An Isle of Wight manicurist who started out doing her own nails at home has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in international fashion.
Harriet Cooper, who runs Cured Studio on the Island, has swapped her usual surroundings for the glamour of London and Paris Fashion Weeks, helping prepare models for catwalk shows featuring world-renowned designers.
Her impressive list of credits includes Paul Costelloe at London Fashion Week, as well as Ruben Singer, The Row, A$AP Rocky’s AWGE and Givenchy at Paris Fashion Week.
It is a remarkable achievement for Harriet, whose journey into the beauty industry began with a simple hobby – experimenting with different nail colours and styles at home.
Finding the process both creative and therapeutic, she decided to turn her passion into a profession, undertaking specialist training in London and developing a particular interest in natural nails.
She soon found herself drawn to session manicuring, a specialised area of the industry involving preparing models’ nails for fashion shows, photoshoots and other creative productions.
Harriet went on to establish Cured Studio on the Isle of Wight, offering clients a bespoke, one-to-one experience while continuing to develop her skills and connections within the industry.
Her big break came when she was invited to assist backstage at the Paul Costelloe show during London Fashion Week.
Suddenly, the familiar surroundings of her Island studio were replaced by a bustling backstage environment, working alongside models, designers and fellow manicurists from across the UK.
The experience demanded precision, efficiency and the ability to work under pressure, but it also opened the door to further opportunities.
Harriet was subsequently invited to Paris Fashion Week, where she assisted at shows for several internationally recognised labels, including Givenchy and The Row, the luxury fashion house founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
For someone whose career began as a hobby at home, finding herself among some of the fashion world’s biggest names was an experience she could scarcely have imagined.
Reflecting on her achievements, Harriet said:
“Working alongside high-profile models, designers, hair stylists and talented creatives was quite overwhelming at times.
“There were moments when I had to stop and fully take in that my work had been chosen to represent a designer or brand. It is one of the greatest compliments I could receive, and something I am incredibly proud of.”
Despite rubbing shoulders with the fashion elite, Harriet remains firmly rooted on the Isle of Wight, where her clients and the business she has built continue to be a major part of her career.
She added:
“My journey has taught me that you don’t always need to have a big plan. Sometimes, you simply follow something you love, keep learning and work hard to see where it takes you.
“Although working at London and Paris Fashion Weeks has been an amazing experience, I am equally proud to be based here on the Isle of Wight.
“My clients at Cured Studio remain a huge part of my journey, and I love bringing the experience and skills I gain within the fashion industry back into my studio.”
And Harriet’s international adventures look set to continue, with further high-profile projects and Fashion Weeks already on the horizon for 2027.
