What happened to Tim Gunn? This article explores the circumstances surrounding American writer Tim Gunn’s departure from Project Runway and sheds light on his current whereabouts.
Who is Tim Gunn?
Timothy MacKenzie Gunn, born July 29, 1953, is an American television personality, academic, and author. From 1982 to 2007, he was a professor at Parsons School of Design, where he later became head of fashion design from August 2000 to March 2007.
Following his tenure at Parsons, Gunn joined Liz Claiborne, now known as Kate Spade & Company, as Chief Creative Officer. Gunn gained significant recognition as an on-air mentor to designers on the reality television show Project Runway, which ran for 16 seasons.
His popularity on Project Runway led to the creation of two spin-off shows, Bravo’s Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style and Lifetime’s Under the Gunn. In addition, Gunn has authored five books and served as an executive producer. He also acted as a mentor to teenage designers on Project Runway: Junior. In the realm of animated television, Gunn lends his voice to the character Baileywick, the castle manager, in the Disney Junior show Sofia the First, and also provided narration for the sitcom Mixology.
What happened to Tim Gunn?
Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum, along with Nina Garcia and Michael Kors, were the original cast members of the fashion reality show Project Runway when it premiered in 2004. Klum, Kors and Garcia took on the roles of judges, while Gunn took on the key role of mentor, guidance and advice contestants during their journey on Project Runway.
However, in 2018 both Gunn and Klum made the decision to leave Project Runway, pursuing new opportunities within the realm of fashion shows. Despite leaving the show, they remained active and influential in the fashion industry.
After Gunn’s departure, Christian Siriano took on the role of mentor for the 17th season of Project Runway, bringing his expertise and perspective to the contestants.
Although they are no longer directly involved with Project Runway, Gunn and Klum’s influence on the show and the fashion world as a whole cannot be underestimated. They left a lasting legacy as key figures in the early success and popularity of Project Runway, and their contributions helped shape the fashion industry and inspire aspiring designers around the world.
He is currently actively engaged in several ventures that include the development of a book in progress and the creation of a television program. Additionally, he remains committed to using his platform as a prominent figure in the fashion world to passionately advocate for the industry itself and promote inclusivity and diversity in the fashion world.
Through her vocal advocacy, she strives to bring about positive change and foster a more inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the fashion industry.
Why did Tim Gunn leave Project Runway?
The television series “Project Runway” debuted in 2004, with supermodel Heidi Klum as host and fashion consultant Tim Gunn as a mentor to the contestants. Together, they became standouts on the show, working together for 16 seasons until their simultaneous departures in 2018.
In an interview with The New York Post, Gunn revealed the reason for their decision to leave. He stated, “Heidi and I have been wanting to change ‘Project Runway’ for a while.” Gunn, together with Sara Rea, the presenter of the last eleven seasons, shared this desire. However, the network refused to make any changes, citing the show’s success and viewer satisfaction. Consequently, Klum and Gunn saw this as an opportunity to create their own show and decided to move on.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Klum explained how their new venture, “Making the Cut,” differs from “Project Runway.” She pointed out the introduction of the “shop” element, which allows the audience to buy the designs they admire. Klum emphasized the benefits of this feature, not only for consumers, but also for the designers themselves, as it provides an opportunity to branch out into the real world, something that was missing from “Project Runway.”
Shortly after leaving “Project Runway,” Klum and Gunn announced a reunion for “Making the Cut,” a reality fashion competition series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in March 2020. The show has a global reach, welcoming designers from all over the world , and includes guest judges such as Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, Carine Roitfeld, Joseph Altuzarra and Chiara Ferragni, among others.
Gunn expressed his excitement about their collaboration on “Making the Cut” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He mentioned the distinct working dynamic they have now, comparing their previous roles on “Project Runway” where they had minimal interaction. Gunn and Klum are now working closely together on their new show, fulfilling their vision and aspirations.
It’s important to note that Klum and Gunn’s departure from “Project Runway” coincided with the show’s return to Bravo, with Klum being replaced as host by Karlie Kloss. During their time on “Project Runway,” Klum and Gunn won Emmy Awards for their contributions. However, their respective roles on the show limited their collaboration, unlike the close working relationship they now enjoy on “Making the Cut.”
Where is Tim Gunn now?
Living in the vibrant city of Manhattan, Gunn was candid about his personal journey and identity. In a 2010 interview with People magazine, he expressed his introspection, saying, “I struggled with my sense of self for a significant period of time.
Even though I knew what I wasn’t good at — I lacked interest in both boys and girls.” Describing himself as “kind of asexual,” he emphasized his lifelong awareness of his own unique orientation.
Gunn further addressed his celibacy in 2012, unapologetically stating, “Does it make me less of an individual? Absolutely not… I’m content and fulfilled in myself.” Reflecting on the origins of his self-imposed celibacy, he revealed that it coincided with the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the gay community, causing him, along with many others, to withdraw from intimate relationships.
Beyond his personal experiences, Gunn has emerged as a vocal opponent of the use of animal fur in fashion design. In 2008, he took on the role of narrator in a video produced by the animal rights organization PETA, which shed light on the cruel practices of rabbit fur farming in China. Gunn strongly condemned the abuse of animals exploited for their fur, describing such practices as “blatantly irresponsible”.
Showing his involvement in political affairs, Gunn supported Christine Quinn’s mayoral campaign during the 2013 New York City mayoral election. With this act, he showed his active involvement in supporting political candidates whose values are in line with his own.
In short, Gunn’s life in Manhattan is marked by his honest exploration of personal identity, his unwavering stance against the use of animal fur in fashion, and his active involvement in supporting political candidates who share his values. Through his public statements and actions, Gunn consistently advocates compassion, inclusiveness and responsible decision-making in various aspects of life.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education