Tim Gunn Makes It Work

Last night, Bravo gave us a sneak peek of “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” by showing us the second episode a week early.

And it was just as good as advertised…

“Style” combines elements of Bravo’s two most iconic shows—“Project Runway” and “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”—to show us one woman’s inspirational journey.

In this episode, the woman was Karen Vito, a forty-something mother who insisted on dressing “sexy” (read that as slutty) wherever she went, including PTA functions. Both her husband and her daughter were embarrassed by her appearance, so Tim and his “fashion accomplice” Veronica Webb, swooped in to help.

I was concerned that Veronica would take away from Tim, but she’s actually a good partner for him. It gives him someone to talk to, both to celebrate and commiserate. Interestingly, in this episode, it was Tim who held back, fearing that he would upset Karen—until Veronica said she looked like a stripper. Then the Tim we know and love came out in full force.

On a side note, I found it kind of comical that Veronica was lecturing women on wearing too much makeup when she was wearing enough to choke a horse. But since she’s not the star here, I found a way to look over that.

Last week, I said that Tim Gunn was a reality TV legend. You need to only watch him for a few minutes to see why. He was born for TV. Only Tim Gunn can say things like, “I’m responding well to what that’s doing for you” and not sound like a snob.

Since this episode hasn’t aired yet, I won’t give away what happens; but I will say there were a lot of tears (mostly Karen), a lot of frustration (mostly Tim) and a lot of heartwarming moments (from everyone). Plus, I actually learned a few things about clothes.

But just like “Queer Eye,” this show is not just about the makeover. It’s about changing a life and it’s clear that Tim takes that duty very seriously. The special gift he gives Karen at the end tells us that.

“Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” premieres tonight (Thursday) at 10 p.m. on Bravo…