North Central College and Anderson’s Bookshops welcomed fashion consultant and author Tim Gunn at 7 p.m. Thursday in Meiley-Swallow Hall who signed copies of his new book, “Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor: A Master class on Mentoring, Motivating and Making It Work!,” which was published on March 24. Tickets were required and available with purchase of the new book at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave, in downtown Naperville.
There was much excitement and chatter amongst the crowd as fans waited in the seats of the theater until being called up onto the thrust stage to have their books personalized by Gunn.
One woman who was a big fan cried tears of joy as she met and shook Gunn’s hand. It was a heartwarming moment as Gunn gave her a hug and promised that they would meet again one day. According to Ginny Wehrh’hemmeter, event coordinator at Anderson’s Bookshops, the author visit had great turnout of about 150 people.
Gunn has previously written two other books, “Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible” and “Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style.” In his newest book, however, Gunn shifts from providing fashion commentary to making a tribute to teaching and mentoring.
“The Natty Professor” is divided into sections that correspond to Gunn’s T.E.A.C.H. philosophy and are dedicated to the five key factors that Gunn feels define outstanding educators: Truth Telling, Empathy, Asking, Cheerleading and Hoping for the Best. In each of these sections Gunn combines lessons from his own career as an educator at Parson’s School of Design with stories from his personal life. In doing so, Gunn gives the book a conversational tone that makes the teachings aspects as enjoyable as the antecedents of his career in mentoring and teaching, which spans over 40 years.
Along with a few glimpses of behind the scenes of his various reality TV series, including “Project Runway” and “Under the Gunn,” Gunn frequently includes “life assignments” where he challenges readers to apply the lessons to themselves.
All things considered, it seemed as if everyone in attendance enjoyed the evening with Mr. Gunn.
