Community Chat

[surfk]

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@CardinalGirl wrote:

I don't think there is anything gentlemanly about publicly slamming other people. 

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I think one has to stand up for what one believes in (or doesn't believe in) though. Its his business to be invested in the best interest of fashion. Its like anything else when one feels one's passion and field is being made a mockery of by those who have zero idea of what they're doing.

Its the fact that no one really says anything aloud that certain forces are allowed to run amok all over the cultural landscape.

Articulating and defending - strongly - an opinion is still civil. Its part of the process of creativity, freedom and maintaining certain basic standards.

Tim Gunn didn't throw red paint on Kanye West's collection. He is simply stating his experienced and educated opinion about it. Critique is a massive part of the artistic process. If Kanye or anyone else can't stand to hear it regarding their "art", then they're not really all that sure-footed in that which they're doing.

If one wants to accept an honorary masters degree in Fine Arts, one had best be ready for a LOAD of scrutiny, critique and opinions.

Same when one wants to make millions off a line of merchandise whether it be clothing or toys or iphones. If one wants the peoples' money, they'd best be prepared for the people to have their opinions on what they're selling.

[Snoopp]

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@CardinalGirl wrote:

I don't think there is anything gentlemanly about publicly slamming other people. 

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We critique clothing all the time here.  Some love a jacket, some think it looks hideous.  Is that slamming the designer too?  If anyone has the chops to critique clothing, it's Tim Gunn. 

[sunshine45]

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snoop wrote:

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CardinalGirl wrote:

I don't think there is anything gentlemanly about publicly slamming other people. 

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We critique clothing all the time here.  Some love a jacket, some think it looks hideous.  Is that slamming the designer too?  If anyone has the chops to critique clothing, it's Tim Gunn. 

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if you read the article you know he went above and beyond just "critiquing" a clothing line.......

[Lucky Charm]

What (pray, tell!) could be so very very bad about Isaac? 

Any one know what Gunn was alluding to?

[bebe777]

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@surfk wrote:

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@CardinalGirl wrote:

I don't think there is anything gentlemanly about publicly slamming other people. 

---

I think one has to stand up for what one believes in (or doesn't believe in) though. Its his business to be invested in the best interest of fashion. Its like anything else when one feels one's passion and field is being made a mockery of by those who have zero idea of what they're doing.

Its the fact that no one really says anything aloud that certain forces are allowed to run amok all over the cultural landscape.

Articulating and defending - strongly - an opinion is still civil. Its part of the process of creativity, freedom and maintaining certain basic standards.

Tim Gunn didn't throw red paint on Kanye West's collection. He is simply stating his experienced and educated opinion about it. Critique is a massive part of the artistic process. If Kanye or anyone else can't stand to hear it regarding their "art", then they're not really all that sure-footed in that which they're doing.

If one wants to accept an honorary masters degree in Fine Arts, one had best be ready for a LOAD of scrutiny, critique and opinions.

Same when one wants to make millions off a line of merchandise whether it be clothing or toys or iphones. If one wants the peoples' money, they'd best be prepared for the people to have their opinions on what they're selling.

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@surfk, really really well said!!!

I'm a huge Tim Gunn Fan. I've had the good fortune to meet him briefly on two occasions and he is the epitomy of a gentleman. He is even kinder and more generous than he is on TV... and he had no reason to try to impress me. 

I think he has a huge heart and really cares about the fashion designers that he works with. 

I also appreciate his straight talking approach. You know exactly where you stand with him. He's not belligerent or condescending, he just shares his unvarnished perspective... but with polish, flair and a certain je ne sais quoi (translation: ephemeral elegance). 

-- bebe

[muttmom]

I used to love Tim Gunn but not so much anymore.  He continually gave bad advice to this past season's designers.  I did not see any reason why he had to swear on camera.

I've seen interviews where he's thrown other designers under the bus.  As for his fashion expertise, he does not exhibit much in his own choice of wardrobe.

[sidsmom]

"....straight talking approach"

Unfortunately in Tim Gunn World, that means being rude & extending ugly.

"I think they're a bunch of dumb clothes," Gunn says bluntly. "Just basic pieces… He won't [like that comment], but let me tell you, the whole Kardashian clan doesn't like me, so no surprise there."

