FashionGlam: nails, nails, nails.

Wow, christmas time really is busy. I've had loads of different projects and work to be getting on with, so I haven't had much time for blogging these past few weeks. One my commitments has been BeSpoke magazine, which is the magazine a group of us have been working on at uni. As beauty editor (check me out), I have written an article on nails trends for Spring/Summer 11..

Spring/Summer Nail Trends

Autumn/Winter 2010 nails were reflective of the season, dark purples, muted reds and earthy taupe colours. On the runway, Marc Jacobs and Chanel kept to a minimalist nude colour on the nails during their A/W 2010 shows. Spring/Summer 2011 collections presented some interesting nail trends. Some revolutionised nail designs, whilst others were an updated version of what we saw last year. All embodying a fresh, newly spring feel.

False nails are a quick an easy option for the models before they hit the catwalk. Betsey Johnson’s young, floral and vibrant collection for S/S 2011 was fun and playful, with toning nails, “rock’n’roll rainbow retro racing stripe nail”. Yes, it is a mouthful, but the nails went perfectly with the collection, as they too, were bright and playful; a pink base coat, royal navy tip and a skinnier French line in bright yellow for a finishing tip. The nails were said to give ‘Pop and depth” from the catwalk and I am sure that the vivid, contrasting colours certainly gave this effect.

Nude nails are classic and in the last few years they have become increasingly popular. Alike last season, the models at Marc Jacobs S/S 2011 catwalk show kept it simple with a nude nail. Eyebrows were completely eradicated, a rebellion against this seasons strong brow trend. And the nails- all models were given a “tinted moisturizer” manicure. ‘Perfectly Beige’ was painted on models nails to create a nude and matte finish. This trend is particularly wearable, lighter shades are more forgiving and wont show nicks and chips as readily as last seasons darker colours.

Similarly, Alexander Wang kept the nails for his most recent catwalk show minimal. What he described as ‘A Wang’ nail was a very matte, short, clean, crisp contemporary fingernail. ‘Butter London nail varnish matte finish topcoat’ was the nail varnish used to achieve this look. Matte topcoats are easily accessible nowadays, and a cheaper version (which is equally effective) is Rimmels ‘Pro Matte’ topcoat.

Chanel, previewed up and coming nail trends of the season on the Paris catwalk back in October. This year, we were revealed, the ‘Pearlised nail’. First was the ‘black pearl’ and ‘pearl drop’. Peter Philips, Chanel’s Makeup creative director see’s nails in black and white for Spring 2011. Contrasting each other, Black Pearl is a metallic gray-black shade, while pearl drop is a white pearl. Adding a little more colour to the collection two more varnishes were added later. A light peachy colour, ‘peche necree’ and a baby blue ‘riva’; both have pearly/shimmery overtones. Philips as always has found a relevant reference to Coco Chanel herself. This collection is inspired by her infamous love of pearls. This is definatly a trend to look out for.