Gok Wan: ‘I’ve never been happier to be single’
Our favourite fashionista Gok Wan talks about his new tour, body confidence, and why age has nothing to do with being stylish...
He shot to fame in 2006 with How To Look Good
Naked – a show that encouraged women and men to feel good in their own skin, without losing weight or going under the knife. Since then, Leicester style guru Gok Wan, 43, has written books, presented his own cookery show and documentaries, and is a regular fixture on ITV’s
This Morning. Here, the ‘makeover maestro’ fills us in on his latest project - a series of events for women up and down the country, in the form of fashion and style masterclasses and much more... What can we expect from your new masterclasses? You’re getting all the laughs, all the fun, but also serious body motivation and confidence. First up, there’ll be a five-star brunch, then two live runway shows to be followed by Gok’s Style School. It’s a bit cheeky, and it’s the ultimate day out!
Whose style do you most admire?
Presenter Fearne Cotton is a massive style icon of mine. I think she’s so courageous and not afraid to put herself out there. Actress Diane Keaton is an incredible dresser – she’s so classic and beautiful. I also love seeing what Amal Clooney is wearing. Celebrity Big Brother’s Emma Willis has really grown into her style, and looks brilliant either casual or dressed up. Actor Jared Leto is also one to watch, as is Kelly Osbourne.
You were once an actor, weren’t you?
I was! I trained as an actor and toyed with the idea of becoming one. I auditioned for a musical, but nothing came of it, and I realised that part of my world is over. I’ve got a voice that can clean ovens, but I can just about hold a note.
You’d make a great judge. Have you ever considered Britain’s Got Talent?
BGT would be an amazing job, but I haven’t got the skill set for that! I’ve only ever met Simon Cowell properly once, at a party years ago. He was very sweet.
You must work with models all the time. Have you ever met Kate Moss?
I met Kate at Jonathan Ross’s Halloween party once. We had a very quick hello, but
‘If you’ve got zest for life, it improves every part of you. I have a youthful personality’
no conversation. She has great style – it’s not really my personal taste, but I totally get what she’s doing.
Jonathan’s parties are said to be legendary…
They’re amazing! He’s a fantastic host. Everyone is in costume and you spend a good part of the evening trying to work out who’s who. Someone will tell you that Tom Cruise is there, but you literally can’t see whether it’s him or not!
You’re nearly 44. How do you still look so young?
I don’t drink enough water, I don’t get enough exercise and I work too much, but I really enjoy living. I think if you have a real zest for life, it improves every part of you. I’ve got a youthful personality, and I’m slightly fearless.
Has your body changed, now you’re a little older?
It’s harder to stay in shape now that I’ve hit my 40s. My body has changed, but it doesn’t bother me. I enjoy the wealth of knowledge that age brings. My hands start to wrinkle, my face starts dropping, my tummy gets a bit bigger – I’ll indulge on a good holiday and notice the difference.
We think you’d make a great Loose Woman…
I would love that! I’ve been a guest panellist on the show. I love Janet Street-Porter. We have great intellectual conversations together, and talk about art and people we know. She’s brazen and ballsy!
Is it true you’re single – no one special right now?
Yes, and I’ve never wanted to be single as much as I do now! If the right guy comes along, I’ll have to make a huge amount of compromises in my life, and I don’t know whether I’m able to do that.
Any plans for a family?
I was dead set on having children in my late 30s, but not now. I’ve got no real desire to procreate. I’ve got a lot of godchildren, and nieces and nephews that I get my fix from. The older I get, the more selfish I am with my time!
Tickets for the September to
November tour, Gok Wan One Size Fits All – Secrets to Style & Body Confidence, are on sale at gokfashion.com.