I stopped watching Project Runway several years ago when that hippie chick making beige knit diaper shorts won in the finale. That was the moment (for me) when the show jumped the shark and I could no longer actively engage in a reality show which would have my blood boiling on a weekly basis. That being said, I do miss watching it, if only for Tim Gunn. Tim acts as the inside-the-workroom mentor to all the contestants, giving suggestions and advice. Tim is usually right. Tim is usually on-target and really smart. Anyway, Season 11 is currently airing on Lifetime and Tim was sent out to make it work, publicity-wise. He did Us Weekly’s “25 Things” feature (which I love in general), and he’s just so, so cool.
1. Few foods make me happier than French fries.
2. I had a terrible stutter as a child and a teen.
3. I’m an Anglophile.
4. I hate driving.
5. My first job was making architectural models.
6. I was a record-holding swimmer in school.
7. I’m a bit of a clean freak.
8. I never keep my shoes on in my apartment (but you can).
9. My role as mentor on Project Runway was created mere days before taping the first season.
10. My father was an FBI agent under J. Edgar Hoover for 26 years.
11. My apartment contains more than 2,500 books.
12. I haven’t gone on a vacation in 12 years.
13. I’m an HGTV junkie.
14. My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz.
15. When people ask me for advice, I never critique the things they can’t change.
16. I’m so happy that I live in my absolute favorite city in the world, New York.
17. I go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art about once a week.
18. And I take the subway.
19. My favorite drink is a Manhattan.
20. I have not had an intimate relationship in 20 years.
21. I cook dinner for myself almost every night.
22. I make a great meatloaf.
23. I love dogs, especially mutts.
24. I have an aversion to parties.
25. If you have spinach in your teeth, I will tell you.
I knew his dad was in the FBI (he’s talked about that before) and he grew up in the Beltway. I also knew that he has been celibate for 20 years, which I still think is sad. Tim is really cool guy, and I would love for Tim to find someone really amazing, someone to share his life with. I didn’t know the stuff about French fries (me too!), HGTV (me too!) and how he loves Manhattans. Let me see… what’s in a Manhattan? Whiskey, vermouth and bitters? Gross. I’m not into that. I loathe vermouth but I love whiskey. So I’ll drink straight whiskey while Tim sips a Manhattan and we can lay in bed together, reading English-y books while our mutts sleep at the foot of the bed. That’s my new happy place, y’all.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Hah, I can totally identify with numbers 8 and 11. I always take off my shoes as soon as I get inside (be it my place or someone else’s) and I have way too many books. Mind you, I’m nowhere near 2500 but I think I’m pushing 500 right now. I’d love to paw through his collection, sigh.
Shoes? The second I enter my apartment my PANTS got to go. Don’t know why, but I can’t stand wearing pants/jeans whatever once I am inside my flat. I get dressed when guests come, of course ^^
LOL! I’m the same way when I get home…the shoes come off, the clothes come off, I hop in the shower and then I veg in my PJ’s for the rest of the night.
Me too!
As soon as I get home, everything is off and i get into yoga pants, singlet and hoodie or day time pj’s.
I can’t stand wearing jeans at home. I have a friend who wears skinny leg jeans while she is relaxing at home….so uncomfortable.
As for Tim, such a classy guy. Love him!
#15 – I love this.
Oh yeah, at least the bra comes off, usually pants too. Always.
Try JAG jeans with the elastic waist. They are still cute, so only half way towards giving up.
I don’t think Tim would approve – he’s all about the “sweatsuit alternative”
I rip off all my clothes and slip into pretty hostess pajamas. I have 885 books. I have a big doofus tuxedo cat. I like manhattans, but they dont like me. i dint really like parties. I will always tell you if you have spinach in your teeth.
Shockingly, refreshingly honest, especially the relationship bit. Usually people write flattering things to show off.
He’s awesome!
I know, I love him. I could listen to his voice all day long.
I just plain love Tim Gunn. I watch project runway mainly for him.
I completely agree. I have very cuddly feelings towards him. I love how he seems like the sweetie in a sea of cattiness on the show.
