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.
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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
£489 at A Bathing Ape* * *
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
£2.25 at Waitrose* * *
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
£30.25 at Monica Vinader* * *
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.
Browse Wayfair* * *
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.
Browse Liberty* * *
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
£22.99 at Amazon* * *
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.
£1,852 at Vestaire Collective* * *
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
From £22 at Bloom & Wild* * *
What sort of underwear do you wear?
None of your business … at least buy me a drink first.
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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!
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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.
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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
£5.24 at eBay £6.74 at Amazon* * *
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
£4 at Ocado* * *
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.
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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
£1.66 at Superdrug* * *
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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