What Happened to Tim Gunn? Why Did Tim Gunn Leave Project Runway? Where is Tim Gunn Now? What is Tim Gunn Doing Now?
by Venkatesh P
Updated Jun 30, 2023
Who is Tim Gunn?
Timothy MacKenzie Gunn, born on July 29, 1953, is an American television personality, academic, and author. From 1982 to 2007, he was a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, where he later became the chair 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 its chief creative officer. Gunn gained significant recognition as the on-air mentor for designers on the reality television show Project Runway, spanning over 16 seasons.
His popularity on Project Runway led to the creation of two spin-off shows, namely Bravo's Tim Gunn's Guide to Style and Lifetime's Under the Gunn. Additionally, Gunn has authored five books and served as an executive producer. He has also acted as a mentor for teenage designers on Project Runway: Junior. In the realm of animated television, Gunn lends his voice to the character Baileywick, the castle steward, in the Disney Junior show Sofia the First and has 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 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 assumed the pivotal role of mentor, guiding and advising the contestants throughout their Project Runway journeys.
However, in 2018, both Gunn and Klum made the decision to move on from Project Runway, seeking new opportunities within the fashion show realm. Despite their departure from the show, they remained active and influential in the fashion industry.
Following Gunn's departure, Christian Siriano took over as the mentor for Project Runway's 17th season, bringing his own expertise and perspective to the contestants.
Though no longer directly involved with Project Runway, Gunn and Klum's impact on the show and the fashion world as a whole cannot be understated. They left a lasting legacy as key figures in the early success and popularity of Project Runway, and their contributions have helped shape the fashion industry and inspire aspiring designers worldwide.
Presently, he is actively engaged in several endeavors, which encompass the development of a forthcoming book and the creation of a television program. Additionally, he remains committed to utilizing his platform as a prominent figure in the fashion realm to advocate passionately for the industry itself and to promote inclusivity and diversity within the world of fashion.
Through his vocal advocacy, he 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, featuring supermodel Heidi Klum as the host and fashion consultant Tim Gunn as the contestants' mentor. Together, they became the prominent figures of the show, collaborating for 16 seasons until their simultaneous departure in 2018.
In an interview with The New York Post, Gunn disclosed the reason behind their decision to leave. He stated, "Heidi and I have been wanting to make changes to 'Project Runway' for quite a while." Gunn, along with Sara Rea, the showrunner for the past eleven seasons, shared this desire. However, the network refused to implement any alterations, 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.
Klum, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, explained how their new venture, "Making the Cut," differs from "Project Runway." She highlighted the introduction of a "shop" element, which allows the audience to purchase 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 lacking in "Project Runway."
Shortly after their departure from "Project Runway," Klum and Gunn announced their 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 features 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 now have, contrasting their previous roles on "Project Runway" where they had minimal interaction. Gunn and Klum now collaborate closely on their new show, fulfilling their vision and aspirations.
It is important to note that Klum and Gunn's departure from "Project Runway" coincided with the return of the show to Bravo, with Klum being replaced by Karlie Kloss as the host. Throughout their tenure on "Project Runway," Klum and Gunn received Emmy awards for their contributions. However, their roles on the show limited their collaboration, unlike the close working relationship they now enjoy on "Making the Cut."
Where Is Tim Gunn Now?
Residing in the vibrant city of Manhattan, Gunn has been candid about his personal journey and identity. In a 2010 interview with People magazine, he expressed his introspection, stating, "For a significant period, I grappled with my own sense of self.
While I knew what did not resonate with me—I lacked interest in both boys and girls." Describing himself as "kind of asexual," he highlighted his lifelong awareness of his own unique orientation.
Gunn further addressed his celibacy in 2012, unapologetically stating, "Does this make me any less of an individual? Absolutely not... I am content and fulfilled in my own right." Reflecting on the origins of his self-imposed celibacy, he disclosed that it coincided with the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the gay community, causing him, alongside many others, to retreat from intimate relationships.
Beyond his personal experiences, Gunn has emerged as a vocal opponent of utilizing animal fur in fashion design. In 2008, he took on the role of narrator in a video produced by the animal rights organization PETA, shedding light on the cruel practices of rabbit fur farming in China. Gunn strongly denounced the mistreatment of animals exploited for their fur, describing such practices as "blatantly irresponsible."
Demonstrating his involvement in political affairs, Gunn lent his endorsement to Christine Quinn's mayoral campaign during the 2013 mayoral election in New York City. This act showcased his active engagement in supporting political candidates whose values align with his own.
In summary, Gunn's life in Manhattan has been marked by his candid exploration of personal identity, his unwavering stance against the use of animal fur in fashion, and his active involvement in endorsing political candidates who share his values. Through his public statements and actions, Gunn consistently advocates for compassion, inclusivity, and responsible decision-making in various aspects of life.
What happened to tim gunn - FAQ
Tim Gunn is an American television personality, academic, and author known for his role as a mentor on the reality television show Project Runway. He has also been involved in spin-off shows, authored books, and served as an executive producer.
Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum decided to leave Project Runway because they desired changes that the network was not willing to implement. They wanted to explore new opportunities and create their own show, leading to the development of the reality fashion competition series "Making the Cut."
"Making the Cut" is a reality fashion competition series created by Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video and features designers from around the world. The show introduces a "shop" element where viewers can purchase designs they admire, providing a real-world platform for designers.
Tim Gunn is known for his advocacy for inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry. He is an outspoken critic of clothing designs that use animal fur and has narrated a video exposing the mistreatment of animals in rabbit fur farming. He has also been involved in endorsing political candidates whose values align with his own.
Tim Gunn is actively engaged in various endeavors. He is working on a new book and involved in the creation of a television program. Additionally, he continues to use his platform to advocate for the fashion industry, promote inclusivity, and bring about positive change in the industry.