I Wanna Hang Out With Tim Gunn

I Wanna Hang Out With Tim Gunn

John Paul Derryberry

I can craft a story and keep a real slick beat on a drum set; after that, my ability to create runs rather slim. So my wife found it odd that I am so into a bunch of fashion shows. Suddenly I asked numerous questions about Avant guard, streetwear, and seamstresses. A co-worker laughed herself out of her chair when she discovered how into these shows I was. She commented, "A guy who actively wears the same article of clothing for week-long hiking trips cares about the next top fashion designer!".

The truth, as always, is a little more muddled than that. I got hooked into these shows by none other than Tim Gunn. A man who was an American fashion consultant, television personality, actor, voice actor, and author. He served on the faculty of Parsons School of Design from 1982 to 2007 and was chair of fashion design at the school from August 2000 to March 2007. He was the contestant's coach on Project Runway for several seasons, and now is the coach on Amazon's Making the Cut. 

Watching a man compassionately dole out advice to people he barely knew was contagious. I feel the same way when interacting with new intakes at programs I assist or audiences I speak with. The bravery it takes to allow ourselves to instantly connect with people is one very few carry and it's even rarer to see it on TV. I have seen him cry with contestants he has just met. Our American culture doesn't highlight men with that type of emotional spectrum to be honest, I first thought it was all an act for TV and maybe it is. But after watching this man for countless seasons be honest, thoughtful, and open to so many up-and-coming designers, he is either the best faker in the world or really a man comfortable enough to be emotional. I don't think he is a faker. I think he's the real, genuine deal; an emotionally stable man compassionately caring and offering advice to others every episode.  I picture him leaving a note to a waitress about how amazing she looked after he enjoys his meal. 

It makes me proud to see a man with such a large stage and audience conduct himself that way. It's the central theme through every story I tell. Emotions are a part of us and compassion is the way to seek change; empathy with others, but more importantly, compassion with yourself.  These types of men exist in bunches in the real world, just rarely are given the stage to be the starring attraction. I'm thankful I stumbled into Tim Gunn and if he is ever free and wants to chat about adding a 37 year old man from Mason City to his list of friends, I'm all ears. Come on, Tim, we are all social distancing anyways. Give at least a 15-zoom call to make this storyteller's day!