Long perceived as a mere beauty gadget, the nail art Nail art has now established itself as a medium in its own right, capable of defining a fashion image as surely as a handbag or a pair of high heels. Meet six artists who transform each fingernail into a miniature painting or sculpture, reminding us that no work of art is too small to be admired.
Nori, Japanese clear line
Having settled in New York after twenty years of shooting in Tokyo, Nori blends Japanese discipline with pop whimsy. Her chair has seen the likes of Helena Christensen and Lila Moss, and her crystal manicures for Tiffany reflect the flashes without overwhelming the figure. The precision of her features ensures photographers a crisp image even in extreme close-up.
Sojin Oh, nature in relief
Korean artist Sojin Oh sculpts translucent corals, pastel spaghetti, and milky bubbles inspired by the seabed using keratin. Her 3D designs have already adorned the hands of Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, while Skims and YSL Beauté have used her alluring textures in their campaigns.
Cam Tran, liquid jewelry
Based in Paris, Cam Tran treats nails like bespoke jewelry. She paints, shapes, and polishes until she achieves small mirror-like sculptures that French Vogue and Schiaparelli create a dialogue between silk and brass. His client list, from Burberry to Louis Vuitton, proves that haute couture fully embraces this meticulous detail that captures the light with the slightest gesture.
Lora de Sousa, Baroque Metamorphoses
Nail artist A self-taught designer who rose to prominence in 2018, Portuguese artist Lora de Sousa creates twisted claws resembling sculptures or adorned with charms. Her hybrid approach has captivated Jean Paul Gaultier and Mugler, who see in these extreme forms a direct extension of their extravagant silhouettes.
Lauren Michelle Pires, British romance
A former Central Saint Martins student, Lauren Michelle Pires applies dried flowers, pearly beads, or pastel swirls to the models of Marc Jacobs, Off-White, and Burberry. Featured in the New Wave: Creatives list at the 2021 British Fashion Awards, she also oversees manicures for Vogue World, where her iridescent polishes adorn dozens of celebrities backstage.
During a photoshoot, the hand often moves close to the face or highlights a piece of jewelry, and the nail then takes on its full importance. Stylists now include it in their mood boards as a key accessory, capable of balancing a minimalist dress or amplifying a conceptual suit. Yet, the profession remains largely unregulated: the status of artist is not recognized, and formal training programs are still lacking, sometimes confining these creators to a purely decorative role.
The rise of social media, the opening of dedicated exhibitions, and the increasing number of collaborations with luxury brands prove that nail polish can carry a cultural message. The six artists featured here demonstrate that the nail, far from being superficial, offers a canvas for experimentation where color, volume, and movement interact with the camera. Their miniature creations deserve the same respect as a large-scale work: after all, it's often the final touch that makes the photograph.
