25 Years of "Make It Work" with Tim Gunn - Dressed: The History of Fashion

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dressed: The History of Fashion
Episode: 25 Years of "Make It Work" with Tim Gunn
Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In this milestone episode commemorating 25 years of Tim Gunn's iconic phrase "Make It Work," hosts April Callahan and Cassidy Zachary delve deep into Tim Gunn’s profound impact on the fashion world and his pivotal role in the success of the reality TV show Project Runway. Celebrating two decades of Project Runway and Tim Gunn’s 25-year journey in the fashion industry, the conversation navigates through his tenure at Parsons School of Design, his transition to television, and recent developments surrounding his departure from the show.

Tim Gunn's Background and Legacy with Project Runway

Cassidy Zachary opens the discussion by highlighting Tim Gunn's indispensable contribution to Project Runway. As someone who joined the faculty at Parsons in 1983 and later became the chair of the Fashion Design department, Tim laid the foundational ethos that would eventually define his mentorship style on television.

Cassidy Zachary [01:13]: "Tim Gunn is one of my most favorite people and one of the most treasured fashion fixtures and pop culture icons of the 21st century."

Tim credits his time at Parsons as formative, stating that "Parsons really formed me" ([03:24]). His transformation of the Fashion Design department into a world-renowned program set the stage for his later success on Project Runway.

Transforming Parsons: The Birth of "Make It Work"

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Tim Gunn’s transformative work at Parsons, where he not only revamped the curriculum but also coined his famous mantra "Make It Work."

Tim Gunn [06:42]: "I couldn't support your desire to start all over. What have you learned? Nothing. So what if things go well? Great. What if they don't go well? Then you're going to have an additional struggle to work through."

This philosophy underscored his approach to both teaching and mentoring, emphasizing resilience and problem-solving over starting anew. Tim recounts the challenges he faced, including overhauling an outdated curriculum and confronting resistant faculty members.

Transition to Project Runway

When approached by producers in January 2004 to consult on a new fashion reality show, Tim was initially skeptical about merging academia with reality TV.

Tim Gunn [22:38]: "It wasn't seamless at all."

Despite his reservations, Tim's collaboration with the Project Runway team led to the show's unique format, blending real-world fashion challenges with academic rigor. His expertise became a cornerstone of the show's success, where his mentorship style resonated with both designers and audiences alike.

Mentorship and Key Moments on Project Runway

Tim Gunn discusses his mentoring philosophy, focusing on guiding designers to self-realization rather than imposing his opinions.

Tim Gunn [34:26]: "My goal was always to probe and question the designer enough to get the designer to see what I see so that I don't have to say it."

He shares memorable moments, such as his strict yet supportive interactions with participants like Christian Siriano and his candid feedback that pushed designers to excel. Tim also reflects on the challenges of balancing honesty with encouragement, vital for nurturing talent under the intense pressures of competition.

Relationship with Heidi Klum

A significant and heartfelt part of the conversation revolves around Tim's dynamic relationship with Heidi Klum, co-host of Project Runway.

Tim Gunn [40:35]: "I have to say, I love and adore Heidi more than I can adequately express."

Tim recounts their professional synergy and personal camaraderie, highlighting how Heidi's confidence and leadership complemented his mentorship. Their partnership was instrumental in creating the show's warm and constructive environment, making it a beloved fixture in reality TV.

Recent Developments: Departure from Project Runway

In a surprising turn of events, Tim Gunn reveals recent decisions regarding his departure from Project Runway, coinciding with Heidi Klum's return after an eight-year hiatus.

Tim Gunn [42:56]: "We don't want him."

Despite producers initially expressing interest, Tim was ultimately told by his agent that the show did not want him back, leading to his firm decision to decline any cameo appearances.

Cassidy Zachary [43:48]: "We are not alone. And this is not to say that this is the last we will hear from Tim."

Tim expresses a sense of gratitude and pride in his contributions while addressing the professional disappointment surrounding his exit. He emphasizes his continued commitment to the fashion industry and his enduring friendship with Heidi.

Reflection and Future Outlook

Looking back over his 25-year journey, Tim Gunn reflects on his proudest achievements, particularly his transformative work at Parsons.

Tim Gunn [46:32]: "I'm proudest of what I was able to do at Parsons because I wouldn't have the courage to do it again today, or the strength."

Tim underscores the personal and professional growth he experienced alongside the designers he mentored, celebrating the successes that stemmed from his educational reforms and mentorship philosophy.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt thank you to Tim Gunn, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to both Project Runway and the broader fashion education landscape. Hosts invite listeners to revisit Tim’s impactful journey through their resources, encouraging them to embody his "Make It Work" ethos in their daily lives.

Notable Quotes:

Tim Gunn [06:42]: "I couldn't support your desire to start all over. What have you learned? Nothing. So what if things go well? Great. What if they don't go well? Then you're going to have an additional struggle to work through."
Tim Gunn [34:26]: "My goal was always to probe and question the designer enough to get the designer to see what I see so that I don't have to say it."
Tim Gunn [42:56]: "We don't want him."
Tim Gunn [46:32]: "I'm proudest of what I was able to do at Parsons because I wouldn't have the courage to do it again today, or the strength."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a comprehensive tribute to Tim Gunn's enduring legacy in the fashion industry and his instrumental role in shaping Project Runway. Through candid reflections and insightful discussions, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the principles that have made Tim Gunn a revered mentor and fashion icon.