Makes me sad he hasn’t been intimate in 20 years. Intimacy isn’t just a physical thing, it is about emotional intimacy too!
I’d love to like… adopt him as a great uncle type person. I’d want him to come to work with me, and tell me to make it work when I’m stressed out.
Does anyone know why he hasnt been in an intimate relationship for 20 years? That has to be a choice because he’s Tim Gunn for pete’s sake!
Apparently he was in a long term (9 years, I think?) relationship that ended very, very badly and he just decided that he was better off single. And he’s said that he isn’t interested in sex without emotional intimacy, so there it is.
I can relate to this. I was with the father of my son for 12 years and the relationship ended badly. After that, I was really gun shy about relationships and was celibate for 11 years before I met my honey. It was a struggle to let go of all that baggage and enjoy the new relationship, but ultimately worth it. I hope TG will find someone who’s patient and will help him let go of his past. If he does or doesn’t I wish him nothing but happiness. He seems like a lovely man.
Here’s what he’s said in the past about the celibacy:
When pressed, however, a visibly emotional Gunn said his nearly three-decade-long dry spell had been brought on by a previous relationship. “He was impatient with my sexual performance…it was at the cusp of AIDS [and] I’m happy to be healthy and alive, frankly.”
Wasn’t he also in an extremely abusive relationship and that also made him wary of new relationships? Google is giving me issues, but I swear the article is out there.
Wow, poor Tim.
aw, that’s so sad. I’ve heard/read this before about Tim and was just hoping he was asexual and happy with his situation. That sounds like he would probably enjoy having a long-term partner if it weren’t for his past. 🙁
Cheers ladies!
He’s such a likeable guy.
I want him to be my new BFF.
jamie (and Kaiser), me too!!
Have always loved Tim. Sad that he hasn’t found the light of his life, though, he has sooo much to offer. Other than that, he’s living my dream life. MUAH, Tim! 😡
It makes me sad that someone with that much money doesn’t go on vacation! I would go at least once a yr if I were rich.
I can see where he is coming from. There are just some people who don’t like to vacation. I don’t have the sources of income he has but I saved up and took a couple of trips over the last few years if for anything but not to be anywhere but my hometown. I am not a lounging on a beach person. I am a plan until the day I leave person which is why I am nightmare to go with on trips.
I’m the same. Whenever I travel, I want to see and do as much as possible. I’ve never been anywhere tropical or beach-y, I prefer cities where there are a million things to do. I’m also a big walker so I usually just map things out and walk as much as I can (I think that’s the best way to see a city).
But yeah, T-Gunn seems like a homebody type content to chill in NYC.
I also HATE driving so I can relate.
Tiffany and TOK, ditto on all the above. Haven’t watched PR in a jazillion years, but TG is the best. LOVE!
I stopped watching Project Runway a couple of seasons ago but Tim Gunn was the best part of that show for me.
Didn’t his lover die and he was really heartbroken about it?
I think his boyfriend broke up with him and he got really depressed to the point he wanted to kill himself. He’s so awesome, I hope he finds someone to share his life with.
If his father was in the FBI under Hoover, I bet he had a file on him since Hoover was such a putz and hated people for no reason.
But Gunn does seem like a cool person and he has class.
Tim <3
He has such a good aura. He seems so warm and inviting- like the type that anyone would take to right away. I think he’s great.
I remember when he said if he could have a superpower he would to the world of crocs (the rubber shoes). I have owned a few pairs of those wee beasts but I fouls that amazingly funny and have loved him ever since!
LOVE Tim Gunn! I still watch Project Runway, it’s one of the few Reality shows out there showcasing some real talent.
MAKE IT WORK TIM
Ha Ha. Use the wall thoughtfully.
Thank you Mood!
I adore Tim! He’s so lovely, and I want him to be my friend.
Aww, he sounds like such an awesome guy, very comfortable with himself, & open about so many personal things. His lack of relationships for so long *has* to have been by choice.
Or maybe he simply got used to being on his own, I know some people do. But whatever makes him happy =3 YAY MUTTS!
