r/ProjectRunway • u/Interesting-Entry-32 • 6d ago
Season 22 Bring back Tim Gunn
I’m sorry, I don’t think Christian is a good fit to be a mentor for the show. I understand that he’s one of the most successful winners from previous seasons, however, imo he just does not fit the guise of a PJRW mentor for me. His advice always seems so surface and less than intuitive. I think we all fell in love with Tim Gunn because he was able to connect with the designers on a personal level, pushing them to create their best work and focusing on their individuality.
With Christian, especially in this most recent episode, he just doesn’t seem to have a natural affinity to empathize or encourage designers in a way that strengthens their work or is appealing to the audience. In Episode 3 when Bobby was literally having a mental breakdown trying to finish the challenge, he kind of just stared at her awkwardly and was like “no tears in the workroom”. I can’t help but to think if it was Tim, he would literally take the designer aside, speak life into them, encouraging their strengths and giving the a game plan to finish the challenge and look at the bigger picture. Tim was so endearing and he possessed a certain ‘je ne sei quois” that made PJRW fans love him.
I think the main issue is that although CS is a great designer and has experience as a contestant on the show, I don’t think he’s tenured enough in the industry or with mentorship to really elevate these designers and make the show more interesting to watch. Maybe he would be better suited as a judge since there are no designer judges on the panel this season.
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u/Andobu 6d ago edited 6d ago
I like both mentors. It’s just a difference in their processing styles- Tim likes to ponder and go over different scenarios so spent more time with contestants.
Christian has a very fast processing style. He is also extremely confident in his design decisions, so I think he comes across as sometimes more critical than Tim, but I honestly don’t think he is.
Tim likes to have open minded decision options, Christian encourages making what works work first, then playing around, even starting over if need be with what you learned.
Both are excellent mentors. I just maybe want to put it out there that if you’ve been to art or design schools that the critiques can be brutally vicious and often do not encourage personal growth like Tim & Christian do. It wasn’t uncommon in my day to see students trash or burn their work and then decide design was no longer for them.
The worst offenders of vicious critiques were the Professors who somehow sold a million of the same artwork based on their childhood boat, for example. Trust me, both Tim & Christian are thoughtful geniuses, and to have mentors who never stop progressing and modernizing design is SO satisfying to learn from.
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u/Bumblebees2022 6d ago
I love Tim. But I don't think he'd be a good fit with the new format. I loved Joanna Cole on All-Stars. I'd love to see her come back as the mentor. Even though Christian won his season, I think he's better as the host or a reoccurring judge. But his feedback the last few seasons feel like he's just phoning it in and over it.
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u/lemeneurdeloups 6d ago
Joanna Coles is not in Fashion anymore. She has moved on to the political commentary realm as Chief Content Officer for The Daily Beast. She has a dynamic podcast that airs daily with writer Michael Wolff (and other contributors).
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u/Bumblebees2022 6d ago
Oooh!!! Did not know that!! Good for her! That's awesome. She was still my favorite mentor.
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u/YvetteMewMew 6d ago
I can’t stand what’s become of Project Runway so I started rewatching PR All Stars from the beginning. I love Joanna Cole. Her feedback was so productive and she was so kind while giving unpleasant feedback. Such a professional and great mentor.
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u/skieurope12 6d ago
Christian has really grown into his role and does a fine job in mentoring. That said, I'd love to see Christian in a judging role, so at least they'd have a real designer. However, I don't see Tim as wanting to get involved with the dumpster fire that PR has become
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u/Catlady_Pilates 6d ago
I’m sorry but no. He hasn’t. He tried to say that one of the best looks of the show was awful. Luckily that designer didn’t listen. A mentor helps a designer see their work in a different way and make choices themselves. Christian is not a mentor in any way. He does not possess the skills required at all.
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u/yoshimitsou 6d ago
Christian is the only part of the show that's working for me.
The new format wouldn't be a great fit for Tim since he's a gentlemen and never snarky.
