Minx Gets Wild with Italian Vogue
Never far from the fashion scene, Minx Nails is creating a global trend. This time working with talented nail, makeup, hair and photography artists.
Exciting News
Celebrity nail stylist Lisa Logan was surprisingly casual when she received a phone call from her agent telling her that she was booked for an upcoming Italian Vogue shoot with one of the most famous fashion photographers of our time.
“My agent was beside himself because Steven Meisel was shooting a feature for Italian Vogue here in New York, but I had already made commitments at the International Salon and Spa Expo out in California.” Lisa explained. “I told him I wouldn’t be able to do it, and he almost had a heart attack.” She laughed.
Nails in Motion
Lisa’s agent convinced her to book an earlier flight home, so on the day of the shoot, Lisa arrived in JFK airport at 5:45 am. After a quick shower and a nail kit check, she made it to Brooklyn on time for the 8:00 am shoot. The rough morning was worth it to work with greats like makeup artist Pat McGrath and head hairstylist Jimmy Paul.
“When I walked into the shoot, it was like fashion week on steroids.” Says Lisa. “Pat and Jimmy were there, with all their assistants and apprentices, and it was like Santa’s workshop. There must have been 100 wigs on display for the shoot, makeup with every type of glitter, false eyelashes, crystals. You could feel the creative energy buzzing in the air!”
Artistic Inspiration
Inspiration for the shoot was fashion from the streets turned upscale and couture, reminiscent of trends such as cutting up dollar bills to wear on your nails. “First people would cut up dollar bills, then it was five dollar bills, and inevitably someone would show up with a hundred-dollar bill to cut up.” Explained Lisa. “The fashion was all about displaying your wealth and associating with brands in a very aggressive way, and this shoot really had fun translating this into artistic couture.”
Going Custom
While at the ISSE in California, Lisa met with the co-founders of Minx and told them about the Italian Vogue shoot. Overnight, Janice created a variety of custom Minx designs for Lisa to use, including Rainbow Minx, Money Minx, and a Dalmation patterned Minx that was created from a photo of Dawn’s own pet Dalmation, Minxy.
“Between the custom Minx and the new line of Minx designed by Kimmie Kyees, I knew I was in good shape when I walked in the room.” Said Lisa, who often collaborates to create custom Minx designs.
The Dream Team
Along with her assistants Danielle Corbin Jaime of NailTaxiNYC and Kelly Barber, Lisa styled the models’ nails to complement the colorful, wild wigs they were wearing. “I didn’t actually see the final wardrobe choices, so we had to refer to the model’s wigs as a guide.” Explained Lisa. Keeping in mind the extreme theme of the shoot, Lisa used extremely long nail tips.
“Some of the wigs had airbrushed candy and every time they would change the wig for the model, we would just add more on to the nail.” Said Lisa. “By midday, I was almost running out of ideas!”
The Highlight
The second day, Lisa and her team applied Minx to five models, adding to their nails throughout the day to create remarkable spontaneous art. The highlight of the shoot came at the very end of the second day, when the stylist came to Lisa and asked her to do the toes. “She told me to make them nice and long, so I Minxed a half-inch nail tip, and in anyone’s mind, that’s pretty long for a nail tip on a toe.” Recounted Lisa. “I walked the model downstairs to wardrobe, and the stylist took one look and said ‘but they need to be really long! You’ve missed out on great shot!’ and then she told me I didn’t have time to change them.”
“I ran back downstairs and slid across the floor, and I had those crazy nail tips on the model’s big toes before they were finished lacing up her shoes.” Laughed Lisa.
More Minx
Minx loves a fashion challenge and we can prove it! Be sure to check out Minx in Harper’s Bazaar China, classy Minx @ Vivienne Westwood and Minx on Men @ Astrid Anderson.