By Sarah Logan
The following article was featured in the March 2020 edition of The Campus.
With the entrance of Spring this month comes the introduction of new nail trends in New York City’s fashion world. Spring is the season for growth and new life; a season to reinvent one’s style.
I have researchedsome of the hottest nail trends and colors from New York Fashion Week that should be tried this spring semester. Here are the threecoolest:
- “On the Dot”: this style, firstfeatured by the nail polish brand JinSoon, is a great option for minimalisticfashion lovers. You can try this look yourself by first applying a dark shadelike navy or black to your nail and then plopping a dot to the middle of yournail nearest the cuticle bed. You can attempt this look by using a black colorlike Essie’s “Licorice” as a base and a light blue color like Essie’s “BikiniSo Teeny” for the dot.
- Oranges and Neons:brightcolors like orange, neon pink, and neon greenare sure to catch the attention of fellow nail polish lovers. They are a premonition to all the fun and excitement forthe approaching summer season. Plus, they aretotally “in” this upcoming season. My favorite fun color for the season isO.P.I.’s “Live.Love.Carnaval.”
- Mabelyn Martin’sMinimalist Mani: justlike the first nail style, Paintbox’s creative director Mabelyn Martin utilizesa minimal amount of nail polish to compliment the nail’s natural color. She hascreated this look by outlining the nail with a stripe of nail polish beginningat the nail cuticle and ending at the middle of the top of the nail. This stylelooks best with dark colors like brown, dark purple, and navy blue. Apply aclear nail polish on top of the whole ensemble and get ready to kill your nailgame.
Do not beafraid to step outside the box when it comes to nail creativity. Takinginspiration from others is always a valuable way to try new looks and styles.However, it is possible to create your owntrends and new styles for the season as well! Venturing outside of your comfortzone will almost always lead to new and exciting experiences.
When I spoke to Kainoa Presbitero, asophomore film major/photography minor and avid nail polish wearer, wediscussed some new nail polish styles that he wanted to try in the new season.“I’d like to try a starry night themed look in the future,” how cool is thatidea?! He also added that he would like to attempt a stripe and swirl look.
In addition to discussing the latest nailtrends of 2020, we talked about what inspired him to begin painting his nails.“I was inspired by my own desires to break traditional gender norms,” he toldme, “I grew up in a family where there was a significant difference betweenfeminine and masculine traits… I began to paint my nails because I subconsciouslydisagreed with that idea.”
Kainoa and I also talked about the impactof this form of self-expression on the rest of his life. We delved into thedifferent prejudices he would face at home compared to the acceptance and lovehe finds here in NYC; “Living in New York City, the impact isn’t as greatcompared to where my family lives. Men face prejudice from the simple act ofpainting their nails at my hometown.” He spoke about the stark contrast betweenthe support he receives at school compared to at home. “I’ve received supportand love from my friends in NYC. However, I hide this part of myself frompeople that I’m afraid of offending -- like my grandparents -- at home.”
Kainoa also expressed the fact that hisactions inspire him to promote self-confidence, saying, “It’s important forpeople to be comfortable in their own skin. A lot of times, people suffer frommental illness because they can’t properly express themselves.”
Having the ability to express oneself is important for personal growth and mental wellbeing. Thankfully, living in an area like NYC provides more freedom to properly express oneself and one’s interests than some other parts of the US. By following these nail trends, we can inspire others to express their inner stylistic desires to the outside world.
**The following is an additional add on to the article featuring an interview with student Jared Marino, a 4th-year CCNY student double majoring in English and theater **
SL: Who or What inspired you to beginpainting your nails?
JM: The first time I remember painting mynails was years ago. I think I was in first grade at the time, and I colored mynails with markers that we were using in class. You can imagine how well thatcame out, but the creativity and interest were always there for me. Growing upand seeing so many trends and styles come to life.
SL:How does this form of self-expressionimpact the rest of your life?
JM: Having my nails painted feels likeouting myself 24/7. It’s becoming more popular, but defying gender roles istypically such a queer trend, it can be a lot. The way I express myself doesn’tleave much mystery in my identity, which can be scary, but living in my truthis so refreshing, it completely outweighs the fear that can crop up from timeto time.
SL:Does it inspire you to promote self-confidence?
JM: I think painting your nails,especially for queer people, commands self-confidence. As someone who speakswith their hands, having my nails painted makes a strong statement. I’mconstantly reminded of my perception when I see my hands, and I’m sure the samecan be said for those around me. Going up against any type of gender norm canbe nerve-wracking but being present in my identity is really grounding. I thinkit helps make me more approachable to those in my community.
SL: What nail trends and colors do youthink are “in” this winter and spring season?
JM: Orange is definitely the hot color ofright now, and I think we can see that with Fenty and Ivy Park’s new seasonswith clothes. I’m anticipating a new trend with aquamarine, the color pairs sonicely with the current orange trend I think it’ll usher in the bright andalive spring energy we all so desperately want.
SL: What colors do you plan on wearing?
JM: My favorite color is Tiffany Blue, but as someone who’s broke with expensive taste, you’ll probably find me rocking the closest dollar store equivalent.
