DegreeArt.com presents Nailphilia – not as scary as it sounds – London’s first ever exhibition lovingly dedicated to the tips of your fingers.
A tell tale sign of scrappiness, clumsiness, neurosis, flair, style and confidence, nails are the unsung heroes of the fashion image. With nail artists emerging from every corner to rep-re-sent, us nail-nobodies get a sharp education in the history of nail design, more rooted than you might think. Headed by nailspert and i-D favourite Marian Newman – also ‘curist to Lady Gaga – the exhibition presents nail design and fashion in harmony, screening a series of SHOWstudio films including the aptly titled ‘Nailed’. Joining Newman in her file adventures are relative newcomers Sophy Robson (see Sophy’s Top 5 Catwalks Nails here), Jessie J’s nail artist Jenny Longworth and a host of both established and lesser known artists changing the face of your fingers. “I’m sick of buffed, boring nails”, Newman told i-D beauty contributor Lucy Bridge at the opening, “Designers need to be braver and use their imaginations because nails are big news, they accessorise a collection and complete an outfit”. Grabbing hold of Jenny Longworth before she slipped (on the acrylic) through our fingers, Jenny pointed out the trends this season.
- Think metallic, disco balls and Studio 54.
- Two-toned nails, jewelled with lots of glitter.
- Animal prints are key for the season….with giraffe print playing a huge part.
- Burnt oranges and ochres, moving away from the bright yellows of the Summer and into Autumn.
- A new take on black effects… glossy and lustre.
- Revlon A/W facets of fuchsia nail enamel is a HUGE colour, dramatic black with purple leaf running through.
- Chanel Peridot – two-toned green/gold.
Doing it for cuticles everywhere, Nailphilia runs until 25th September 2011 at 12a Vyner Street.
Text: Sarah Raphael
Interview: Lucy Bridge
Photography courtesy DegreeArt.com
