There's no reason why fashion can't be affordable, says style guru Gok Wan. He tells Consumer Editor Emma McKinney why Brummies make the best crowds at his catwalk shows.
GOK Wan has come a long way since he first appeared on our TV screens seven years ago, convincing women to strip off for fashion makeovers in Channel 4’s hit show, How To Look Good Naked.
It won him adulation from females across the country, thrilled to have found a stylist who claims to see beauty in all women – regardless of size.
In fact, he is so adored, that he was recently named as the person Birmingham women would most want to be their bridesmaid.
And now the star is set to continue in his quest to transform the wardrobes of British women after filming a new series of his show Gok’s Clothes Roadshow.
This time, the show pledges to arm viewers with tips on how to get designer looks at affordable prices, by buying clothes and accessories sold in high street shops and supermarkets.
The programme sees Gok achieving this autumn’s key trends from as little as £50, and he shows off his bargain finds at catwalk shows filmed at cities across the country, including Birmingham.
His team descended on the city’s Bullring shopping centre earlier this month, when Gok transformed the wardrobes of three Brummie women and shared top tips with shoppers.
“I’ve filmed many of my previous shows in Birmingham, and it is just one of the best places to film,” says the 37-year-old. “Brummies are so good at being noisy and enthusiastic.
“The crowds here just love to be part of the show. They are so excitable and that is what we need for the catwalk shows.
“I would say Birmingham and Glasgow are the best cities in the country for this enthusiasm.”
Gok, who is launching his own cut-price clothing range for Tu at Sainsbury’s on October 10, says the city’s enthusiasm is matched by its sense of fashion.
“Birmingham is really stylish,” he said. “It always has been. When I was growing up in Leicester, I used to come to Birmingham to do my shopping. Cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield are really flying the flag for fashion in the north.”
He says the new show is “coming to the rescue” of Britons to prove they can look fabulous without spending a fortune.
Helen Boyle, from Cannock, Staffordshire, who is fashion editor on the show, adds: “The British high street has to be one of the best in the world. Where else can you get such a huge selection of different high fashion retailers, such a quick turn-around of all the top looks, and key pieces on such a large variety of budgets?
“The show demonstrates that, whatever your budget, fashion is for everyone and there is something out there for everyone.”
Helen, who has also worked as a presenter and resident stylist on TV shows such as Lorraine, Daybreak and This Morning, says that despite many consumers feeling cash-strapped as the country battles back from recession, there’s no need for our style to suffer.