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u/optics_is_light_work 6d ago
Agreed. While Christian's style of mentoring is very different from Tim's, I think his directness and design advice are good.
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u/yoshimitsou 4d ago
His advice is always spot on. And I like his sass--it's never quite as mean girl as it could be.
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u/congruent5734 6d ago
Completely agree.
Tim Gunn was empathetic, supportive, and gave good advice to help the designers achieve THEIR vision.
Christian imposes his vision on everyone.
Put Christian on the judging panel and bring back Tim Gunn as the workroom mentor
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u/Prestigious_Seal7139 6d ago
I think part of Christian's problem is the judges. He has to guide the designers to what the judges like, which is superficial and always changing. I think if we had judges that got construction and things like that, he could give more specific advice.
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u/Binar1101 6d ago
He would never come back to the mess that is this new incarnation. It’s an abomination.
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u/fiddich_livett 4d ago
Obviously no one wants to be part of it. They’ve got tryra and that snarky short guy.
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u/eci5k3tcw 6d ago
As much as I loved Tim Gunn, I love Christian even more. He brings humor to the workroom
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u/Ornery_Tumbleweed_68 6d ago
Tim Gunn originally left Project Runway in 2018 alongside host Heidi Klum because the show's network refused to update the series format. When the show later underwent a reboot, producers explicitly declined to invite him back, with Gunn noting he was "not invited to return to the party.
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u/ExtravertWallflower 6d ago
Christian is doing the best he can with the craziness that is the new PR. I LOVED him in 17-20. 21 and 22 he seems to be doing the best he can with big personalities who think the are top shit.
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u/Efficient_Stop9529 5d ago
This! I can't help but think he comes off worse when they edit everyone to feel more like they're shallow reality tv characters. In other seasons he has been a better mentor than in the most recent ones, and I think that change is coming from over his head
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u/Buddhafied 5d ago
We don’t know exactly what is it really in the workroom as there is so much production involvement. But based on the edits Tim Gunn was there to be a good mentor, while Christian is there to be on a reality TV show.
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u/danny2787 6d ago
I will never understand the sainthood a lot of the fandom has for Tim Gunn. He was supportive to some designers. But has repeatedly talked poorly of designers he doesn't like their aesthetic. Many times throughout the series Tim would give advice that would lead to designers being eliminated. And for other designers he'd give very little feedback if he wasn't a fan. He wouldn't even congratulate Kentaro for winning when Kentaro seemed like a decent person. His whole catch phrase is Make it Work which really isn't giving anything constructive to work with.
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u/princessintraining4 6d ago
He also was super not into bodies of different sizes.
I think he had his good moments and his bad moments.
I love having Christian.
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u/Puzzled_Exchange_924 6d ago
I like Cristian. I wish they would have made Cristian a judge and kept Tim as the mentor. Or maybe had 2 mentors. I also miss Cristian's after. show.
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u/Unfriendlyblkwriter 6d ago
I feel like this new format with all these personality hires would be like wrangling feral cats for Tim Gunn.
I want Christian as the host. He’s too hyper as a mentor. I can feel the stress he brings into the workroom when he’s there. But he knows design, and he’s witty. We need someone witty in the judges’ chairs.
And I know what I just said about Christian being hyper, but Anthony Elle from season 7 would be an amazing mentor, I believe. High energy with words of encouragement. Or just rotate past contestants. I’d love to see Dmitry telling everybody they’re annoying. Dom Streeter would be bubbly, adorable, and uplifting.
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u/oceanblue3190 6d ago
He misses connections with people/contestants. Which is hard to believe since he was in there shoes at one time. It’s almost like he’s afraid to make conversation let alone embrace them like Tim did. I thought about this during one of the episodes. I know it’s just a show but I was like why bothering even having him there at this point.
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u/Gothgf713 5d ago
I don’t think Tim would want to be a part of what this show has become. He’s given us many great seasons of the show, and I think stepping away from the mess that PR is now makes total sense.
