Or, this post could have been called, “My Two Minutes with Style Guru Tim Gunn” of Project Runway and Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style fame. A treat about BlogHer is the mixing with celebrities compliments of brands sponsoring the conference.
Tide and Bounce were kind to invite Tim Gunn between 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday to meet with attendees. This was more than the standard meet and greet, Gunn took the time to chat with each BlogHer attendee who wanted a photo with him. And so it was my opportunity to, in the words of Gunn himself, “Make it work!”
With my pink Flip video camera in my left hand, I shook Gunn’s hand who was very kind and sincere. I asked if I could ask him a few questions and he agreed. I pressed the start button and away I went asking two questions suggested by Facebook friends and a question of my own.
Solo Travel Girl: During your foundation year at Parsons, which classes were you taking when you knew you could make it in fashion?
Tim Gunn: I didn’t go to Parsons.
Solo Travel Girl: [“Oh, this isn’t good,” I thought to myself. I disregarded one of the key principals of journalism by not fact checking and was kicking myself because a little gut feeling said, “Check his schooling” but I didn’t. Feeling my face and entire body turn hot with redness, I continued…] Oh, that’s not a good question. Uh…
Tim Gunn: I worked there after earning a degree from Corcoran College of Art and Design in sculpture. By not having a degree in fashion, I think I’m better qualified because I have a different perspective.
Solo Travel Girl: Hmm. Interesting. So what’s the ugliest piece of clothing you own? [This interview is not going well. I was still flustered over the flub of the first question and this next question was suppose to ask about the most ’embarrassing’ garment, not ugly.]
Tim Gunn: [After he laughs] I hope I don’t have any ugly clothing! I would have gotten rid of it in fear of someone following me and trying to film me wearing it.
We both laugh.
Solo Travel Girl: Okay. You have a robust vocabulary so what’s your favorite word?
Tim Gunn: [Pausing before answering, I see his eyes thinking.] Preposterous!
Solo Travel Girl: Great! Thank you so much, I appreciate your time.
We shook hands then walked over to the Tide and Bounce backdrop for the professional photograph. I turned off the Flip video camera, or so I thought. We posed, shook hands and before I walked away he asked, “I didn’t ask you about your blog, what is it?”
“Solo Travel Girl dot com. I’m a solo girl, I travel. I travel alone, not lonely.”
Gunn had a thoughtful look before responding, “I’m the same way, I really am. We’re kindred spirits. I’m the same way plus I prefer it. It’s a good thing.”
“It is a good thing,” I replied.
When I went stepped to the side to immediately look at the video, a pit fell to the bottom of my gut. The camera was RECORDING at that moment, which meant it was NOT recording when I asked Gunn the questions. When I hit the button to turn it off after asking his favorite word, I was actually turning it on. Ugh!!!! It did record him asking me about my blog yet the video is of our feet and a lot of red carpet.
Lessons learned?
- I’m a blogger and not a vlogger…yet.
- Fact check and recheck before asking an interviewee a question.
- Learn to look for the red light on the Flip to make sure it’s on.
- Just roll with it and make it work!
Thank you Tim Gunn, Tide and Bounce!
I liked the way you documented what you were thinking during the interview. Much more interesting than fashion (to me), anyway. It’s no wonder you’re not lonely … you’re comfortable with yourself. Way to be and the only way to ‘roll’!
Thanks, Marshall! Tim Gunn definitely made it easier, too 🙂