Tim Gunn and Ellen DeGeneres, animal heroes

Confession time here, I absolutely adore Tim Gunn. He makes the fashion show “Project Runway” come alive with his glib observations about “structure and silhouette” that even this tee-shirt and jean-clad dog trainer gets. Not that it has much of an impact on my working wardrobe.

But now I have another reason to think Tim Gunn rocks. He has been named the “Man of the Year” by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA. Gunn was recognized for his insistence that no fur be used on the “Project Runway” show. Gunn told the Los Angeles Times, “Wearing fur is like wearing a big sign reading, ‘I’m in favor of inflicting cruelty and pain on animals as a fashion statement.’” Gunn has also narrated a documentary on the fur business.

Another person who received a nod from PETA was talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres has long been known as an animal advocate, but PETA recognized her for using her show as a platform to present the benefits of a vegan diet and other animal advocacy issues.

The nicest thing about these two folks getting some recognition is they managed to do their animal advocacy without resorting to rudeness. There were no demonstrations involving red paint being splashed on shoppers and in your face tactics that often do more harm than good.

Hats (100% organic cotton) off to Gunn and DeGeneres.