It’s been 84 years since Revlon launched a variety of nail colors that came in hues other than the traditional red. Since that time, nail design as a fashion statement has grown tremendously.
As the industry has customized hues, shades and designs to trends, a variety of lines has mushroomed and some even have regional feels to them.
And there might not be a better locale than New Orleans to design colors around.
OPI, one of the world’s leading nail companies introduced a line of New Orleans inspired colors as its Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The line features 12 mostly crème based colors with names like “Crawfishin’ for a Compliment,” “I Manicure For Beads,” and “Rich Girls & Po-Boys.”
For something a bit more authentic, look to locally owned Native, a polish line created by sister-in-laws who had a ritual of getting their nails done together and decided that it would be fun and profitable to create their own line.
This season’s collection features six shades in colors like “Happy Fest,” “Tchoup Tchoup,” “The Fly,” and “Makin’ Groceries.” Launched in September 2015 and available at select salons, spas and gift shops Native nail polish is a great way to shop locally and support budding entrepreneurs.
Going from Revlon red to Makin’ Groceries didn’t happen overnight.
It wasn’t until the late 90s was the beginning of nail design as a part of runway fashion. CND partnered with designers to create custom nail looks based on what was being shown that season. The mid-2000s introduced us to 2D and 3D looks that featured jewels and textures.
By the late 2000s there was a nail design technique for everyone no matter how steady your hand was or how patient you were when it came to drying time. Every drug store had a wide variety of magnetic nail polishes, nail art pens, glitter nail polishes and nail wraps that were applied like stickers.
Then in 2012 the Mani Cam, a camera with the sole purpose of enabling stars to show off their intricate nail designs was launched at the Emmy Awards and Chanel showed pink and silver two tone nails at their spring show launching the nail art craze into full force.
Now four years after the peak of banner nail polish sales for cosmetic companies Rachel Stein owner of Get Nailed New Orleans, a mobile nail salon that specializes in nail designs for weddings, parties and events says that for the nail art trend for spring and summer seasons is all about reflecting both pop-culture trends and seasonal trends.
“It is festival season, so lots of people like tribal nails, ombre, palm trees and feathers,” she said. “In pop-culture, the 90s is really big right now, so many people request kitsch fun 90s designs too.”
When asked about specific New Orleans trends Stein says that local nail trends vary, but one constant amongst her customers is bling. Whether it is jewels, rhinestones, or anything shiny that can be glued to a nail Stein encourages her customers to be adventurous.
When asked for advice about the person who isn’t ready to tackle some of the bolder nail art trends but still wants to experiment with nail art as a way to express their style or fashion sense Stein recommends press on nails.
“Press-ons can be glued on and stay for as long as a person likes,” she said. “They are actually a huge trend right now; lots of people order pre-made nail sets Get Nailed. They don’t harm your nails like acrylic and gel can, they’re reusable and the designs can be very detailed and ornate.”
The warm weather is a great time to experiment with nail design. Experiment with bolds, neutrals, and the new matte shades that have hit them market or for the less adventuresome try fun designs on your toes. Stein believes that her designs can be very influential to a person’s overall style.
“When your nails look good, you feel good and therefore have more confidence to look your best and take risks,” she said. “Nail art can also be a fun conversation starter too.”
With so much focus on nails in New Orleans, treat yourself to a manicure and enjoy knowing that you are expressing yourself in a fun and very on trend art form.
Get more information about Get Nailed New Orleans via Facebook at Get Nailed New Orleans, on Instagram at GETNAILEDNOLA, by email at get.nailed.nola@gmail.com and by phone at 504.252.5633
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