Tim Gunn Talks Heidi Klum, Cosmetic Surgery and Mentors
Tim Gunn’s new book. (Photo: Simon & Schuster)
When it comes to mentorship, Tim Gunn is an expert. He’s guided students both in the classroom and on TV as Project Runway’s inspiring fashion guru. The former Parsons teacher and Project Runway host is sharing his knowledge of leadership in his new book TIM GUNN: THE NATTY PROFESSOR A Master Class on Mentoring, Motivating and Making It Work!
On March 31, Tim will sit down with Fern Mallis at NYC’s 92Y to talk about the world of fashion, his book, and advice. When we caught up with the Under The Gunn star, we wanted to know who his mentors are, what grooming products he loves and all about his co-star, supermodel Heidi Klum.
In our exclusive interview, Gunn told us what makes him feel confident, why he’s anti-plastic surgery and what Heidi has taught him about beauty. Read on for more.
Yahoo Beauty: Where do you find your confidence?
Tim Gunn: I find my confidence by having my brain appropriately wrapped around my duties and responsibilities. SoI know what I need to do day in and day out, and feeling prepared for that. In terms of leaving my apartment, feeling that I’m appropriately dressed and groomed, certainly helps confidence tremendously.
What does your grooming regimen entail?
How much time do you have? Thankfully men are getting on the grooming product bandwagon. I refuse to ever have any cosmetic surgery done. It’s not going to happen, nor will I slip into Botox, because my dermatologist described the whole thing, and I was like, “Oh my God. I’m not doing that!” I really depend on these products and they help me tremendously.
Do you have a favorite product that you swear by?
I’m crazy about the Lab Series for Men, one of the products in particular, the All-In-One Face Treatment ($30). It soothes, moisturizes, repairs and mattes. I spritz all day, so this really helps matte me down and keep that shine at bay.
Who do you credit as being your mentors on your path to success?
I attribute several people. There are two faculty members I had when I was a student, and the book is dedicated to them. Professionally, I would say one of the Deans at Parsons, David Levy. Within the fashion industry, Diane von Furstenberg has been an incredible counselor and truth-teller and myth buster for me.
Who can people look up to in their day-to-day lives, for advice?
I think it’s so important for bosses to be mentors, and if the boss isn’t a mentor, it’s an issue. If that person isn’t a role model for you, maybe you’re in the wrong place.
What has Heidi Klum taught you about beauty and confidence?
Heidi has certainly taught me how to find the right light when you’re being photographed. I’m always saying, “If Heidi were here, she’s say we need to turn 30 degrees to the left, so let’s do it.” As beautiful as she is in print and on camera, she’s breathtaking in person!
Would you consider Heidi a mentor as well?
Heidi is a mentor. It’s about her courage and her bearing and her behavior. She always has a big ray of sunshine over her. There’s nothing dark and stormy about Heidi.
What personality traits or actions have you adopted from her?
Even though sometimes I know she’s going through personal struggles, she’s always on time or early. She knows everybody’s name on the set. She just is ever present. For me, that’s such a critically important quality and that’s something I’ve emulated, because I know how positive the response is to that.
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