Tim Gunn to Honolulu: Wear What You Want

Nadine Kam photos
Tim Gunn posed for photos with fans on Ala Moana's Centerstage. A computer and printer hookup made it possible for them to get their photos on the spot.

In what he says is a first, Tim Gunn, "Project Runway" co-host and chief creative officer for Liz Claiborne, Inc., proclaimed Hawaii a "fashion rules free zone" while here to present a fashion show for the Claiborne family of brands: Kate Spade, Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand Jeans on Oct. 16 at Ala Moana Center’s Centerstage.

Appearing in a Banana Republic suit, no tie, Gunn said it was a landmark moment because he never makes formal appearances without a tie. Different from most shows, Gunn and Leah Salak, director of marketing and special events for Liz Claiborne, offered tips on wearing the styles and personalizing them with accessories. To address consumers’ complaints that “I could never wear that,” they brought up a couple of short women from the audience to wear pieces borrowed off the models’ bodies to show that one needn’t be tall or thin to make garments work. Looking good is a matter of fit, understanding proportions and optical illusions that make a person look taller or thinner than they are.

They followed up with a question-and-answer session that included answers to mens’ dilemmas, women’s fit and trend issues, and questions about “Project Runway.”


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In this video, Tim Gunn proclaims Hawaii a "Fashion Rules Free Zone," granting residents the OK to "wear anything you want."

In the searing October heat, Gunn said he had the epiphany that the usual rules of seasonal fashion just don’t apply here, not that he has many rules in the first place. If you ever caught his other TV show, "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style," or read his 2007 book, "Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style," he always espouses a wardrobe of 10 basic items, such as a white shirt, day dress, blazer, trench coat (the latter not all that applicable in Hawaii).

I don't know anyone who is that disciplined. We are hunter-gatherers by nature, so when we see something beautiful, we have to have it. Whenever people say they have nothing to wear and ask me how to build a wardrobe, I just tell them to start with basics, preferably easy-to-wear black if you're on a budget, and when adding pieces, to make sure each goes with at least two items you already have.

Then I'm told, "That's boring." But, if you're on a budget, boring works and looks more impressive than amassing a lot of cheap pieces that don't go together. Once you have all your basics in place, then you can buy more playful pieces.

I still feel surprised when people in fashion, like Patricia Field, tell me they don't have a lot of clothes. Instead, they'll keep up a steady diet of classics, casting out the old and adding about seven key pieces each season. No one else needs to keep up with "trends," which to Gunn is a dirty word. He'd prefer that people ignore such dictates and stick to what works for them.




Found this photo of Julia Stiles in a magazine, in classic black and white dressed up with a Chanel necklace, as an example of what a strong accessory can do.

Trends are mostly code for insiders, a way of communicating, "We know what's going on. We're on the same wavelength. We're in the same business." That's all. From my perspective as a fashion editor, writing about trends is not intended to set rules, but simply report about what's new. You can check them out or not, depending on whether they fit your lifestyle. It's all about what works with your lifestyle, although I would have to add that dressing decently is also a sign of respect toward others. Looking like a dirty dishrag broadcasts, "I don't care about myself and even less about what you think of me."

Don't limit yourself to thinking about clothing in dressing. Key pieces are also likely to be jewelry, handbags and shoes that can easily transform and elevate basics. Don't ignore the effect of a dramatic necklace and striking shoes.





Leah Salak pulled up a couple of girls in the audience to show how a faux fur trimmed vest from Juicy Couture, worn by models above, could work with more casual items of clothing on shorter girls.

Tim Gunn, center, meets with, from left, Kyle Kagamida, Anya Rozova, Tyson Joines and Kai Omo.

Models Shannon Hughes, left, and Jeehae Jones, in Kate Spade dresses, were there to show anyone who was interested, how to walk like a model.

Andy South introduced Tim Gunn, answered some audience questions, and after the show, posed for photos with fans.

Among those in attendance were Haruna Sugino, and sisters Yoshi and Reigna Burns.

Beautiful floral centerpieces in white and green were created by Petals & Beans.

Afterward, those inspired by the show could head to the store to pick up pieces they liked. At Kate Spade, pieces featured in the show were up front, ready to walk out the door. Loved both the shimmery LBD and the cropped gilt jacket.


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