gok wan ·
style secrets ·
Just saying, Gok
We must confess to having missed the first episode of Gok's Style Secrets as we were otherwise engaged and therefore had to use Channel 4's catchup service (which was immensely frustrating as it kept crashing on us). Having already subscribed to the #goksstylesecrets Twitter hashtag, we knew we were either going to love it or hate it.
Indeed we have blogged about Gok Wan and his various programmes before. We freely admit we used to love him unconditionally, but found ourselves turning decidedly lukewarm as he served up supermarket and fast fashion 'chic' rather than taking the opportunity to showcase products from the small and struggling independent retail sector - not to mention largely ignoring the eco-benefits, growing popularity and ready availability of quality preloved and vintage pieces. We've said it before and will keep saying it: why buy new, mass produced, fast-lane-to-landfill tat from giant multinationals when there are so many quality items still in circulation and good to go for another decade or more? Just saying, Gok.
Returning to the programme, Gok dressed his first style seeker up in a couple of pin-up outfits, including leopard print and polka dots, before sending her off on a talent spotting mission in a random bar. As one tweeter, er, tweeted, a tad uncharitably, it was a bit of a prostitute moment, but there's no doubt as to how good (and confident) the young woman looked (and let's face it, over-the-top under-dressing seems to have caught on big time since we were young back in the 70s).
Coincidentally (and you knew there had to be a point/plug to this post!) one of the recent photoshoots we were involved in also took inspiration from leopard and combo prints, but our lovely model looked absolutely fabulous in a mixture of vintage, preloved and hand made pieces. Just saying, Gok.
Indeed we have blogged about Gok Wan and his various programmes before. We freely admit we used to love him unconditionally, but found ourselves turning decidedly lukewarm as he served up supermarket and fast fashion 'chic' rather than taking the opportunity to showcase products from the small and struggling independent retail sector - not to mention largely ignoring the eco-benefits, growing popularity and ready availability of quality preloved and vintage pieces. We've said it before and will keep saying it: why buy new, mass produced, fast-lane-to-landfill tat from giant multinationals when there are so many quality items still in circulation and good to go for another decade or more? Just saying, Gok.
Returning to the programme, Gok dressed his first style seeker up in a couple of pin-up outfits, including leopard print and polka dots, before sending her off on a talent spotting mission in a random bar. As one tweeter, er, tweeted, a tad uncharitably, it was a bit of a prostitute moment, but there's no doubt as to how good (and confident) the young woman looked (and let's face it, over-the-top under-dressing seems to have caught on big time since we were young back in the 70s).
Coincidentally (and you knew there had to be a point/plug to this post!) one of the recent photoshoots we were involved in also took inspiration from leopard and combo prints, but our lovely model looked absolutely fabulous in a mixture of vintage, preloved and hand made pieces. Just saying, Gok.
Photography: Oliver Schneider Hair, make up and styling: Sandra Cormack Clothing: The Frockery Model: Nicole McCubbin (Superior Elect)
Photography: Oliver Schneider Hair, make up and styling: Sandra Cormack Clothing: The Frockery Hat: Pea Cooper Millinery Model: Nicole McCubbin (Superior Elect)