My life in clothes: Nick Knowles, TV presenter

What’s the last piece of clothing you bought? An Ozwald Boateng white dinner suit, which I bought for a special occasion.

Best ever bargain? A pair of Italian shoes made from beautiful handmade leather by the maker Botti in San Francisco. I got them in a sale, so they only cost £80 but they’re worth about £600.

Who has great style? Ralph Lauren. He understands elegance and tailoring.

Name your favourite high street shop. Jack Wills for socks, underwear, shirts, hoodies and tracksuit bottoms.

What are you addicted to buying? Coats, particularly Italian ones. I would say that I have about 15 of them in various styles, but mostly classically tailored.

Any fashion disasters you’d care to tell us about? Many, especially with those Italian coats. I also have a pair of red trousers, with matching shoes and a shirt, and blue trousers, with matching loafers and a blue and white shirt. I wear them in Italy and no one blinks an eye.

What’s your favourite item in your wardrobe? I love my collection of top hats. I have a favourite – a dark brown John Bull-style version that was made for me by Patey Hats.

Knowles presents Original Features, on the Home channel (Sky 246, Virgin 265), weeknights at 10pm.