Tim Gunn Speaker Biography
Fashion Icon, Best-Selling Author and Host, Lifetime’s
“Project Runway”
Tim Gunn is the Emmy-winning co-host and mentor for Lifetime’s Project Runway, where he also serves as one of the show’s producers. He and co-host Heidi Klum won the 2013 Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program, nabbing the award after his first nomination. In addition to his television prowess, he served as Fashion Dean at Fifth & Pacific, where he was responsible for attracting, retaining and developing the creative talent within the portfolio of brands.
Fashion Design
Prior to his office at Fifth & Pacific, he was the Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne Inc. Gunn served as a member of the administration and faculty at Parsons School of Design for 29 years and has a rich and deep history with the institution. In August 2000, Gunn was appointed Chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons with the charge of retooling and invigorating the curriculum for the 21st century. Under his direction, the department was repositioned as the indisputable leader in fashion design education in America and as one of only a handful of leading programs in the world. Upon leaving Parsons, Gunn received the title of Honorary Chair of Fashion Design at the school. In addition, Liz Claiborne, Inc. endowed a scholarship in his name.
Media
Gunn has lectured widely on fashion and lifestyle design and, especially, Parsons’ profound role in putting America on the global design map. His interviews have appeared in a wide range of publications, from Newsweek and The New York Times to Entertainment Weekly and Martha Stewart Living, as well as Women’s Wear Daily, Fortune and Fast Company.
Popular Host
In 2009 he delivered the keynote at Harvard Business School’s Conference on Luxury Retail in 2009. He has also covered the red carpet at the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards and Golden Globes for The Today Show and Entertainment Tonight, and he co-hosted the Official Oscar Red Carpet Pre-Show in 2009 and 2011 for ABC. Tim is also the executive producer and star of Project Runway: Under the Gunn, the newest of the Runway franchise on Lifetime.
Books
Gunn is also a New York Times best-selling author penning Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work and Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet. Tim released his fourth book, Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor: A Master Class on Mentoring, Motivating, and Making It Work! in Spring 2015.
Publications
He has written articles for Elle, Seventeen, People, US Weekly and Fortune and has a monthly feature in People Style Watch and Marie Claire. The now 61 year-old was named one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2006. Finally, Marvel comics made him a superhero in their 2009 revival of Models, Inc. with a special feature, “Loaded Gunn,” in which he dons the Iron Man armor to fight crimes against fashion.
Tim Gunn Speaking Topics
Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons For Making It Work
An Evening with Tim Gunn
Tim Gunn Books
Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible
Purchase Book
Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style
Purchase Book
Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work
Purchase BookTim Gunn Videos
Tim Gunn Speaker Testimonials
"Tim was so wonderful to our star-struck guests (and staff!) He arrived early and stayed late, graciously chatting, signing autographs, and posing for photos. As an emcee, Tim thrilled guests at the show by sharing behind-the-scenes stories about Project Runway and about Denver’s own Mondo Guerra."
- | Goodwill Industries of Denver
"Tim was wonderful!!! I could write paragraphs about how much so… He was personable, engaging, and approachable. He is so authentic, and his story was so real and that really resonated with my donors and audience. Many, many people commented to me that they thought it was our best luncheon yet. Along with so many more people, I am indebted to Tim for having the courage to share his story with us—with honesty, humor, and grace. And for helping to forward the DBSA mission in a very meaningful way I am SOOOOO glad Tim was our speaker and can’t thank you and your team enough for ensuring this luncheon was a beautiful success!!! I wish I had been able to give Tim a big hug and thank you before he left—if you can please extend my heartfelt thanks to him that would be great. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything further I can do."
- | Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance, Texas
"Mr. Tim Gunn is one of the finest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The response from every corner of my world has been overwhelming. Mr. Gunn was genuine, full of grace, kind, and extremely generous. Tim left an indelible impression on our students who will never forget the experiences he provided them."
- | Illinois State University
