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Gok Wan is a multi-award-winning UK television presenter, designer, stylist, in-demand DJ, cook and author. His first TV series for Channel 4, How to Look Good Naked, catapulted him into the public eye and paved the way for a further seven series.
He presents weekly on ITV’s This Morning and is the co-host of Magic FM Breakfast alongside Harriet Scott. Gok is an ambassador for JD Williams and the voice of two animated characters in Luo Bao Bei, which airs globally.
What’s the last treat you bought for yourself?
My idea of a treat is something I could live without, but would be miserable without. So the last treat I bought myself was a beautiful camo-print windbreaker jacket from A Bathing Ape. If only I lived up a mountain!
Bape coach jacket
Where do you buy your food from?
I tend to do a daily food shop, so it depends which supermarket I am closest to when I am out and about. However, there are a handful of items I know I can only get from Waitrose. The reduced-fat yoghurt coleslaw is well worth walking an extra 10 minutes for.
Waitrose yoghurt-dressed coleslaw, 300g
What’s the best ever present you’ve given – and received?
I don’t believe the best gifts have to be the most expensive. They just have to come from the heart. The best gift I ever bought was a necklace I gave to my best friend, who passed away last year. It was from Monica Vinader with a personal message engraved on the pendant. After she passed, I received an unexpected package in the post: the necklace, which her family had sent back to me. It’s one of my most treasured possessions.
Monica Vinader petal pendant
What’s your favourite online store?
I love interior design and buying for my home. Wayfair is a fail-safe when looking for soft furnishings, lighting etc.
What’s your favourite bricks-and-mortar shop?
Physical stores have to be an experience. I care about every element of the shopping process: the lighting, the music, the merchandising, the store layout. So for me, it has to be London’s Liberty, especially at Christmas.
What’s the gadget you use most often?
I spend my summer at festivals and winter in clubs, not just partying but DJing, and I get really hot. So I have a very elaborate collection of electronic hand fans. I have one that is virtually an aircon unit strapped to my face.
Handheld fan
What’s the purchase you regret the most?
Many years ago, on a spontaneous trip to France, I stumbled across a Chanel store. Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn to a silver, sequined, silk-lined blazer. I got to wear it once to an event, but I was so scared of it catching on something or getting burned on a cigarette that it has remained in the dust bag ever since. I have never had the courage to sell it, but that’s also good for my goddaughter, who will one day inherit it when I am entering the pearly gates … unless I decide to wear it on entry.
What’s the thing/s you get delivered?
I am lucky enough to get fresh flowers delivered every week. I look forward to getting the big blue box at my front door, and they are always a gorgeous bunch of big flowers.
Bloom & Wild flower subscription
after newsletter promotion
What sort of underwear do you wear?
None of your business … at least buy me a drink first.
What would you buy with £20 – and £200?
Right now, I would use £20 to take my mum and dad out for a cup of tea, as it would mean I get to see them, as I miss them. But I’d use the £200 to buy a train ticket back to London when they started to do my head in!
What’s your saved search on eBay/Vinted?
I’ve been looking for four matching mid-century chairs for my reception room. I stupidly bought an irregular-sized table that no chairs fit underneath, but I love the table. The search continues.
What item do you buy on repeat?
This will come as no surprise to you, but being a fashion stylist, I am a stickler for clothes maintenance. Whether that’s washing bags for trainers, washing machine clothing dye, or lint rollers, I always seem to be buying stuff to keep my clothes looking brand new. One item that is on a subscription order is antistatic spray – you need to Google this wonder product.
British Basics anti-cling/static spray
How do you make your coffee at home?
I like my coffee like I like my chat: cheap and sweet. I am all about instant, but it’s got to be proper milk.
Nescafé Azera americano instant coffee, 90g
What’s your biggest splurge?
Christmas is way more about shopping for others than receiving presents. Every year I treat myself to an afternoon at Fortnum & Mason, where I tend to buy at least 90% of my Christmas gifts for my friends and family. I honestly think there is no better shopping experience.
And what everyday item do you scrimp on?
Lip balms. I am a self-confessed balm addict and am constantly applying throughout the day and night. I’ve tried super expensive ones in fancy packaging, and I have found they pretty much all do the same thing, so I keep it cheap and cheerful.
Vaseline lip balm, 20g
And what’s your greatest vintage find?
My captain’s desk, which I found on eBay many years ago. It’s the perfect height, the perfect size, and beautifully worn in. It’s everything I love about vintage finds and interiors – cosy, warm and full of stories. Sitting at that desk is probably my favourite place in the house.
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