I think he’s gotten use to living alone and working a lot. He seems comfortable where he is in life.
I was hesitant readying “best thing you’ll read all day”, but it really was! He’s so awesome and kind.
Aw, I want to be his friend.
he is one of my all time favorite tv personalities. the house next to us went for sale and i thought how great it would be if tim gunn moved in! haha!!!
He sounds so alone. It’s a little depressing that someone so interesting, talented, successful, and (seemingly) well-read and culturally knowledgeable, can be without a relationship, vacations and cooks dinner for himself, watching HGTV, probably alone every night (maybe an exaggeration). Nothing wrong at all with being an introverted homebody, but this guy is so awesome! Why coop that up?? As long as he is happy.
It doesn’t seem to me that he’s cooping himself up at all. He knows what he likes, he does those things, and they don’t always involve other people.
Speaking as an introverted homebody, making dinner at home most nights and avoiding huge, noisy parties sounds like fun!
I am in a relationship, so I do have company, but please don’t feel sorry for us introverts. We like puttering around at home – it’s quite relaxing.
So funny that I have the same rule about shoes in my apartment; I always take mine off but other people are welcome to wear theirs.
Tim Gunn sounds like a thoroughly decent human being.
I agree 1,000%. My super outgoing mother thinks I’m depressed, but I keep telling her I prefer to sorta be alone. (With my husband and 3 kids!!) No sadness, just a preference.
Thank you people…I’m not ‘mood-y’.
Tim Gunn is living his life on his terms.
I think Tim is the type of person who does not need or want to be with someone just to be with someone. He certainly interacts socially and professionally, seems to have lots of friends and is be fun to be around (from what I have seen). I suspect he is a great friend to those lucky enough to be considered his friend.
He just doesn’t buy into the thinking that if you aren’t with someone you are a loser or something is wrong with you. I think there are a lot of shaky relationships based on this reasoning.
I suspect if he runs across someone he who really interests him and tugs at his heart, he will make a change, but he won’t do it just to say he is partnered with somebody.
I began partying much too early, around 15, and for years I thought it was a death sentence to be an introvert. I was always very social, always out and about, then at the ripe old age (as I roll my eyes) of 27 I just got…sick of it? I think it is about being comfortable with yourself, and as I look back now I think I just thought being introverted as a “homebody” or a “loner” and forced myself in the opposite direction. I’m sure there are others who feel the same way about being extroverted, but I love that people can embrace whatever makes them truly happy 🙂
I love the navy tux. His elegance is soothing. I wish more men would be inspired to act like a gentleman like Tim Gunn. The City would be a more handsome place to live.
Ooooooo! I love and agree with your line, “His elegance is soothing.”
Love it- so true.
He’s awesome and so enjoyable.
Who in the balls does not want to be Tim Gunn’s boyfriend. Also loved number 15 as it is so true.
Shakes fist at Gretchen! Seriously. Mondo was so the winner that year. I hung on one more season and then Anya won.
Anya couldn’t sew, most of her clothes were floaty island things and that was it for me. Viktor wasn’t brilliant, but he had a really nice collection and could construct and sew, both of which are requirements on Project Runway. It was a strange season (9). It seemed like it was rigged toward Anya the whole season and that was a turn off since it was no longer a competition but who could fawn over Anya’s decorative floaty things more.
Oh, Mondo! <3
The best thing that Heidi Klum has done for the world is to introduce us to Tim Gunn. I just love this guy and feel he is one of the best things about Project Runway.
He also does the voice of the “butler-like” character on the Disney animated series “Sofia the First”. His character looks just like him and says, “Make it work!” I know this because I babysit my niece and its her favorite show ( ;
I have 3 girls (6-year old twins and a 4-year old) who LOVE Sophia. Had no idea the voice of Baileywick, the butler but that’s awesome!
Ok…that just made me love him even more.
The Wizzard of Oz is my favorite movie too. I would love to drink a Manhattan and watch that movie with him.
Love him!
