Steve J. and Yoni P. Fall/ Winter 2012 Collection

The title of the Fall/ Winter 2012 collection for Steve J. and Yoni P. was And the moon came nearer… which makes us imagine the beauty of the universe. Their collection doesn’t disappoint – neither does the Minx.

Nailing the Look

Designers Steve J. and Yoni P. wanted to find the perfect nail color to complement their unique and waggish show, so a week prior they requested a meeting with PR manager and CEO Erica Kim from Minx Nails Korea. Steve and Yoni spoke about creating a Minx chrome color, but with a finish that suggested young kids had played with Minx and applied it on a short nail. A similar look was previously tried at Vivienne Westwood’s Spring/Summer 2012 show in London.

Both designers wanted the collection’s theme of “practical futurism” to be demonstrated by the gorgeous chrome finish of Minx, but with an unexpected twist.

Fresh Faces

Steve J. and Yoni P.’s show is known for using top Korean models including Hye Park, the first Korean to take the No.1 ranking at model.com. Both Hye Park and fellow model Hye Jin Han happily showed the cameras their Minx nail fashion both before and after the runway show.

The Nail Team

Korean celebrity nail stylists Jinny Kim and Eun Young Song led the team of Jane Kim and Erica Kim as they applied Minx to 14 models backstage. We love the look!

More Minx

You can find them almost anywhere these days! Be sure to check out how Steve J. & Yoni P Spring/Summer 2012 as well as Minx in Russia, Minx in Paris and Minx in London.

In-Process

This amazing show in Japan was to present
the Autumn/ Winter 2012 collection for In-Process by Hall Ohara. This was a first in Japan as she displayed Minx nails to complement the new line and we happen to think it turned out amazing.

The Look

Minx nail stylist Kanako Shimoshige of Sthanu met the main designers of In-Process, Steven Hall and Yurika Ohara, before the show. She suggested a custom Minx design because she knew they would be able to achieve the exact look they wanted.

The In-Process designers decided on custom patterns that reflect the unique patterns in the stockings of the collection.

Even More Unique

When Kanako saw the completed Minx coatings that were created, she decided to use the transparent designs layered on solid base coats in order to create different colors with a unifying design.

“Minx has so many advantages over liquid polishes, and especially during a fashion show,” explained Kanako. “Minx is easy to apply and easy to remove, with no smell and no drying time. So, even though our team only had a short time, we could achieve many different types of nail looks for the models.”

The Nail Team

Kanako and her team prepared Minx on nail tips prior to the show, but also applied Minx directly to the nails of some of the models. The nail stylist team included Ayako Tamura, Satoko Tanabe, Mikiko Fujiwara, Megumi Pollard and Kayo Aoyagi applied the custom Minx to ten models for the show.

Moving Forward

Kanako also said that Steven and Yurika loved the Minx look and are interested in collaborating with Minx for a retail product. Minx has collaborated with designers such as Marc Jacobs and Roxy, and have most recently released a new line of Minx coatings for spring/summer that were designed by Los Angeles-based celebrity nail artist Kimmie Kyees.

More Minx

Be sure to check out Minx’s launch in Russia and some of their fashionable nails in Vogue Italy and Harper’s Bazaar in China.

A Little History

Truly immersed in the beauty industry, rmcandlelight doesn’t just blog about nails. However, her nail blog is full of fabulous images, product reviews, collection swatches and plenty more. This should be another of your first stops if you are shopping for new colours. She does a great job of showing swatches in natural light and she is creative in her polish/ brand combinations.

This blog doesn’t just provide great swatches, rmcandlelight keeps readers up on latest trends and upcoming collections.

The Best Of

There is a lot of fun information to be found on this blog and the images are clear and taken in good light. We love all of the creative combinations she comes up with and had a hard time selecting just a few to share.

Articles
Nail Shapes
Fingernail Anatomy, Nail Saving Tips
Teal Tuesdays…Marine Blue and Splatter Nails
Pink Wednesday…CND Pink Wishes Collection
Pure Ice Crackle duo Strike A Pose
Nubar Polka Dots Swatches and Review
Brown and Pink with Flowers

Discover More

Thanks to rmcandlelight for inspiring us with her photo-filled posts, be sure to check the out her blog and follow her on your favourite social network.

Are You a Nail Blogger?

Part of this exercise is to discover new nail crazy blogs and sites out there. While we have a big list of them to feature, we hope all of the nail bloggers out there will leave their info in the comments below to be included to the ever-growing resource that is the A – Z list of Nail Bloggers.

Shining Bright

The designs are bright, colourful, lots of fun and exclusively designed for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the excitement that will be the 2012 Summer Olympics. Enjoy!

More Minx Designs

We are always excited to see what Minx is getting up to next. Be sure to check out some of their other lines, Minx Professional for Kimmie Kyees, Marian Newman, Naja and Lisa Logan

A Growing Trend

Nail art is quickly growing as a fashion industry trend and currently being endorsed by designers and celebs alike. You don’t have to be a pro to have a great nail art kit and we’ve got some handy tutorials to help you get started.

A big thanks to the talented ladies who created these handy tutorials for us. Be sure to browse their YouTube channels for more great videos.

School is In Session

We’ve opened a quick and easy nail art school for non-pros to try at home. That doesn’t take away from the pros, if you want it done right the first time, pay someone else to do it! Be sure to check out some of the other tutorials below while you are here and let us know what else you’d like to see broken down.

A Little History

Catherine started out as a professional the corporate business world and later decided that nails were her calling. She has since immersed herself in the world of nails and nail art and organizes workshops and events for the industry. She posts a variety of information ranging from event calendars and information, international event images, workshops and some pretty amazing nail art.

