This year Andrew Jose celebrates 35 years in his Charlotte Street salon, and to mark this milestone, he’s published a book. Featuring clients old and new ranging in age from 14 to 92, it’s a snapshot of the rich and diverse variety of people that have stepped through the doors of the salon since its launch in 1988. Available in digital format, it has also been produced as a beautiful, limited edition print run.
Shooting pictures of the clients in the salon on a monthly basis, Andrew’s great friend, photographer Jason Joyce took the pictures. The book represents who ‘Andrew Jose’ is as a salon and how it has evolved over the years. Not only does it reflect the community around the Andrew Jose salon; it was a chance for everyone within the team to be involved, including new and younger members. The result is a living record of one of London’s most esteemed hair salons.
Andrew Jose
Andrew says, “The story of the Andrew Jose salon is all about our clients. Without them, we simply wouldn’t still be here. So, what better way to pay tribute to some of our favourite faces than with a book. Many of our clients have been coming to us for over 10 years, some have been with us throughout the whole journey. We’re fortunate to look after so many fascinating, inspiring and loyal people. It was hard to whittle down to just a few of our favourites but I think this snapshot sums up who we are and the rich diversity of the people we love to serve.”
Celebration
To celebrate the launch of the book and mark 35 years on Charlotte Street, Andrew and the team threw open the doors of the salon on Midsummer’s Day – 21st June for a very special party. Attended by the team, clients, press, plus friends and supporters of the salon, and generously sponsored by Revlon Professional, it was a fabulous night.
History
When Andrew launched his salon at no.20 Charlotte Street, Charlotte Street was known mainly for its restaurants, which came alive between midday and 3pm. The now famous Charlotte Street hotel didn’t open its doors until 12 years after the salon opened theirs. In the meantime, Andrew Jose had moved to its current home at no.1 Charlotte Street in 1994.
Early days
In the early days, despite being a relatively quiet area, there were two notable businesses: Saatchi and Saatchi and Channel 4. Co-founder of Saatchi and Saatchi, Maurice Saatchi was one of Andrew’s first clients – Maurice and his creative team becoming regulars. Saatchi did two campaigns for the salon, launching them into the advertising world and securing their slot as a mainstay of the creative hub that grew around the street in subsequent years.
It was the idea of Andrew’s friend, and long-time collaborator, photographer Jason Joyce to produce a book. With a vision to create a glimpse into the goings on of this bustling London salon, Jason gave his creativity, time and energy to the project. Every single member of the team was encouraged to assist on the shoots or invite clients to feature in the book. They all had the opportunity to experience a photo shoot and to learn all about the intricacies of the process.
35 years on, when asked what he would change about his salon if he could, Andrew says, “Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. To me, it’s the ideal workplace. Open, spacious, bright, I love being here.” He puts his lasting success down to pure enjoyment. “It doesn’t feel like work to me. I love watching my team get better and better, teaching, and coaching people. Doing hair is the easy part – it’s fun, it’s rewarding. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.”
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