Book Review: Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible

You may know Tim Gunn, from his work on Project Runway, as a host, mentor and advisor to the designers. You may also know him as the Chief Creative Office of Liz Claiborne, past Dean of Parsons or as host of his self-named TV show Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. Tim Gunn's career continues to sky rocket and he amazes us with his fashion knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine interest in ensuring everyone has access to fashion history and fashion tips that we can all apply to our daily lives! 

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible is not his first venture into the world of fashion books. In 2007, he released A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, co-written with Kate Moloney. My sister sent me his latest book (Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible) as a gift and it has been a pleasure to read and also made me really think about the items I own in my closet and their origins. Tim provides a history of all of the major garments we wear today and his take on how they should be worn today as well. He emphasizes the importance of history, but always brings a sense of humor and truth to it. I have read/seen many great fashion history books, but haven't read a lot about American designers, to be honest. This is one of the exact reasons Tim chose to focus on Western fashion history in his book:

"I am especially concerned that American fashion not be forgotten...When I look through Project Runway applications, I am always struck by how few American designers are cited in the influences section. Invariably, the only designers they name are Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel... You rarely see American designers listed. If you do, it's usually Donna Karan. (I don't understand why people don't write Michael Kors - even just in their own political self-interest.)" 

Having always loved fashion and written about fashion for six years on Clothes Line Finds, I have gained a lot of knowledge of what works and why, but there is always more to learn. I specifically learned important "how-tos" such as figure slimming techniques by shape, how to buy a great pair of jeans based on your body size, hat etiquette, investment pieces, accessory "how-tos", dress fittings and more. Tim is ever inspiring and realistic as well. Fashion can be confusing and difficult to interpret for those who aren't immersed in it. He breaks it all down by item of clothing, shares his honesty (he hates cargo capris!) and also brings some truly talented American designers to light, for instance, Claire McCardell, Bill Blass and Pauline Trigère, to name a few.

Overall, I found this to be a highly informative history of fashion, with some fantastic words of advice from Mr. Tim Gunn. I would highly recommend this book whether you are involved in the fashion world or not. Bravo Tim Gunn! As always, we love you!

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