Tim Gunn Breaks Silence on Project Runway Snub: 'You're Either In or Out'
Max Sterling, 2/15/2025In a deliciously ironic twist, "Project Runway's" Tim Gunn reveals he was offered the fashion equivalent of a participation trophy - a one-episode cameo - after 19 seasons of mentorship. The fashion guru's response? A masterclass in turning industry shade into elegant shade.
In a revealing turn of events that speaks volumes about the often-cruel nature of television's revolving door, beloved "Project Runway" mentor Tim Gunn has pulled back the curtain on his conspicuous absence from the show's upcoming revival — and the tale is as fascinating as it is disheartening.
The 71-year-old fashion guru, whose "make it work" catchphrase became a cultural touchstone, has revealed he wasn't just passed over for the revival — he was essentially shown the door with all the grace of a poorly sewn hem. After 19 seasons of shepherding aspiring designers through their creative crises, Gunn's exclusion from the reboot comes with a particularly bitter twist.
"I wasn't asked back," Gunn disclosed, his characteristic frankness on full display. The story unfolds like a poorly written reality show script: a series of text messages with long-time co-host Heidi Klum led to the discovery that while she was in negotiations, Gunn's contract was nowhere to be found.
What followed was perhaps the most tone-deaf move in recent television history — producers offered Gunn, an Emmy-winning host who helped shape the show's DNA for 16 seasons alongside Klum, a "small cameo in one episode." His response drips with justified sarcasm: "What do I do? Wave from a bus? As the designers are going into Mood [Fabrics]? Heidi comes to see me at the retirement home and we play croquet?"
The situation highlights not just the callousness of industry decision-making but also the strength of professional relationships forged under the hot lights of reality television. Klum, upon learning of Gunn's exclusion, reportedly fought for her longtime colleague. "She was really upset and she kept saying, 'I'm fighting for you, I'm fighting for you,'" Gunn shared, though he graciously advised her to focus on herself instead.
What's particularly striking about this situation is Gunn's evolution from devastation to acceptance — a journey that mirrors the kind of growth he often encouraged in his designers. "I was initially devastated, then kind of humiliated," he admitted, before finding a more philosophical perspective: "How lucky am I to have had the experiences that I've had over the last 20 years?"
This graceful pivot from disappointment to gratitude feels particularly poignant coming from someone who spent nearly two decades teaching others how to turn fashion disasters into runway triumphs. In true mentor fashion, Gunn has managed to transform what could have been a bitter ending into a masterclass in professional dignity.
The fashion maven's ultimate response to the slight — "You're either in or you're out. And I'm out" — cleverly repurposes Klum's famous catchphrase while underlining the finality of his decision. It's a reminder that sometimes the most elegant exit doesn't involve walking down a runway, but rather walking away with your head held high.
