style

If you noticed a heat bubble over Rosedale last Wednesday night, it may have been because the crowd at Herberger's was radiating a whole lotta love toward Tim Gunn. As the sartorial prince of "Project Runway" took questions during his appearance, these phrases flowed freely: "I love you!" or "I love the show" or "you have a lot of heart" or "you're such a lovely man."

Such is the appeal of Gunn, whose star was made on four seasons of Bravo's top-rated reality fashion-design competition. His diplomatic-yet-honest interactions with the show's designers have made him fashion's most genuine mentor.

Capitalizing on his "Runway" persona, Gunn has used his style sensibilities to inform the American public by writing "A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style"; starring in his own makeover show, "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style," on Bravo, and recently restyling contestants on "The Biggest Loser."

However, it was Gunn's role as Liz Claiborne's chief creative officer that brought him to Minnesota. He left academia a year ago to redefine the struggling label.

Even though the impact of newly hired designers -- and friends of Gunn -- Isaac Mizrahi (for women) and John Bartlett (for men) won't be realized until spring 2009, Gunn is reviving Liz Claiborne's business with in-store appearances nationwide.

In both corporate America and on television, Gunn is fashion's most encouraging cheerleader with his oft-repeated catchphrase "make it work."

Where does his sense of old-school diplomacy come from? "I have great respect for people," he said backstage before his gig. "I believe unless they declare otherwise, through behavior or words, that they're well-intentioned. I want to be there as a supporter, as an adviser, and as someone who can look at the situation whatever the circumstances may be and give them some feedback."

So how would this 21st-century humanist fashion critic respond when asked about an outfit he doesn't like? "I borrow a line from Lucy Ricardo," he said. "If that's the kind of look you want, you sure have a good one!" (In the original context, Lucy was speaking to a woman wearing a hat with a chicken on it.)

During last week's fashion show, the audience clung to every syllable of Gunn's clever commentary. In a sleek John Bartlett suit, he extolled the "marvels of a belt," the ability of a shawl collar to balance out a wider lower half with "clothes can act as an illusion" and the "blank canvas" versatility of an eyelet shift dress.

Gunn uses his polished academic bent to break down fashion for everywoman. While holding a homemade "Minnesota [heart] Tim Gunn" sign, Rachel Schneider of Chanhassen asked him if a little black dress would be appropriate for a "country club casual" party dress code. His response: "A little black dress can go anywhere and if it can't go there, you don't want to be there."

After the presentation, Gunn, like any benevolent visiting style guru, greeted his fans -- or at least those who purchased more than $100 of Liz Claiborne merchandise. The customers received an autographed copy of his book and got a photo taken with him.

Why did Maureen Aglen, a Realtor from Oakdale, snag a front-row seat at the show? "I love him! He's sensible and practical, honest and down-to-earth. I had to come and thank him," she said.

Her enthusiasm carried over to meeting and posing with Gunn. "You have given so much to middle-class American women, who can start looking wonderful."

"Thank you," Gunn replied with his signature inflection of genuine sincerity.

As he worked the crowd, his humanistic approach to life and fashion was evident. In Andover resident Roxanne Benolkin's copy of his book, he wrote:

"Roxanne, You know how to make it work!! Tim xox"

In the fashion world according to Tim Gunn, there is hope for us all.

Sara Glassman is a Minneapolis-based fashion writer.