Designers and Nail Lacquer Join Forces
What style savvy woman doesn’t love perfectly polished nails and amazing garments? Combine those two components and the results are opulent nail lacquers. Easily viewed as fingertip accessories, polish has become a leading “go-to” when it comes to completing a runway look. CND, OPI, deborah lippmann, essie and a plethora of luxury lacquer labels have recently been called upon to swipe the nails of runway models, or concoct exclusive hues and/or nail coverings to make RTW visions come to life. So it comes as no surprise that designers would eventually enter into the nail lacquer world; producing colors that embody the brand’s aesthetic, simultaneously expressing the tone of the collection.
That is exactly what has taken place in the last two to three seasons with Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung and Tracy Reese. The designer heavyweights collaborated with Sally Hansen and created delicious nail lacquer hues, leaving style lovers craving to have their digits shellacked with it. The latest offerings, revealed during last month’s NYFW are noteworthy, exhibiting a timeless essence that will undoubtedly be worn for seasons to come. Let’s take a look at each collection.
Alexander Wang’s collection consists of three shades: Ion, Bandage and Pumice (left to right).
The muted hues stay true to Wang’s design aesthetic?modern, natural and simplistic. “These are very light opaques,” lead nail tech Jin Soon Choi remarks. “Alex really likes natural-looking colors.” –Fear No Beauty. Bandage is reminiscent of a chic beige, an attractive nude that compliments any skin tone. Ion has hints of grey undertones, resembling an ocean smoothed pebble. While Pumice gives off a muted minty appeal. Bandage was the only shade worn in Wang’s F/W 2012 show.
Prabal Gurung’s collection was a bit edgier, with 4 distinctly different hues: Onyx, Blue Rose, Gilded Lily and Ivory Skull (left to right).
Flowing harmoniously with the dark, sleek and celestial RTW garments, all of the shades are phenomenal! Onyx, as the name states, is vinyl-shiny opaque black. Blue Rose is a deep, low-key blue reminiscent of a raw sapphire. Gilded Lily has a metallic finish that gleams like a golden nugget. Rounding out the collection is Ivory Skull, taking on a spotless elephant tusk quality.
Tracy Reese’s collection (quite possibly my favorite) is all about metallic, with 2 shades: Copperhead and Scarab (left to right).
Reese’s Sally Hansen Collection has two unique characteristics; a 3-D technology and real particles of silver. Copperhead is a rich, bronze/rose gold metallic. Scarab in its metallic glamour embodies the ostentatious feathers of a peacock. Tracy raved over the multi-dimensional effect of Scarab, admiring its navy hue at one angle then morphing to turquoise at another angle. Eva Chen, Beauty Director of Teen Vogue had applied by Jin Soon Choi backstage at Tracy Reese and she loved it too!
Wang and Gurung’s Sally Hansen Lacquers are a part of the Complete Salon Manicure line?5 Steps in 1 Bottle: Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color and Top Coat. While Reese’s Sally Hansen Lacquer is still in the production phase (hence the bottles sans any title); expect to see these shades in stores in October, with a $7.99 price point.
Designers have once again found a way to make a presence within the fashion/beauty realm, this time making it more accessible to own a piece of luxury without breaking the bank. The Sally Hansen name has been around for ages and is showing their staying power in the beauty world by partnering with fresh and innovative designers. With lacquer lovers and style lovers pining for these newfound fingertip accessories, it’s safe to say that this is indeed a match made in polish heaven!
By Guest Editor: Sereeda McKoy (https://eclechick.com)
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