I love Tim Gunn. People should read his book…it was hysterical and it will put a smile on your face:)
That’s what I was going to say. It was a great read, sort of an expanded version of this list.
tim! I love you! I’ll come live w/ you!
there is something about him that is, dapper yet fun. He is soooo one of a kind and I love his air. He has a lovely, warm, wise, positive air about him Dig him….what a Saville Row Sweetheart. Love.
and that was a brill’ 25 list. we could relax in bed (I imagine the most marshmellow ish duvet), read NYT, coffee, brioche, I’ll fill him in on Celebitchy too..and we can plan a vacay to….Botswana, Ecuador…ohhhh Croatia!!!
I love this comment!
#15 – very kind. What you want in a teacher as well as a friend. Hasn’t he been on the faculty of an art school?
Usually in a Manhattan you use dark vermouth (from red wine). Personally, I like them with rye whiskey over bourbon. Try it – really delicious, especially with a maraschino cherry.
He really sounds like an introvert to me.
Director of Admissions of Parsons School of Design.
i still have my acceptance letter with his signature on it.
ahhh, memories. 😀
RHONYC, that is way too cool!
Love Tim Gunn, he truly is a kind and gentle soul. I would have loved to have had a mentor like him when I was a young(er) woman.
He has wonderful posture
What the holy hell is Heidi Klum wearing?
I found that outfit quite distracting, too…
and so unflattering!
I don’t get Heidi Klum. With her awful fashion sense, how is she qualified to judge a fashion competition?
I adore Tim Gunn. He just makes the world a better place. He’s never mean when he critiques anything—he has that rare ability to use a great amount of tact so that whomever he’s speaking to isn’t personally offended, but totally understands what he’s saying. He’s just a lovely man.
“When people ask me for advice, I never critique the things they can’t change.”
I love that.
Intimacy isn’t just sex, btw. I’d be happy to have an intimate friendship with you, Tim!
Me too, I really respect that. Unlike Karl Lagerfeld (sp?) and his bitchy comments…
Exactly! Why even bring up something you can’t change. I am pretty sure he’s got plenty of friends. He needs a lover. All men need that.
Just read that Tim Gunn identifies as asexual and it’s understanding that others would find it difficult to be in a relationship and not be intimate. Maybe he just doesn’t bother anymore for that reason?
I love Project Runway and Tim Gunn, and Celebitchy. Nothing would make me happier than reading posts about PR on this website. Come on now, isn’t it time to forgive and forget? In fairness, Nina Garcia sort of bullied Heidi and Michael Kors into making that girl who designed granny diaper pants win that season.
I love him <3
Oh, I love him even more now. I want him to be my spirit animal. I very much identify with 1, 3, 4, 8, 11, 12 & 24.
I love Tim.
“When people ask me for advice, I never critique the things they can’t change.”
Best response ever. What a sweetheart.
He’s the only celebrity that I actively wish good things for. He’s such a good human that I just want him to be happy. And yeah for Number 15.
Love The Gunn!
Yep…adore French fries (and pretty much anything potato based) and I’m and HGTV junkie…have been for years! I put that channel on all weekend practically. I love to read but have whittled my book collection down. How could a NYC apt. Hold 2500 books?
He is adorable.
Who couldn’t love Tim Gunn 🙂 He just seems so sweet and goodhearted.
13. I’m an HGTV junkie.
14. My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz.
that fact that we share these things is some real freaky-ish. 😯
He always kind of annoyed me but this made me really, really like him and who he is as a person.
He gives me the warm fuzzies. What a nice man.
Tim Gunn is a love. I remember reading a piece on him in which he said that if he wants to truly know who a person is, he will dine with that person in a restaurant and observe how well he/she treats the wait staff. He said you can always tell a person’s true personality that way. It was a “Tim Gunn And I Are Soulmates” moment for me, because I have done the exact same thing! He is true class and I hope every happiness finds its way into his life.
I had never heard of him before (never watched Project Runaway) but anyone who goes to the Museum once a week (!)has to be awesome!
HAMMERTIME HEIDI
Does he really eat french fries? lol.
