In the ever-evolving world of beauty, Neil Moodie is a true force of nature—equal parts visionary, trendsetter, and community builder. After decades of styling for top fashion publications, he’s carved out a conscious, mid-century-inspired oasis in Old Spitalfields Market with the Neil Moodie Studio. We sat down with him to chat about street style, sustainability, and why Shoreditch continues to spark his creative flame.
What initially drew you to editorial styling, and how did your collaboration with Corinne Day shape your early career?
I had always been a lover of fashion magazines and imagery. Meeting Corinne and eventually getting the chance to work with her was how my career took on a new direction. After working with her once, she then asked me to work with her all the time which was completely unexpected.
You’ve worked with some of the world’s most iconic fashion publications. What keeps you inspired after three decades at the top?
For me I’m always inspired by street fashion and new art, which is what inspires me. I also love technology and am really interested in how you can use it to evolve and try new things. Young people on the street are a constant source of inspiration as they are completely free to express themselves however they choose without hardly ever being judged.
How does your approach differ when working behind the chair at the Neil Moodie Studio compared to high-fashion shoots?
Working at the studio you are dealing with clients who already have an idea of how they would like to look, or looking for suggestions of how to cut, colour and style their hair, whereas on a shoot it’s a different kind of creative process as it’s about creating hair that works specifically for the shoot, and the clothes being shot. Also we rarely cut hair on shoots, it’s more about just styling and dressing out hair.
Your studio in Spitalfields blends conscious beauty with Mid-Century design. What inspired the creative vision behind the space?
I was always inspired by the mid century designs of homes in LA by John Lautner, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles Eames, and Ray Eames.Their designs speak timeless luxury, and I always loved the light in those homes too. They are always the most relaxed places to sit and be in. I wanted that feel in the salon.
Being conscious and eco-friendly was also a big thing for me as I realised there was so much waste from salons, and having done a lot of research about what matters to people, being conscious kept coming up. Co-labbing with the Green Salon collective was imperative to maintain as much consciousness as possible, plus our clients really resonate with that.
Hair trends come and go—how do you stay ahead of the curve while remaining authentic to your style?
For me it’s more about trying to create the trends rather than following them. That way you stay more true to your own style. I sit with my team and we discuss what we like , what we think will be next plus how certain things will evolve.
Sustainability and inclusivity are at the core of your studio. Why are those values so important to you as a business owner and artist?
It’s so important to be sustainable now as so much unnecessary waste is still going on around the world, and even now, not enough people are aware of the effects it is having on the planet as a whole. Inclusivity is important also because anybody should be able to walk into any salon and have their hair done, regardless of race, colour, sexuality and creed.
Looking back on your work with brands like Miu Miu and Vogue, which shoot or campaign holds the most personal significance?
That is such a hard question to answer after 30+ years of work. So many shoots have significance in my life. Working on any Vogue cover feels special as there is only 12 a year, working on the Kate Moss 9 images for the National Portrait Gallery sponsored by Vogue holds a special place in my heart as its part of the permanent exhibition there, and as somebody once pointed out to me, my work is in the same gallery as Picasso!
Spitalfields is a cultural crossroads in East London. How has the creative energy of Shoreditch influenced your studio and your approach to beauty?
Spitalfields is such a community, which I had no idea existed until we became part of it. All the businesses look after each other, and it’s great to be able to bounce off the people around us in so many ways.
Which Shoreditch-based businesses or founders do you find most inspiring right now, and why?
I love The Mercantile next door to us. They don’t just sell clothes, they curate looks for people and encourage you to live the lifestyle you want, which is kind of how we work with hair. I particularly love some of the jewellery stalls in the market too and the vintage clothes stalls. There’s also a guy on the New Spitalfields side who re-appropriates old pieces of clothing which I find very inspiring ( can’t remember his name – sorry)
When you’re not in the studio, where are your go-to spots in Shoreditch to eat, unwind, or soak up some local culture?
I love the food from Mamma’s Goodies inside the market – inspired from Sicilian street food and run by 2 Sicilians. The Funky Cellar on Lamb Street is a great french place with amazing wines and cheeses, and a great place to go and hang out for the evening.
Brother Marcus is a great place for lunch or Dinner, serving delicious Middle Eastern meets mediterranean food
2 Nigerian Boys is a great Nigerian takeaway stall run by 2 friends who love Nigerian food. ( this is very popular with some of my staff) They serve chicken, beef, lamb,veggie or plantain with Jollof rice – delicious!
Art play is a great creative space for the community to come together and express themselves through art. They welcome everyone from beginners to budding David Hockney’s.
Looking ahead, what exciting plans or evolutions do you envision for your business and the Neil Moodie Studio brand?
We have many plans for the studio. We’re about to launch a campaign to help women rediscover and celebrate their beauty, especially those who are feeling like they have lost their identity a little, whether it being from focusing on being a Mum, going through menopause or coming through a divorce, I am also launching some educational courses for hairdressers to attend, who wish to break into the fashion industry. These will launch in the summer of 2025.
