In photo: Observing Tim talking to students

If you’re a teen who is interested in any type of design – whether it be product, fashion, or architecture (just to name a few) – being at the 2010 Teen Design Fair run by the Cooper-Hewitt Museum at the Altman Building this afternoon is a must.  This event is the kickoff for National Design Week and is hosted by Project Runway co-host Tim Gunn.

The  Teen Design Fair is like a scavenger hunt for those interested in design.  It’s your chance to walk around a room full of over 30 professionals in the fields of fashion, industrial design, architecture, multimedia, graphic design, and more to communicate with the people that are the best in their industry and get advice that is priceless.

Professionals that were at the event included Tim Gunn (Chief Officer at Liz Claiborne Inc., co-host of my favorite TV show Project Runway, author of Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons For Making It Work, and more), Cynthia Rowley (fashion designer), Jacki Easlick (previous fashion director for Kenneth Cole and designer for Vera Bradley and now currently independent handbag designer), and Jeff Silva (senior designer for Johnson&Johnson).  I had the opportunity to speak with each of these professionals and got tips/advice that I think is worth everyone knowing.

Talking to Tim was great; he listed the ‘must haves’ for every girl’s closet and store alternatives to finding pieces that look expensive but are sold for less.  Tim suggests stores such as H&M and Forever21 but also said “you can find things that are less expensive at stores like J.Crew and find sales.”  Tim suggests (as wardrobe essentials) the following: blazer, black dress, day dress, pant, class shirt, trenchcoat, jeans, cashmere sweater, and a sweatsuit.

I’ve given you advice directly from Tim Gunn.  Make it work.