CREATIVE COLOUR DIRECTOR & CELEBRITY HAIR STYLIST
In this episode of ‘Life in Charms’, Annoushka speaks with the incredibly talented Nicola Clarke, London’s renowned colour director, celebrated for her work with icons like Madonna, Kate Moss, and Cate Blanchett. Delving into her journey, from growing up in Essex to the creative challenges of dramatic colour transformations and working with iconic clients, they explore the emotional significance of personal charms and how these tiny treasures connect us to our memories and milestones.
Nicola begins by sharing memories of her childhood, starting with the story behind her first charm: a reimagined snake ring passed down from her grandmother. It reflects her fond memories of growing up in Essex and spending time in her grandparents’ garden. The charm features a coiled snake with green and blue enamel skin framing a central - symbolising movement and femininity. Meanwhile, her next charm, a playful cocktail glass charm, is inspired by her other grandmother, who famously enjoyed gin and orange squash. , the charm includes a glass made from orange and pink sapphires, a slice of enamelled orange, and a tiny pearl.
They move on to explore Nicola’s journey into hairdressing - from her early start to her tenacity in moving to London and securing herself a position at the prestigious Barclay Hotel salon. She shares vivid anecdotes about working with high-profile clients, what happens when things don’t quite go to plan, and the deeply personal conversations that often unfold in the salon chair.
Among her charms is a three-dimensional Big Ben, made of yellow gold with tiny around the clock face, cleverly designed as a . Another favourite is a bottle of nail varnish, created to resemble Chanel Rouge Noir. It’s a flat design with a garnet stone to emulate the rich red hue, and a top in black rhodium over .
As the episode draws to a close, Nicola is invited to pick one of the for Annoushka to create for her and Nicola chooses a , a nod to her love of gadgets and her husband’s background in film. Styled like a vintage Leica, the charm is hand-crafted in yellow gold with graduated brown diamonds to mimic worn leather. The lens features a green tsavorite, with a ruby as the flash - and it even opens to reveal a space for a photograph inside.
This joyful, insightful conversation celebrates not only the beauty of storytelling through jewellery, but also the creativity, humour, and emotional depth that defines Nicola’s extraordinary career.
