CND: putting the creative in nail design

This year the Creative Nail Design team of nail artist did an amazing thing- they styled the tips of toes of over 100 different fashion shows for the Spring 2009 collections…from NYC to Paris to London they created the perfect color, texture and shape to compliment each and every designer’s line… so when I say they have their manicured fingers on the pulse of today’s hottest fashions- I’m not exaggerating!

In fact, CND’s co-founder and director Jan Arnold helped to pioneer the idea of ‘nails as fashion accessory’ when she recognized the model’s hand were often times an afterthought in the styling of runway shows.  She herself approached a handful of designers about doing the nails for their shows… and viola! so many years later- it’s hard to image nails not being part of the overall beauty routine backstage at fashion week.

a quick look behinds the scenes with CND’s army of nail artists

The company prides themselves in not only creating polishes that are unique and expressive but Formaldehyde and  DBP-free as well. Enhanced with a UV filtering formula to boot- the colors that define the season stay true… even if your lucky enough to take your pedicure on a sun soaked vacation!

CND’s Cocoa, and opaque nude that is sure to be one of the most sought after colors of the season! ( It was used on the runways of Giambattista Valli, Nina Ricci, Jason Wu and Thakoon- just to name a few.)

I’ve always loved CND for their edgy styling, artistic vision and a range of products that I can only describe as addicting ( just try their Solar Oil- I promise you’ll never look back ). In the CND world- nail color is about fun and fantasy- every ‘look’ tells a story.  Are you a ‘Downtown Doll’ or a ‘Fancy Flirt’… the examples on their website are off the charts.  And though I’m a real bore when it comes to my short and simple nails- this ‘cork’ inspired design is speaking to my eco- aware, texture loving self.  Plus I love that they provide the directions to re-create all of these fun styles right on their site.. wow, using gauze to create color texture… brilliant!

I must also tell you that I have a big soft spot in my heart for the CND label- when I began writing my nail trend report this past year they were the first company to jump on board providing me with much appreciated samples, pictures and quotes… and basically helped me get the whole ball rolling- so I have to say a very big ‘thanks!’ for that.

the pretty model on my cover is wearing a reverse french manicure in CND’s Voodoo and Creme Puff

Speaking of my Nail Color Now trend report did I mention that Sensational Color is about to launch our new online education site and that my nail trend report will be there for all to enjoy?… Yep, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes… techno glitches and all… perfecting what we are hoping becomes an amazing center of colorful education and up- to- date community topics and discussions- more on this next week ( let’s all keep our fingers crossed that the gods of technology are on our side)!!!

OK so back to the important color stuff- what are the biggest trends and colors that those in-the-know at CND have spotted for Summer 2009?

Well, like I mentioned already- Opaque colors are going to be big news this year:

“Opaque is in when it comes to clean, groomed looking manicures.  Cocoa, a creamy opaque foundation color, is the new nude for spring.  Saturated color in fleshtones to match your skin look fantastic on toes to show off sexy, bejeweled or embellished sandals and has a slimming, elongating effect on hands.”
Jan Arnold, co-founder, CND

CND is predicting that opaque shades are the perfect foil to the icy toned fabrics and geometric layers of this Spring’s prettiest fashions. Other beautiful pales that were a hit on the runways- iridescent and creamy whites along with sheer pinks adding a demure tone to peplumed jackets, menswear inspired pants and sexy bandage dresses that came down the catwalks of Calvin Klein, Kai Kuhne and Giambattista Valli.  CND’s picks: Moonlight & Roses, French Pink and Bisou De Lulu.

A fun CND suggestions to wearing these milky colors- apply two coats, allow to dry well then buff down the shine for an unexpected matte finish.

On the darker side of the emery board- color continues to reign supreme..especially exciting are shades of blue, black, deep violet-red and metallic gold.  With a touch of exotic African inspiration and a return to the ‘eclectic age’ of 70’s and 80’s inspired silhouettes..these deep colors look super fresh in a season not usually associated with such dark colors.

CND’s Nail Noir is bring ’sexy back’ to black nails ( mix it together with equal parts Decadence and you’ll get the perfect shade of dark burgundy just like the one that CND created for Marc Jacobs on the runway of Louis Vuitton!)  Jan Arnold says that gothic nails have now gone mainstream and that today black polish is considered as classic for nails as the french manicure was in the 80’s or red was in the 60’s.

CND’s Iced Cappuccino, Wildfire and Decadence all add a spark to your summer wardrobe whether your maxed out in a long 70’s inspired print dress or hanging with your harem in a blouse-y top, short shorts and killer embellished shoes.  Designers who went dark and glitzy for Spring: Giles, Vivienne Westwood, Abeate and Miss Sixty.

Can’t wait to get your hands on one of these hot new colors… well be sure to check back next week… once the new site is up and running we will begin a celebration of give-aways ( including a set of all the polishes mentioned in this post!!!!) Better yet sign up and we’ll email you a reminder.

Can’t wait to tell you all about it!- Have a great weekend!