Fashion TV host to speak at ULS

A mentor to clothing designers on the TV show “Project Runway” will share his fashion advice with students at the fifth University Lecture Series (ULS) tonight.

Tim Gunn, the chief creative officer for the fashion company Liz Claiborne Inc., is speaking about his experience on the show, his book, “Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style” and tips on how students should dress, said Cindy Greenwood, assistant director for the Office of Student Programs.

“Everything that I’ve heard from agents and different people is that he is just a really nice guy … really engaging in the audience,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood said she expects the event will attract men and women, and hopes for a large turnout.

“Stereotypically, you would think of females being more interested in fashion than men,” Greenwood said. “But I do think there are definitely guys who want to dress nicely.”

After an extensive search process, Gunn was one of nine speakers chosen for the ULS series, Greenwood said.

During the spring semester, students and faculty recommend speakers they would like to see, and the ULS committees narrow the list to about 30 possibilities.

Surveys are then distributed throughout campus to see which speaker will be popular, Greenwood said.

Nicole Kummer, the guest relations director of ULS, said there was a lot of positive feedback for Gunn on the surveys.

“Personally, from a biased standpoint, I think Gunn is hilarious,” Kummer said. “He’s got a really great personality, a lot of great fashion advice and has a lot to say.”

Attendees can expect a “fun atmosphere,” a question-and-answer session and book-signing following Gunn’s lecture, Kummer said.

“Everyone I see or talk to about him is really excited,” she said. “I just think there’s going to be a really good vibe in the room.”

The entire cost for the event was $45,000, which includes Gunn’s hotel stay and flight, Greenwood said.

All ULS events are funded by student-paid Activity and Service fees allocated by Student Government.

The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom.

Admission is free for students, staff and the general public.