

hello to all the staff and specialy to MrTimGunn i would like to make a simple question: being out from US (portugal) , is it possible to aply for the chalange???? i am a big fun, and my husband dont miss one of your episodes since season n 1

i really would love to participate

beijos merci, thank you

Hi Mr. Gunn,

Wow, I am watching the re-runs of PR...I cannot say how much we all need you on the airwaves! You are a true inspiration to those that want to learn, love design in any of its mediums and to the general public that craves positive critisms.

I am 42 yo and am thinking of another career move this time from antiques to interior design. You and your shows keep me excited and motivated that, "Yes we can!"

Thank you for being such a powerful positive influence to so many people.

Hi Tim! Greetings from Dominican Republic! Im still watching season 4 and 5. I love Project Runway and your fashion program, too. You make miracles! More than a question i have an idea for a challenge: Why dont designers make typical wearings from different countries? I would love to see Typical latin dresses on the runway. Thank you.

Tim Dunn,

I am a retired executive administrator and I just wanted to ask why aren't the producers making a show on men's fashion ? I am 50 yrs old, and a vivid fashion admirer. I hate to see men wearing clothes that just don;t fit with the occasion. Working clothes are orking clothes, office attire is very different from semi-formal wear, etc. I have seen a beautiful dark blue blazer with gold buttons on a wrinkled cotton khaki pant, and so on. Pls, if you need ideas, just send me a note and I could write a season full of episodes for a men's fashion show.

thanks,

P. Camacho San Antonio, Texas

Hey Tim! I'm from Dominican Republic, here we are watching season 3 and 4 on people and arts. I would like to see a Disney's re-make costums show, it would be good to see how designers will make a new dress to cinderella or a cirque theme show too.:)

Hello Mr. Gunn,

Like everyone else I'm a big fan of the show and the fashions that hit the runway. I have interest in fashion design and while I watch I have my sketchbook in front of me trying to compete in the challenges. I thought of a challenge myself that sounds interesting, the designers would be given a flag of a country,as their material or inspiration, and have to make a garment representing a little of the country itself, but also the designers own unique visions. Though it is questionable to use the flag b/c it might upset people to see flags used that way, so maybe just inspiration. I thought I would share it with you and see what you thought.

Best wishes from the South, Mary

Dear Tim,

You are a joy to watch and I am sorry to say this, but I am glad Bravo lost the show to Lifetime because I cannot get my computer to play the Bravo videos after the website redesign.(The lifetime ones work just fine). I have uploaded the current version of Adobe and done everything the Bravo techs say but still no pictures. Alas, if only Lifetime would steal Top Chef! Love ya Tim!

Your fan for a Lifetime, Paula

Tim! What about a FLANNEL contest! I would love to see what these talented designers can make out of FLANNEL! I can see it now..."evening wear challenge" in Flannel

Rugged, sexy, earthy, comfortable, etc....

Hello Mr. Gunn!

I am twelve years old, and an aspiring fashion designer. My dream is to go to Parson's New School of Design in New York, and get my degree in fashion design. I'm inspired by such designers as Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Diane Von Furstenburg. Mr. Gunn, if you have any tips, schools, or even inspiring words to tell to me that would be amazing. I look up to people like you where they can do what they love, interest people, and completely transform their thinking. Thank you, and again if you could respond that would just make me the happiest little twelve year old ever :)

Thanks, Chloé

Dear Tim,

Hi!!! I love project runway, but... you are the star...Stella! Its all!!! Kisses. I love you! "Você rouba a cena,faz tudo acontecer..." Com classe e humor! Parabens!!! Tua amiga brasileira... Helena

Hello Mr. Tim Gunn! My name is Angelica Valdés i´m from Mexico city, and i´m a journalist that loves fashion i´m a fan of your show and i have to say that you´re really amazing. i imagine that you´re the kind of guy old fashioned like Humprey Bogart. Where can i see your website ?? i really love your fashion tips

i hope someday you will come to Mexico, i´m sure that you´re really enjoy it!!!