Instead of calling them "dumb", a gentleman would say,

"Every designer has his/her vision.  It's a vision I might not agree w/ but he definitely has a niche market willing to wear these basic pieces.  I hope his collection is successful."

Why did he have to mention 'Kardashian'...or even pick on Kendall in a later comment?   We all know he did this for Project Runway ratings.   It's just a 'click-bait' move to tie your name to the biggest cultural name out there.  It's just a tired 'bit'. 

[dooBdoo]

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@bebe777 wrote:

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@surfk wrote:

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@CardinalGirl wrote:

I don't think there is anything gentlemanly about publicly slamming other people. 

---

I think one has to stand up for what one believes in (or doesn't believe in) though. Its his business to be invested in the best interest of fashion. Its like anything else when one feels one's passion and field is being made a mockery of by those who have zero idea of what they're doing.

Its the fact that no one really says anything aloud that certain forces are allowed to run amok all over the cultural landscape.

Articulating and defending - strongly - an opinion is still civil. Its part of the process of creativity, freedom and maintaining certain basic standards.

Tim Gunn didn't throw red paint on Kanye West's collection. He is simply stating his experienced and educated opinion about it. Critique is a massive part of the artistic process. If Kanye or anyone else can't stand to hear it regarding their "art", then they're not really all that sure-footed in that which they're doing.

If one wants to accept an honorary masters degree in Fine Arts, one had best be ready for a LOAD of scrutiny, critique and opinions.

Same when one wants to make millions off a line of merchandise whether it be clothing or toys or iphones. If one wants the peoples' money, they'd best be prepared for the people to have their opinions on what they're selling.

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@surfk, really really well said!!!

I'm a huge Tim Gunn Fan. I've had the good fortune to meet him briefly on two occasions and he is the epitomy of a gentleman. He is even kinder and more generous than he is on TV... and he had no reason to try to impress me. 

I think he has a huge heart and really cares about the fashion designers that he works with. 

I also appreciate his straight talking approach. You know exactly where you stand with him. He's not belligerent or condescending, he just shares his unvarnished perspective... but with polish, flair and a certain je ne sais quoi (translation: ephemeral elegance). 

-- bebe

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I agree with you both, @surfk and @bebe777.  I would add that his recent remarks (from the couple that I read -- I'm not going to dissect each remark or turn it into a research project) were simple responses to questions he was asked.  Thus, I would think if the associations with other public figures were intended to be click bait or other means to gain attention to the articles, the onus would be on the interviewer(s) rather than on Tim.   He's not perfect, he's a human being.  And I don't idolize any public figures.  But I do like him and always am interested in what he has to say.  I have a dear friend who's been an ad exec in NYC for a long, long time, and she's acquainted with many well-known figures in fashion design.  She's not "chatty" about the people she knows, but she has mentioned before that Tim is highly respected for his knowledge and his integrity.  So, in this case, I also base my views on someone whose opinion I'm certain I can trust.

[CardinalGirl]

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@surfk wrote:

---

@CardinalGirl wrote:

I don't think there is anything gentlemanly about publicly slamming other people. 

---

I think one has to stand up for what one believes in (or doesn't believe in) though. Its his business to be invested in the best interest of fashion. Its like anything else when one feels one's passion and field is being made a mockery of by those who have zero idea of what they're doing.

Its the fact that no one really says anything aloud that certain forces are allowed to run amok all over the cultural landscape.

Articulating and defending - strongly - an opinion is still civil. Its part of the process of creativity, freedom and maintaining certain basic standards.

Tim Gunn didn't throw red paint on Kanye West's collection. He is simply stating his experienced and educated opinion about it. Critique is a massive part of the artistic process. If Kanye or anyone else can't stand to hear it regarding their "art", then they're not really all that sure-footed in that which they're doing.

If one wants to accept an honorary masters degree in Fine Arts, one had best be ready for a LOAD of scrutiny, critique and opinions.

Same when one wants to make millions off a line of merchandise whether it be clothing or toys or iphones. If one wants the peoples' money, they'd best be prepared for the people to have their opinions on what they're selling.

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Oh, I agree with you that he should feel free to stand up for his beliefs and is free to critique.  However, there is a refined way to do it and a "let's get down in the mud and wallow with them" way to do it.  In my opinion, Mr. Gunn chose the latter.