Archive copy by Jenni Baden Howard

‘I wanted to offer something totally different and special,’ says Worthington of the apartment-cum-salon, which boasts jaw-dropping panoromic views of the city skyline (the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, Statue of Liberty and Twin Towers are all part of the backdrop). ‘We’re up so high that helicopters fly below us - it’s like floating in the clouds. Even New Yorkers say they’ve never seen anything like it.’

Worthington, who trained as an architect, spent two years searching for the perfect, open-plan space (think parquet floors, squashy white sofas and flickering candles). ‘I bought two apartments and knocked them into one,’ he explains. ‘I wanted it to be uncluttered but comfortable. The light is amazing, which is crucial when you’re working with hair. And it’s great for parties.’

His decision to put down roots in the Big Apple has made Worthington the toast of the American fashion and beauty pack, who scramble to see him when he’s in town - Plum Sykes and Rosanna Arquette are regulars, and Allure editor Linda Wells has dropped by. Clients are whisked to and from the penthouse by limo, and there is an on-site chef.

Next week, Worthington will co-host a “day of beauty” with Hollywood eyebrow guru Anastasia Soare. He’s hoping that Arquette, who is making a name for herself as a DJ in L.A., will provide the music. ‘The kitchen doubles as a bar or DJ booth,’ he says. Chloe Sevigny and Julianna Marguielles are rumoured to be attending.

While services at the atelier are complimentary - clients are invited to make a donation to the Look Good, Feel Better cancer charity - and by invitation only, Worthington reveals that salons in New York and L.A. are part of the big picture. ‘It’s definitely on the cards, but I’ll only do it when it feels right - and I’ve found the right sites,’ he says.

Worthington squeezes in regular visits to the West coast - styling Arquette’s hair for this year’s Golden Globes, for example. ‘We’d met at the L.A. premiere of Snatch. I was sitting between Rosanna and Jennifer Aniston - I had Brad’s seat, because he was away filming,’ he laughs.

On this side of the Pond, clients - famous or not - get the star treatment, too. At Worthington’s flagship salon and day spa in Bloomsbury, you get a glass of bubbly with your blow dry (regulars include Jules and Jamie Oliver, the Kidd sisters and Sophie Dahl). The 5 London salons provide the “ultimate testing ground” for the hugely successful Results, Big Hair and Dream Hair lines.

‘In America, people ask who came up with my great trade name,’ says Worthington. ‘I tell them “my mother”, but they won’t believe me. They think it’s made up.’

Coming next is IN FASHION, a collection of “catwalk-strength” styling products and trend-led tools and hair accessories. ‘I wanted to make extreme products which give extreme results,’ explains Worthington. ‘It’s not about making hair soft, silky or fluffy, but creating strong hold, defined looks and lots of texture.’ Formulas will be updated and replaced seasonally, and include a Get In Shape “definition mud” and Get Spiky “control glue”.

‘The accessories have double uses,’ adds Worthington. ‘A suede choker with a flower can be used as a headband, and a silver necklace with a diamanté clasp turns into a hair clip.’ It doesn’t stop there. Hot on the heels of Worthington’s hip, how-to books, Big Date Hair and City Hair, this month sees the publication of Big Day Hair (for brides), and Holiday Hair (with tips on getting this summer’s St Tropez Glam look). A fragrance and “mood-inspired” bath and body line are also in the works.

For now, though, Worthington is relishing his role as Pond-hopping celebrity stylist. ‘Everyone at Heathrow knows me by name,’ he says. ‘Sometimes, I wake up in Manhattan, look at at the skyline and I have to pinch myself.’

Star Summer Styles

Charles Worthington nominates 4, made-for-summer celebrity looks.

Kate Moss‘Kate’s urchin crop looks so fresh, especially now that she’s gone for a darker brown,’ says Worthington. ‘It contrasts really well with her creamy skin. The style - a short cut, with a choppy fringe and textured layers, starting above the eyes - is great for summer because it’s light, cool and easily maintained. For this sort of look, use a blow-drying spray and apply wax through the ends for definition.’

Ulrika Jonsson

‘Ulrika’s is the ultimate beach babe look. I razor-cut her hair to give a choppy, textured feel which can be styled in a number of ways - straightened for a blunt look, flicked out or under, or just left loose for a great sun-dried effect,’ explains Worthington. ‘I use my Feels Fabulous Mousse, for body, and Perfect Reflections wax, with gold shimmer.’

Charlize Theron

‘I love Charlize’s new style because it’s so versatile,’ says Worthington. ‘It’s layered around the back and cut just below the ears, with long, gradual layers framing the face. It’s softness makes it perfect for summer, but it’s still quite edgy. Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, then mix together gel and serum, for maximum shine. Scrunch-dry hair for defined curls and great texture.’

Madonna

‘Madonna’s mid-length cut is another versatile style which can be dried straight or tonged into soft waves,’ says Worthington. ‘The mixture of blonde and apricot/caramel tones adds depth and shows off the texture of the cut. Left loose and natural, it’s a great, relaxed summer look.’ Worthington suggests using products for colour-treated hair, with a volumising and shine-boosting spray before blow-drying. ‘Wax would give extra shine and control,’ he adds.

• Charles Worthington products are available at Boots stores nationwide. The IN FASHION range will launch late summer. Inquiries, tel: 08450- 708090, or visit cwlondon.com