Fashion advice from ‘Project Runway's' Tim Gunn

Ready to make it work?

Richard Drew, AP Fashion consultant Tim Gunn is well-known as on-air mentor to designers on the reality television show "Project Runway."

Tim Gunn, the nurturing mentor beloved by “Project Runway” viewers and contestants alike, is headed our way to help Atlanta get its fall look together. The author of fashion titles including “Gunn’s Golden Rules,” he also serves as chief creative officer of Liz Claiborne Inc., and will be coming for a event at Perimeter Mall promoting Lucky Brand, part of the Liz Claiborne portfolio.

The event, a Lucky fashion show followed by a Q&A, is planned for 1 p.m. Nov. 12 in the lower level of the Perimeter Mall Dillard’s. Want to be in the show? Organizers are holding a casting call from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the mall's  Lucky Brand Jeans Shop.

We interviewed Gunn by phone this week. Here’s what we talked about.

Q: What’s it like for you when you meet folks who see you on “Project Runway?”

A: I’m the luckiest guy in the world. The great thing is I don’t have to get ‘in character.’ When people meet me, they already know me.

Q: What’s your advice for people who want to update their look without spending a lot?

A: The first place you should go shopping is in your closet. Find those items that are languishing, with the tags still on. You don’t have to chase the trends if you have staples in your closet.

Q: What’s one investment piece you’d advise people to consider adding to their wardrobe?

A: A classic but fitted blazer. It’s the best way to dress up separates.

Q: What trend would you like to see go away?

A: Cropped pants. I think I’ve figured it out. The reason women gravitate to cropped pants is they only have to worry about one measurement: the waist. But it makes you look short and wide.

Q: What about jeans?

A: Jeans are the most difficult item to get right. Before I even joined Liz Claiborne I was enamored of Lucky Brand – because of the quality of the associates. I’ve never had a better fitting pair of jeans than my Lucky Brand jeans. I always recommend a darker wash. It’s more serviceable.

Q: What handbag trend do you like for fall?

A: The smaller the bag, the closer to evening. For daytime I always defer to a woman’s lifestyle. Where I draw the line is the price tag. I see no reason to exceed the double digits. A $10,000 bag? I say if you have to have luxury (and have that sort of money), spend $2,000 and give the rest to charity.

Q: What are we going to see on the next season of ‘Project Runway?’

A: I don’t know what we’re going to see. I never know!