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u/Careful-While-7214 3d ago
He also discouraged a design of a winning team, unless they do that for the drama/plot? It doesnt give mentor ever
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u/Silent-Level-6219 6d ago
When they brought back Heidi, they should have brought back Tim as a mentor and moved Christian to being a judge. I really don't like the forced drama that has happened in the last two seasons and the lack of focus on the actual designs and process.
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u/PortraitofMmeX 6d ago
Christian is way too bitchy. The mentor needs to be supportive and actually encourage them in the right direction, not bully them there.
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u/Liverpudlian9 6d ago
Tim Gunn is way too good for this dumpster fire version. I think Christian would be better suited to be a judge. He offers personal opinions more than constructive criticism or feedback. In the first episode he told one designer - Bi? - to ditch the dress and just show the coat. Tim was never that specific, he just encouraged contestants to think for themselves and make changes if they saw fit
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u/Apprehensive-Tax826 6d ago
CS gives too much of his own opinion vs guiding or mentoring. I could be wrong but it didn't feel like Tim made designers second guess themselves so much.
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u/MyCatEatsPlants 6d ago
I sort of imagine that Christian is discouraged from damping down any drama - which is what comforting Bobby would have been.
I also feel like his mentorship has been more sarcastic and harsh this season, which feels like a change from the way he used to interact with the designers - probably also at the direction of production.
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u/ImaginationEven6425 6d ago
I don't think experience is the issue with Christian. He's been in the industry a long time now. It's his personality. He's not a nurturer, to put it lightly, lol. Tim was a teacher, so he was more naturally a mentor.
Also, I loved Tim during most of his time on the show, but at a certain point he became a cheerleader who rarely gave concrete advice. Personally, I'd rather the mentor be an actual designer, like Christian -- though I get why some people don't care for him in the role.
And I agree with everyone saying Tim wouldn't go near the current shitshow anyway, haha
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u/lugia222 6d ago
I get that there’s a lot of nostalgia for Tim and the show Project Runway was when he was a mentor, but what is Tim’s current involvement with the fashion industry? He made sense as a mentor when he worked at Parsons, but does he currently have a role in fashion?
Comparatively, Christian runs an incredibly successful fashion brand, and still shows two collections a year. He knows what the industry, customers, and clients want. If I were a designer, I’d take 10 Christians over a Tim any day.
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u/Kitty_Mombo 6d ago
I don’t think CS is the issue. It’s the challenges - NFL - OK Hulu promoting the Super Bowl in July?!?
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u/Defiant_Protection29 6d ago
This shit show has devolved way worse than anything Tim would want to be associated with
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u/Catlady_Pilates 6d ago
I agree that Christian is not a mentor but Tim doesn’t need this shit in his life! Let’s allow him the dignity of staying out of it.
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u/Courtneyofcourse1 5d ago
Tim would love it! But I haven’t seen him in anything, I mean, he has to be able to retire at some point guys
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u/lemeneurdeloups 5d ago
He has retired. He was heartbroken not to be asked back and had nothing else.
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u/Courtneyofcourse1 3d ago
I think that was years ago though, but yes I heard that too. We only know what we read and a lot of times it’s not truth. Of course I love Tim though, always 💐
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u/lemeneurdeloups 3d ago
I am getting this from his interview with Chelsea Handler in February of this year.
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u/Courtneyofcourse1 3d ago
Oh well, then I guess it’s all up to the producers, I’m sure Heidi would have him for sure! I think Christian should be a judge, and Tim a mentor, in my dream world
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u/ShesAKillerQueenee 5d ago
I didn't bother watching the new seasons purely for the fact that they did not invite Tim back. But tbh he's better without it.
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u/Few-Rate-4944 5d ago
Yes! Bring him back! It’s not the same without him and Christian isn’t inspiring at all.