regards Angie

Tim, Love the show and your gentlemanly approach. However, I cannot for the life of me understand episodes where the designers have to fight for supplies or destroy a setting in order to get their supplies for a challenge. How tacky and disrespectful and unnecessary. Do you have an opinion about these cut-throat, destructive scene setters? Karen

hello tim i'm from Venezuela,i'm fashion design student:),i love the show, i just watching the final of the season 5 i tought here the episodes come late :) by the way i think you are a good mentor,soft to talk but very honestly :) good job and i hope the show will have a 6,7,8,9...seasons :)the show it's a inpirations for fashion designer, hugsss from here xoxo...Michelle (and please try to make the project runway visit another cities)

Tim, We watch Project Runway here in Honduras, it's our relaxing show in the middle of the tough situation our country is facing, it makes us forget (at least for an hour) the stress we live every day to see our freedom is in jeopardy (Thanks to Zelaya's thirst 4 power) Our most dear person is you Tim, you are the sweetest, nicest person, God bless you! Keep being just as you are 'cause you r awesome!

Lots of love, W. Castillo

hi Tim

i am a runway junky i tivo the show religously and i was just wondering if you guys were ever gonna do a plus size model episode where the designers have to make something for a real size women and it would be really cool if you colaberated with lane bryant or some other plus size fashion line to get there designs out to thise of use who admire the stuff you do ?

I have an idea for a challenge on the show. I am a new fan of Project Runway and now have it programmed to record on my DVR! LOVE IT! As a spin off from the newspaper outfits (nice one!), what if the contestants were dropped off on a street of garage sales at the last minute (meaning the left over and picked through clothes) and they had to find their fabric to design and create a "new" look/outfit. New from the old; go green; recycling project. They would have to pull buttons and zippers off garmets and sew it on to the reclaimed fabrics.

I was hoping that idea would spread and at home dress making would be fashionable once again. Americans through away too many clothes every year.

Thanks! Becky from Kentucky

OK, my question is: why is men's fashion so boring? Couldn't there be an episode of Project Runway where the challenge is menswear?

Is there an assumption that men only want to wear variations of the same suits they've been wearing for 30 years? Is it possible that men might branch out if designers gave them something new?

I'm a big fan of the show but am disturbed by the snarky comments about "grandmothers" or "Hillary Clinton," etc., in other words, designs that are dated and dowdy. The reason I'm upset is that I AM a grandmother, age 64, and consider myself as sharp as I can be at my age. I keep my weight down and try to keep up with fashion the best I can FOR MY AGE AND BODY! Remarks like that from Tim and the designers don't really help us. You aren't showing an example for our age group that might be BETTER, just remarking how invisible our age group is and "out of it." It really hurts. Why not be more constructive? There are plenty of women (and men) who want to stay active and a vital part of society. Just wait until you get there...please be more attentive to all ages.

hi! Oh.My.Gawd. i am your 1 of your BIGGEST fans! i cant believe i am talking to you. is it fun being a mentor to a TON of amazing designers? is it fun working with Hedi Klum?

Love, Grace.

(p.s. please e-mail me back!!!) ;)

Hello Mr. Gunn!

i am an aspiring fashion designer, as well as a HUGE fan! thank you for being SUCH a big inspiration. Kisses! ~mwah, mwah~ Love, Grace.

Hey Tim Gunn,

First let me tell you me and my mom are HUGE fans I luv you and project runway. I just luv to hear your "catch pharse", "Make it work ladies, make it work." Best part anyway when I grow up I want to be a fashion designer and you really inspired me to do that! Thank you so much!

-Julz :)

Tim. I just wanted to tell you that I think you are a beautiful person. Everytime I see you on TV helping someone in need its makes me wish for an angel like you in my life. You make me smile and my heart feels the love you have for people. I lost alot today. The love of my life left me. But when I saw you on TV today, I forgot about the pain im in, for just that moment. Thanks for that few minutes of happiness.

Hello. I'm a fan of his guides on the design style you do in your program that airs on Discovery H & H, but note that he is doing it with women. Men also are a disaster but I do not want a stylist or designer to tell me you like to see me as their point of view. It interests me as you do, which I applaud, according to which we move, personality and above all the figure itself. Pray tell me hopefully as I also do not even combine for and do not want to fall into barbarism. Height 1.80m, 90Kgs, average complexion Mexico.