CP: How does it feel to be the most loved man in America by women?
TG: You flatter me. Well, I embrace it with a huge amount of seriousness and a huge amount of respect. And I really sincerely want to help people. I always open by saying “If getting fashion right were easy, everybody would look fabulous.” Fashion isn’t easy.
CP: That actually leads me into my next question- Every woman has those moments when they aren’t quite sure about a trend.
TG: And they should have those moments.
CP: What would your advice be to women to keep from becoming fashion victims?
TG: This is the perfect question. Because when you chase trends, you end up being a victim. I think most people want to feel current- they want to feel like they know what’s going on in fashion- so it’s to look for items that are trend-aware, without being trendy. If you ask yourself this question- “Will this still be relevant a year from now?” and if you have any question about it, then no, it’s overly trendy. And one thing that I’m very happy about in fashion today, and it’s exemplified in many of the items we have, is that classic silhouettes are back- like the trench- and there are many different variations on it. Color is certainly in, pattern is in for the spring. But those are such dicey areas, so the only way you really know is to try it on and bring as much critical objectivity to how you look as you possibly can. If there is any part of your viscera that says “oh, I don’t know”, your viscera is probably right.
CP: So you almost suggest to play it safe?
TG: Well, at the same time- I’m all for taking risks, I’m all for pushing the boundaries of what might be acceptable to us, but within limits. The reaction should be more like an epiphany where you think “Wow- I never thought this would work” as opposed to “If I wear this for long enough, maybe I’ll get used to it.” It has to be more of an epiphany- a "wow" moment.
CP: You have written a book, and you have a new book coming out this Fall- Gunn’s Golden Rules. Can you tell me a little bit about it, and your #1 rule?
TG: Oh god, there are 16 of them.
CP: 16 rules?
TG: Well my number one rule is “Make it Work!” (laughs). That is my number one rule. It’s subtitle is “Life’s Little Lessons for Making it Work”. I wrote it as though it were a morality tale written to students in my office. So it’s about how to navigate the world with respect for yourself and your fellow mankind, how to navigate the world responsibly- and it’s not a rage, it’s not a rant and raving kind of book. It’s really about good tangible lessons using a lot of personal anecdotes. And, I’m really very proud of it. Actually, the book can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.
CP: Since we’re talking fall, what are some things you see coming out this fall that might be timely for our piece? What are you seeing that’s exciting for fall?
TG: It was a very somber New York Fashion Week. Lots of dark neutrals, though I will say black and white is always in.
