These days, fashion isn't limited to clothing. As we've seen on some of the world's biggest runways, nail art is continuing to play a prominent role in the fashion scene and sometimes the right nail design proves to be the perfect accessory.
Last season's most popular nail art ran the gamut from high-shine lacquer to bejeweled accents, further proving that sometimes less is more and other times, more is more. But this season's trends seem to be taking a different route. We talked with Jan Arnold, co-founder and styler director of CND, and Taylor Daniel, one of the Morgan Taylor namesakes, to hear more about the increasing prominence of nail art, their predictions for upcoming trends, and the budding relationship between fashion and nails.
AS: Why do you think nail art is playing a growing role in the fashion world?
JA: Nail artistry is an acceptable and affordable accessory in fashion. Just like a bag, sunglasses or shoes, nails bring balance, accent and completion to a look.The length and shape of a nail can either scream femme fatale when pushed to sharper lengths and shapes, or convey classic chic when lengths and shapes are more tame. Nail artistry is relatable and customizable to women of any size, age or style, making it the most coveted accessory we can have.
TD: Nail art has become incredibly popular over the last few years, both on the runway and in everyday life. Often times designers will task us with creating a nail art look that adds the finishing touches to their amazing designs. Adding nail art to a runway look pulls the whole ensemble together.
AS: Where do you see the fashion and nail art relationship going in the coming years?
JA: The relationship will only continue to be elevated, as more and more women experiment in ways they never could before revolutionary innovations like Shellac and Vinynlux. Now, with the advent of Gel Polish and Long Wear polish, the opportunity to pile on the fun but still have the freedom of perfect wear has, become an everyday reality.
TD: We at Morgan Taylor foresee nail art continuing to be a huge part of the fashion world and look forward to seeing how the trends and textures change as trends develop.
AS: Why is nail art so popular? What are some of the most requested types?
JA: Nail artistry has become incredibly popular because the expression of art is personal, the choices are endless and it’s extremely fun. The fashion runways around the world have all embraced nail artistry as a constant now, endorsing nails as an important element to help tell the story behind their collections. This has elevated to the status of the nail industry itself as well as the importance of the Nail Professional.The most popular types of nail art we’re seeing today includes stamping, foiling, chrome and hand painting. Gems, jewels, studs and embellishments are a standard procedure accent, and color layering and texturing is another go-to look you can find in most salons.
TD: It’s a relatively easy way to take your look from good to great. The addition of nail art onto a standard manicure really gives the nails an extra pop and makes them stand out. Plus, the great thing about nail art is that is can be customized to every single person. For a more subdued look, stamping plates can be used to create chic 1-D designs. If simple isn’t really your thing, try adding jewels and embellishments for the ultimate 3-D nail art look.
AS: Forecasting trends: What will be popular in the coming months?
JA: Icy colors, undulating textures and high-shine accents will be the look for the coming months. The sophisticated colors and textures on nails will accent the season's fashions perfectly.
TD: I think we'll be seeing more muted yet rich tones with crème finishes. A great way to achieve the perfect winter/spring transitional look is by wearing a color like Morgan Taylor’s Don’t Let The Frost Bite. This dusty purple is slightly cool-toned but also has the rich intensity that you expect from deep grape shades. If you’re looking for a way to warm up your client's winter mani, try shades like the lavish plum Let’s Kiss & Warm Up or deep red Angling For A Kiss.