This blog doesn’t just offer us nail art eye candy, but a great range of information for techs in the industry. We just wonder when Catherine sleeps!

The Best Of

There is a lot of fun information to be found on this blog and Catherine takes (lots of) great photos. It was difficult to decide on a few favourite posts, but here are some we really liked – mainly for the amazing art.

Articles
NailQueen Studio 2012 With A Touch Of Russian Culture
The Ultimate Design Sculpture
Checkin In London!
The Snakeskin Effect
Just Fantasy
Strawberry Shortcake & Friends – Wear It, Flaunt It!
Miniature Gel Painting Workshop in Taiwan
NailQueen Workshop Series – Season 2 (2011)

Discover More

Thanks to the NailQueen for inspiring us with her photo-filled posts, be sure to check the out the blog and her Interview with Inspirationail.

Are You a Nail Blogger?

Part of this exercise is to discover new nail crazy blogs and sites out there. While we have a big list of them to feature, we hope all of the nail bloggers out there will leave their info in the comments below to be included to the ever-growing resource that is the A – Z list of Nail Bloggers.

A Growing Trend

Nail art is a rapidly growing fashion industry trend and is increasingly being endorsed by designers and celebs. You don’t have to be a pro to use eyeshadow on your nails, anyone can do it and almost any shadow can work. Try anything from loose pigments to more compact shadows. Here are some ideas to give you ideas and get you started.

A big thanks to the talented ladies who created these handy tutorials for us. Be sure to browse their YouTube channels for more great videos.

School is In Session

We’ve opened a quick and easy nail art school for non-pros to try at home. That doesn’t take away from the pros, if you want it done right the first time, pay someone else to do it! Be sure to check out some of the other tutorials below while you are here and let us know what else you’d like to see broken down.

Taking Notes

While we know the Brits do it better than the Americans, we also think it’s a good idea to listen to her advice (so she doesn’t end up in our fave salon). Her advice is sensible and can be applied to any type of salon. In fact, these basics can almost be used to help any business run more smoothly to some degree.

While it’s not an official list of tips, we created the one below based on her consistent methodology.

1. Cleanliness - This one goes without saying, especially when it comes to nails. Equipment that touches clients should always be properly sterilised and all public areas should be cleaned daily.

2. Education - While salon treatments require licensing, technology and current methods are always changing. Continued education keeps techs networking within the industry, current in industry tech and up on the latest trends.

3. Customer Service - Another no-brainer, greeting clients and providing for their basic needs is part of the service they pay for. Cross training staff to handle most daily basics is essential and a list of basic rules provides guidance and a jumping off point for disciplinary action.

4. Proper Staffing - While it’s important everyone knows the basics, busy salons should be staffed properly. Someone to manage the front desk and answer phones is essential as it frees the techs up to do what they do best without interruption.

5. Appropriate Behaviour & Dress - We’re not sure the nail industry feels as strongly about the basic black as the hair people do. However we do believe that when you are working in close quarters with your client, you should be appropriately dressed. Don’t make us read a magazine to avoid staring down the front of your shirt for hours.

6. Rules of Business - Interestingly enough, this is one of the most commonly broken rules. Often salon owners want more of a friendly relationship with their staff. Establishing fair rules and consequences for breaking them actually removes pressure from the shoulders of management.

7. Management - Speaking of management, it’s important. There should be one go-to person in the salon during opening hours, someone with decision making capability. This goes hand in hand with #6, establishing a hierarchy and some rules allows everyone to get on with their respective jobs.

8. Quality of work - There is no doubt about it, good work is the best kind of advertising. Happy customers come back and often bring their friends. Return customers are the cream of our business – they require much less work than clients we don’t yet have. Send them away smiling and chances are they’ll come back.

9. Location - While it is all about location, it’s also about making your location a good one no matter what. You don’t need to be ultra modern to be good, but you do need to be efficient. Proper lighting, comfortable client chairs and a tidy exterior all make a huge difference to your client and earning return business.

Your Tips?

While we aren’t Tabatha, we think the tips above do a pretty good job of summing her up. Often the problems she encounters in her show is a sheer lack of communication. Regardless of your position in a salon, you can take something from these tips and use them to make your place of business a more successful one.

We love to hear your advice! Leave your own salon tips in the comments below.

A Little History

Established in 2007, this is one nail blog that has really taken off! Almost anyone in the industry knows the name and most of us have read at least one review or trend from this amazing resource. If you are looking for a solid product review from someone with years in the business, All Lacquered Up should be one of your first stops.

Her review images are always high quality and she also posts fun tutorials, industry news and collection previews.

The Best Of

While it’s difficult to say one review is better than another, we’ve collected a few of our faves to share with you below which includes both articles worth checking out and categories worth following.

Articles
Let’s Talk Soak-off Gel Nail Polish
A Twist on the Ombre or Gradation Manicure
CND’s DIY River Rock Nail Decal Technique

Categories
Celebrity & Celebrity Nail Watch – covers celeb style on the red carpet.
Previews – features polish collection previews.
Big 3 Free – where you can find brands that care.

Discover More

Thanks to All Lacquered Up for inspiring us with every post, be sure to check the out the blog or follow her on your favourite social network.

Are You a Nail Blogger?

Part of this exercise is to discover new nail crazy blogs and sites out there. While we have a big list of them to feature, we hope all of the nail bloggers out there will leave their info in the comments below to be included to the ever-growing resource that is the A – Z list of Nail Bloggers.