Monday, 5 November 2007

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Gok Wan

Celeb Grilling - you ask the questions

Style Stalker blog

How To Look Good Naked: Part 2

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Gok Wan is a busy man. His career’s gone supersonic since his Channel 4 show How To Look Good Naked became an instant hit. However, fame hasn’t gone to his head – he’s laid back, professional and totally outrageous when it comes to telling dirty jokes. We’d love to tell you the one involving a certain A-list actress, but we couldn’t possibly repeat it!
But while he’s won legions of fans with his fashion advice, does Gok, 33, practise what he preaches? We found a slot in the fashionista’s hectic schedule to put your questions to him and find out…

What one item of clothing should be an essential in every woman’s wardrobe?
Justine Groves, Farnham
A waist-cinching belt. On trend and brilliant for sharpening a silhouette.

Which celeb has the best taste – and who has the worst?
Sarah Fanshaw, Nottingham
Salma Hayek usually gets it right and Cameron Diaz looks great dressed casually, but can also pull it off on the red carpet. Penélope Cruz has amazing taste as well. For the worst, I’d say Gordon Brown because he wears the most ill-fitting suits.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Joanne Kemp, London
My need to keep everything neat and tidy – it drives me mental. I constantly tidy up and put things in piles.

Is it true that you once weighed 21st?
Narinder Patel, Leicester
I’m trying not to speak about it any more, but yes it’s true.

How long does it take you to get ready for a night out?
Julie Fox, Teignmouth
If I haven’t got my outfit sorted it can take up to three hours, but if
I have, it’ll be about 20 minutes.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?
Charlie Burton, Kent
You know what, you’re the first person who’s ever asked me that! People always ask me my views on it, but not if I’d do it. You never know,
I might get to 65 and decide I want to look like the Bride of Wildenstein.

You often ask women on the show to flash in public. Have you ever done it yourself?
Amy Brant, Cheshire
Not in front of people, but I’ve been drunk and peed in the street. My nan once did it at a festival when I was younger. She got drunk on cider and weed in a bush. I’m still traumatised.

Who were your first styling influences?
Georgina Young, Diss
David Bowie, Duran Duran and Bryan Ferry – all for very different looks. When I was younger I tried to look like Bros. I had Grolsch bottle tops on my Dr Martens and hideous white jeans. I got it down to a T.

Do you ever just slob around at home?
Lisa Tsang, Birmingham
I’ve got the biggest collection of tracksuits you’ve ever seen. I look like a glamour girl when I chill out in baggy tracksuit bottoms, Ugg boots and hoodies.

Would you let Trinny and Susannah make you over?
Jolene Graves, Weston-Super-Mare
No because I work hard at what I do and I don’t feel that I need a stylist.

If you were going to splash out on one item, what would it be?
Steph Fraser, Winchester
I don’t skimp on bags, watches, cars or anything I use every day. If I want it, I’ll have it – regardless of how much it costs.

I’m a curvy size 18. If you were to take me on a shopping makeover trip, where would we go?
Suzanne Skinner, Leamington Spa
I’d take you to Principles because it does a good range for sizes 16-20. After that, we’d go to a department store. I find that if a store does up to a size 18, the 18s aren’t generous; whereas if they go up to a size 24, the 18s tend to fit.

I’ve heard that you were bullied when you were younger. What would you say to those bullies now?
Wendy Quinn, Wandsworth
Bollocks to you, f***ers – who’s laughing now?!

How many mirrors do you have in your house?
Angela Simmons, Mansfield
Far too many! I have one in every room, including my kitchen. How embarrassing is that?

Who’s been the most difficult person you’ve had to style?
Claire Grimmet, Exeter
I’m not going to name any celebrities because I’d never be able to work with them again, so I’ll say my mum because she doesn’t like being styled and I’m constantly trying to bully her into it.

What’s your best beauty tip?
Betty Smith, Coventry
Keep two teaspoons in the freezer to put on your eyes after a night out.

Who should play you in a film about your life?
Fran Batchelor, Alton
Ryan Phillippe because I have the biggest crush on him.

What’s been your biggest fashion disaster?
Ivy Massey, Newbury
I rocked up to work at Habitat years ago in head-to-toe beige. I looked like an artificial limb.

How would you like to be remembered?
Sarah McCabe, Darlington
For being a disgusting prude who swears too much.

Have you ever dated a woman?
Kelly Brown, Wakefield
I’m not saying. That crosses the line!

Could you write your own personal ad?
Gemma Vince, Barnsley
Outgoing Eurasian, 33, London, likes Sambuca shots, Sex And The City and slow midnight dances. Seeks like-minded, gorgeous, funny, ambitious, intelligent, arrogant, rich fashionista! N

Prize Question
Which celebrity would you love to style?
Imogen Rether, Middlesbrough
Sarah Jessica Parker because I’d love to get my hands on her.

EMAIL US… WIN £50!
Put your question to the stars. The prize question wins £50.

By Karen Dunn