New York: Tim Gunn is taking his fight against fashion crimes from the workrooms of ‘Project Runway’ to the pages of a comic book. And, wow, does he get to wear a power suit.The ‘Loaded Gunn’ story line — to save an exhibit of extraordinary superhero clothes from a cadre of villains — is part of a book that reintroduces a group of Marvel`s high-fashion ‘Models Inc.’ comic characters from the 1960s.
"It`s a little `America`s Next Top Model` — without Tyra (Banks) — and a little `Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,`" says Marvel editor Charlie Beckerman.
The Gunn project evolved on a whim, but it turned out Gunn was a childhood comic fan and a good sport, Beckerman says.
Gunn says the experience has been "the most bizarre thing."
"It`s exciting and exhilarating, but bizarre. When they came to me, I said, `I`m about to turn 56 years old. Are they crazy?` But it kept revealing itself in layers and next thing, I`m wearing the `Iron Man` suit. I was dumbstruck."
Personally, Gunn says he always fancied himself more of a Batman type, but he`s pleased with the result.
"Most superheroes are fighting the same thing — good vs. evil — but who`s taking on crimes against fashion? Me!"
The biggest offense, hands down: clothes that don`t fit properly, Gunn says. And, if he had the truly incredible power to remove one item from closets all around the world, no question it would be Crocs.
"It`s the No. 1 fashion crime item — and I see it a lot," Gunn says.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, September 5, 2009, 12:17