Somehow I’m surprised that he loves dogs put has an aversion to parties.
I’ve always loved Tim Gunn but, this makes me love him even more knowing that we could relate to each other in a lot of ways.
No. 25 is a good one. I hate it when people don’t tell me if something is stuck in my teeth, or if my makeup has run.
Love him and love the comments here even more! He makes everyone happy.
Manhattens are tots yummy! And right now a quiet life is something that I envy him! It’s difficult to carve out alone time with a stay-at-home husband, a 15 year old boy and a 9 year old girl (who *never* stops talking). I want to be alone in my own house to just putter too!
Kaiser I stopped watching after that season too. It made me so mad that poseur won I haven’t watched since.
He’s amazing.
this is what he said in an interview about not having a relattionship. its heartbreaking.
Tim and his partner, Bill, had been together for six years. One morning it all ended. “I really have never talked to anyone about this,” Gunn says slowly. “There were two major things that happened. The job advancement that I thought I was going to get, I didn’t. But the biggest blow was the complete erosion of my relationship. It was abrupt. It was like a surgical strike. I still have a big raw spot on me from it, and that was 24 years ago. We were watching television in bed, and he just turned to me and said, ‘I don’t have the patience for you anymore.’ I said, ‘What do you mean? Do you mean you want me to leave?’ And he said, ‘Yes.’ That night, I got all my stuff together and left.”
It’s here that Tim stops with the story, his voice wavering. “I’m about to break down,” he says before taking a long pause. “I’m not gonna go through it again. I’ve never been in a relationship since and I never will be. It was so devastating that I can’t possibly conceive of being more emotionally hurt and scarred than I was by that. I still love him, and I haven’t a clue where he is now.”
20 years!? that can’t be good….
Hope I am not repeating another post, but this concerns Manhattans. They are made with good whiskey, sweet Italian Vermouth, shaken with ice, drained through ice and poured into a stemmed martini glass and must be served with a maraschino cherry. You can add a drop or two of the sweet cherry liquor into it. Very pleasant. Our author should give them a try. Ummmmmm – will dash out for ingredients for cocktail hour.
It is interesting the celebrities that CB people love and hate. Tim Gunn gets almost universal love from you guys – that is kind of amazing.
I saw the picture and thought this was a story about Larry Hagman.
i think Tim Gunn and I just became best friends!
Oh congrats! May I go to dinner with you guys one night? It will be fab-u-lous.
OK, maybe I should sit at another table.
Sigh. I love Tim Gunn!!! He’s on my celebrity-list that make me wish I had been born a man (him and George Michael).
and Matt Bomer… my list, at least.
😉
LOVE. HIM. SO. MUCH.
(*sigh*) So much love for Tim Gunn!
Love him to bits – would like to cuddle on a couch with him for hours, both in our PJs, listening to great music, drinking great wine and having great conversations about books and life. And I’ve been celibate for 9 years, and have come to realize that it’s not always the physical orgasm that’s so important, it’s the mental.
I just realized his younger sisters went to my high school–of course they were good looking and popular. I’ve never watched Project R but now I’ve got to read his memoir. He must be fantastic to have made it out of the 70s suburban hell I remember!
I love that he’s always so polite and dressed so nicely, you rarely see that today with all the sagging pants, t- shirts and tennis shoes.
This is a great article on Tim Gunn I love #11
Hi all! I stalk celebitchy but never commented before, but I just have to come out to express how much I love Tim Gunn. I love what he says about giving advise (15). I used to get horrible criticism in my studies, from incompetent people. It can be so damaging. He always gives such honest but positive advise! Love him!
I like this guy. And do think he needs to go on vacation and get laid 🙂
Tim Gunn lived in the building my dad is a Superintendent in for over two years and to this very day, my Dad (who still Supers there) says he is the best tenant he has ever had. Just nice, polite, funny and super clean.
On a side note, I LOVE HIM!!!!
“23. I love dogs, especially mutts.”
Squeal.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lr2cjfaBG21qb06f4o1_400.gif