"Tim Gunn's Guide To Style"

I really like Tim Gunn.
The dapper, silver fox who is the resident sage on Bravo's designer reality show "Project Runway" is always the voice of reason and the go-to source for droll, but wise observations.
I like the new show, but I must admit I wasn't too crazy at first about Gunn's new style makeover show "Tim Gunn's Guide To Style," which premieres at 10 p.m. Thursday on Bravo.
Certainly, Gunn's credentials are impeccable. He served as chair of the department of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design in New York before being named chief creative director at Liz Claiborne, Inc. in March.
The show, which Gunn co-hosts with former model Veronica Webb, has a woman getting a fashion makeover with the help of Gunn and Webb. In this way it follows much of the flavor of other style makeover shows like TLC's "What Not To Wear." Women with horror stories residing in their closets get tough love from fashion experts about what to toss, what to keep and what and how to add.
But initially I was put off by the tone of the Gunn show, especially the commentary on the challenge taped apart from the fashion victim. The tone seemed so catty, snooty and snotty - two cool kids reveling in another person's faux pas.
But then, as I watched the show, I got hooked. Gunn's crisp professionalism and evident artistic sensibilities shone through. And, thankfully, it became evident that Gunn and Webb were truly rooting for their victim to get it right.
One of the best aspects of this show is when Gunn sits the subject down and, using a computer program, explains the basics about body shapes, silhouettes, proportions, fit and lines. You really come away learning something you can apply on yourself.
I came away actually liking the show, though I'm not completely sold that Webb is the empathetic figure the show needs opposite Gunn's fashion professor.
And the second episode, also made available for screening, was a truly riveting and entertaining hour of television.
The show raises some questions that may be answered in future episodes. Why not some good options for go-to, no-brainer outfits since that's what most women want? How would they advise a plus-sized woman? And, is it just a coincidence that the first two women end up with similar "after" looks?
We'll be interested in seeing what "answers" Gunn and Webb come up with as the season progresses.