Tim Gunn’s Natty Dallas Adventure

When author, television star and self-proclaimed anti-trend guy Tim Gunn came to town to speak at the Chick Lit Luncheon, sharing fashion dos and don’ts and behind-the-scenes scoop from Project Runway, he made it work in spades.

On the heels of his latest book release, Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor, he held court for two fashionable days — first, at a private cocktail reception hosted by honorary chair Brian Bolke at Forty Five Ten, then as keynote speaker at the Chick Lit Luncheon benefitting Community Partners of Dallas. Wardrobe proved crucial both days, as many would have some quality time with Gunn himself — and one dare not disappoint the master of style.

“The ladies who lunch were shopping to impress Tim,” said Paige McDaniel, CEO of Community Partners of Dallas. Kimberly Whitman, Southern Living editor at large and the recently appointed fashion ambassador for NorthPark Center, conducted the luncheon tête-à-tête, at which Gunn remarked: “You people in Dallas … I am in awe of you!” The conversation ranged from pre-fashion details of his life — Gunn wanted to be an architect before he embarked on a career in fashion — to style advice.

Not Gunn shy: chair Kristi Hoyl; Community Partners of Dallas’ VP of development, Joanna Clarke; presenting sponsors Lara and Robert Tafel; and guests Jill Tananbaum, Jennifer Spears, Cindy Carter, Sharon Smith, Kayla Wood, Robert Weatherly, Lisa Singleton, Samantha Wortley, Meaders Ozarow, Claire Dewar, Sam Saladino, Brad Hawkins, Jenifer Flynn, Cathy Hodges, Nancy Gopez, Jennifer LeLash, Melissa Sherill Martin, Heather Hicks, and Browning Mank.