One of the year’s biggest nights in music television, the 2017 Video Music Awards took place on August 27, bringing together the rich and famous across all musical genres. Before the show even started, the VMA red carpet served as a catwalk for A-Listers to strut their stuff, and celebrity manicurists ensured the attendees’ nails matched their fashion-forward trends.
Read on to get the nail artists’ inspiration and learn how to recreate the looks on your clients.
Pink | Essie Shade: Topless and Barefoot
Inspiration: “Essie in Topless and Barefoot, a nude shade with pink undertones, was the perfect feminine contrast to Pink’s masculine, custom suit,” says celebrity manicurist, Michelle Saunders.
Olivia Munn | Essie Shade: Berry Naughty
Inspiration: “Olivia wanted a dramatic nail to bring out the deep-colored beadwork on her designer dress. To create the look, we started by filing her nails into a stiletto shape, and then painted on two coats of Berry Naughty,” says celebrity manicurist, Emi Kudo.
Yara Shahidi | Essie Shades: Imported Bubbly, Licorice
Inspiration: “Yara’s look for the night was unique and bubbly so we decided to extend the playfulness to her nails. To create the look, I started with two coats of Imported Bubbly, the perfect gold-pearl shade. Then, using a dotting tool, I added an accent with Licorice,” says celebrity manicurist, Emi Kudo.
Gal Gadot | Essie Shade: Dressed to the Nineties
Inspiration: “This new shade Dressed to the Nineties from the fall 2017 collection captures the glimmer of Gal’s Prabal Gurung dress,” says celebrity manicurist, Christina Aviles.
Hailee Steinfeld | Essie Shades: Closing Night, Gel Couture Top Coat
Inspiration: "The color of Hailee’s Versace Couture dress instantly drew us to choose Closing Night. The shimmering gray shade brought out the gown’s soft blue and intricate beading. I finished with gel couture top coat for added shine,” says celebrity manicurist, Lisa Peña-Wong.
About: Essie aims to inspire a love for the manicure experience with a wit and style that touches the hearts of women everywhere. Essie has recently grown its brand with launches of the long-wear gel couture and the care + color line of TREAT LOVE & COLOR. with unbeatable, professional quality, the Essie love continues to grow as strong as ever.