Long perceived as a mere beauty accessory, 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. We meet six artists who transform each nail into a miniature painting or sculpture, reminding us that no work of art is too small to be admired.
Nori, Japanese clear line
Based in New York after twenty years of shoots in Tokyo, Nori combines Japanese discipline with pop fantasy. Her chair has seen the likes of Helena Christensen and Lila Moss, and her crystal manicures for Tiffany reflect the flashes without overwhelming the silhouette. The precision of her lines ensures photographers a sharp finish even in extreme close-ups.
Sojin Oh, nature in relief
Korean designer Sojin Oh draws inspiration from the keratin found in translucent corals, pastel spaghetti, and milky bubbles inspired by the seabed. Her 3D designs have already adorned the hands of Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, while Skims and YSL Beauty have sought out her alluring textures for their campaigns.
Cam Tran, liquid jewelry
Based in Paris, Cam Tran treats nails like custom-made jewelry. She paints, shapes, and polishes them until they become tiny mirrored sculptures that Vogue France and Schiaparelli pair with silk and brass. Her client list, which includes Burberry and Louis Vuitton, proves that haute couture has fully embraced this meticulous detail that catches the light with every movement.
Lora de Sousa, baroque metamorphoses
A self-taughtnail artist who rose to fame in 2018, Portugal's Lora de Sousa designs twisted nails that resemble sculptures or are adorned with charms. Her hybrid approach has won over Jean Paul Gaultier and Mugler, who see these extreme shapes as a direct extension of their extravagant silhouettes.
Lauren Michelle Pires, British romance
A former student at Central Saint Martins, Lauren Michelle Pires adorns models for Marc Jacobs, Off-White, and Burberry with dried flowers, pearls, and pastel swirls. Featured in the New Wave: Creatives list at the 2021 British Fashion Awards, she also oversees manicures for Vogue World, where her iridescent nail polishes adorn dozens of celebrities backstage.
During a photo shoot, the hand often approaches the face or highlights a piece of jewelry, and the nail then takes on its full importance. Stylists now include them in their mood boards as a key accessory, capable of balancing a minimalist dress or amplifying a conceptual suit. However, the profession remains largely unregulated: the status of nail artist is not recognized and there is still a lack of official training, sometimes confining these creators to a decorative role.
The rise of social media, the opening of dedicated exhibitions, and the proliferation of collaborations with luxury brands prove that nail polish can convey a cultural message. The six artists featured here demonstrate that nails, far from being superficial, offer a field of experimentation where color, volume, and movement interact with the camera lens. Their miniature creations deserve the same respect as large-format works: after all, it is often the final touch that makes the photo.