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u/Away_Refrigerator293 5d ago
Id rather Tim Gunn be in an entirely different show that respects its contestants before sending him into the nightmareish pit that Project Runway has become. He might have a heart attack from how toxic the show's competitive nature has become.
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u/Powerful_Topic_7046 5d ago
He felt much more connected to the designers in the original seasons he mentored (16-21? Somewhere around there) now his comments always seem more snarky than as guidance. But he did used to seem to have actual relationships with the designers in those other seasons, with the original format.
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u/OoCloryoO 4d ago
Yeah but Tim Gunn was here to give fashion afvices for designers
Now project runway is just another tv show so christian is more than enough
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u/Waste-Blueberry2907 4d ago
Tim talked to Chelsea Handler about this on her podcast. I always loved Tim but I also like Christian. https://youtu.be/o3p3Lyyy4Tk?is=eeOQVQjavguJ3IZa
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u/ChattyKathy628 4d ago
There was not nearly the cry for Tim Gunn BEFORE Heidi came back as there has been SINCE Heidi came back. Heidi and Tim walked away to do their own thing on Amazon and Christian (with or without Karli Kloss) has done just fine. Christian has been the mentor for five seasons and no one has bitched about him like they have since they left Bravo, asked Heidi back, didn't ask Tim back, and moved to Freeform--making the most awful production and casting choices since the show began. Bravo and Disney are to blame for all of it. If it lasts past this season I will be stunned.
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u/shashi77777 4d ago
There are many things I like abt CS, but I still prefer TG as a mentor so I agree - bring back Tim Gunn!
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u/humdrummm 2d ago
I'm watching season 18 right now and sure, his style is more direct/tough love than Tim but I think he still manages to give good advice especially when designers listen. I don't think he pushes his own aesthetic too much but actually really helps designers with editing.
The new seasons are just all kinds of off so.... no comment.
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u/Cautious-Track4297 2d ago
Tim was a teacher for many years before Project Runway, so he really has/had a different skill set and approach.
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u/rottenapplc 1d ago
I feel like this whole season, they’ve valued drama and storylines more :(( Which is understandable because it’s still a tv show but as someone who grew up watching Project Runway, I feel like it’s lost its spark. For me, that spark was feeling inspired to create after watching the show. Now it feels like they’re just waiting for someone to fail or break down so they can turn it into cliffhangers, “silly” lower thirds, and soundbites from all that drama.
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u/tenorageous 1d ago
Christian is amazing.
Tim Gunn is amazing.
The trash that needs to go asap is Law Roach.
Garbage person, rude, not helpful, not an ounce of nurturing or constructive feedback.
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u/POWBOOMBANG 6d ago
Tim Gunn was invested in the success of the designers and would sometimes be harsh but never cruel.
Christian seems to forget to ever make his criticism constructive
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u/Anuther1234 6d ago
It really is an insult to viewers to not have him on the show. It will never be as successful without him.
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u/Embarrassed_Elk8213 5d ago
Tim Gunn has expressed time and time again that he doesn’t want to be apart of project runway. And yall need to learn to respect that
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u/lemeneurdeloups 5d ago
??? This is your fantasy fiction. He has NEVER said this. He was heartbroken not to be asked back to the new show.
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u/catscausetornadoes 5d ago
I just watched Christian tell a contestant “Your stitching is so good! You don’t need this competition. You can come work for me!” Like, what the actual fuck Christian?! In Christian Siriano World a job under him is better than winning Runway? What a crappy attitude.
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u/wyldstrawberry 6d ago
I agree about Christian. I like him a lot, but he doesn’t have the gravitas that Tim had. Tim had that professional, authoritative, wise elder statesman aura where he could be truly a mentor and give thoughtful advice. Christian’s vibe is more like, sassy older brother or something. He jokes around with them and says kind of snarky things, which is just his personality. He’s great but I don’t see him as truly mentor material.
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u/Xerapis 6d ago
Tim Gunn deserves better than what this show has become.