Nicky clarke awarded obe for services to hairdressing
Published
07th Jan 2007
by rachael
Nicky Clarke has four salons in Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and London and was made an OBE in 2007.
Known for styling the tresses of clients including Diana, Princess of Wales, actress Liz Hurley, and music legends George Michael and David Bowie, Nicky now has successful salons in Londons Mayfair, Birmingham, Manchester and most recently Leeds.
Why do you think you received the award?
Officially it says for services to the industry, but I'm not sure what for. It came completely out of the blue and it's nice because it's not something you can work towards. We had a work experience girl opening the post and she rang my partner Lesley and said Downing Street had written offering me an OAP! We worked it out and couldn't believe it!
What did you do to get it?
I have contributed to helping change people's perceptions of the industry and helped people understand that British hairdressing leads the world. It's odd to think that people like Vidal Sassoon have never been honoured, even though we know how much he did for the industry. It is only recently that hairdressers have been recognised.
How did it feel when you found out?
I was very proud and very nervous. You don't expect a boy brought up in a council house to be presented to the Queen. I took my mum with me, which was great as my dad had been awarded the military equivalent after the war and she hadn't had the chance to go with him.
Is it important for hairdressers to be recognised?
It's great to receive industry awards, but to be recognised by the public is something special. It wasn't just for me, it was for a movement of people - Leonard and Vidal Sassoon changed hairdressing, as did Raymonde before them. Attitudes have changed and it is normal for hairdressers to be part of the community.
Who would you like to see get an award?
Leonard and Vidal Sassoon because most successful hairdressers started their career with them. They both had a distinct look and from them came the likes of John Frieda, Daniel Galvin and Trevor Sorbie.
