Fall Fashion Event – Tim Gunn
On Saturday, October 17, Somerset Collection in Troy played host to one of television’s most beloved modern fashion icons, Project Runway’s Tim Gunn. Known for his succinct delivery of advice as mentor to budding fashion designers, the Creative Director of Liz Claiborne, Inc. joined Leah Salak (Director of Marketing and Special Events at LIZ) in presenting an exclusive fashion show and reception for the sartorial savvy in Metro Detroit.
Featuring “accessible products” in garments from Liz Claiborne, Inc. subsidiaries, including Lucky Brand Jeans, Juicy Couture, kate spade new york, Mac & Jac, Kensie, Kensie Girl, DKNY Jeans, and Monet, Gunn and Salak presided over a nontraditional runway where the two provided running commentary as each model strutted down. “We’re here to get you excited about fashion” and “unshackle you,” Gunn declared to the sizeable crowd gathered before him on the main floor and watching against the railings on floors above.
True to their word, every piece displayed was pulled from the various retail and department stores, and as look after look came down
the runway, both emcees emphasized the various trends but cautioned against attempting looks that “push the boundaries of taste.” Gunn’s triumvirate of values—fit, proportion, and silhouette—were repeatedly mentioned, with pointed fingers at using accessories to disguise flaws and flatter curves.
“It’s all about the counterpoint of volume; when you have big and big, it’s just like having a float on parade,” Gunn gestured with his arms. Mixing pieces was his formula to the “semiotics of clothes,” to pair complementary, not matching, items with each other for greatest impact. In this way, various combinations of seemingly incompatible classes were displayed: neutrals with neon, sweatpants and flat suede riding boots, and (faux) fur and glitter.
After a finale of ten looks playing homage to the LBD (little black dress), Gunn gave back to fans by raffling off gift bags (each containing DVDs of Project Runway: Season 5, a signed copy of A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style, and an exclusive Tim Gunn bobblehead!) and holding a question-and-answer session for fans. In addition to the various vignettes provided during the show, Gunn had no hesitancy in sharing his thoughts on taking responsibility for one’s wardrobe, praise for fashion designers as “barometric gauges of society and culture,” Project Runway contentions, and the appropriateness of fashion—“If you’re out of high school don’t shop at the juniors’ section!” was pleaded often.
Following the fashion show, fans who purchased at least $100 of merchandise from the brands featured were invited to a special reception where Gunn warmly posed for pictures and briskly answered more questions as those in line were treated to champagne and truffles. As an exclusive gift, attendees also received a set of holiday cards featuring Gunn’s likeness and axioms.
The Fall Fashion Event: Meet Tim Gunn took place on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 1.00PM, hosted by Somerset Collection and organized by the Imagination Theatre Etc!, with makeup provided by Sephora and chocolates by Godiva.
Ninny C.
For an extended, slightly convoluted personal account of the event with more pictures, click here.
Project Runway is great and we always watch it at home, hope they employ more interesting and talented contestants.””