Kiwis need classes on glasses: Gok Wan

Gok Wan is returning to New Zealand, with a critical eye for our celebrity 'four eyes'.

Speaking to the Herald on Sunday ahead of his visit next month, he said New Zealanders had not embraced glasses as a fashion item in the same way Europeans had.

"I was quite shocked when I was in New Zealand, there just wasn't the same range we have back here," he said.

"I think they are seen more as a operation to see better while, in the UK, they are very much a fashion accessory."

But he did comment on three well-known specs-wearers who he said made the fashion grade: Paul Henry, Jemaine Clement and Jenny Shipley. Wan wears glasses, and has more than 200 pairs. His outfit dictates to him which pair he will wear.

Next month, he will judge the inaugural Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year Award.

Auckland's Signature Style owner, Jackie O'Fee, said New Zealanders have come a long way with giving glasses the respect they deserve.

"I remember when it wasn't glamorous at all to wear glasses - now it adds to your look. I think people do get it now, people are seeing them as more of a fashion accessory."

Wan's verdict on our celeb spec-wearers

Paul Henry

TV One Breakfast show host

"I love Paul's bold frames. They perfectly reflect his outgoing personality. They shout strong and colourful."

Jemaine Clement

Flight of the Conchords

"Jemaine has fabulous strong features! A strong jaw, loads of hair and power eyebrows, so a delicate frame would not enhance his look - his choice of a fairly chunky frame is a good one."

Jenny Shipley

Former Prime Minister

"Jenny's statement frames tell me she is a powerful woman! Her choice of tortoiseshell rather than a heavier black suggest that she doesn't feel the need to flaunt it."