PRETTY LITERAL

Talon-Esque Nails Are Spring’s Hottest Beauty Trend, According to Teyana Taylor’s Go-To Manicurist

Fear not.

Written by Nada Abouarrage
Photographs by Nadya Wasylko

Pretty Literal Long Nails
Photo by Nadya Wasylko, styled by Schanel Bakkouche. Hair by Ben Skervin for Oribe at Streeters, Makeup by Erin Parsons for MAC Cosmetics at Streeters, manicure by Tracylee for Dior Le Vernisat Tim Howard Management. Model: Caroline Reagan at Next Models. Produced by Biel Parklee. Casting by Erin Simon. Photography Assistants: Kaitlin Tucker, Kyle Thompson, Peter Freleng. Hair Assistant: Levi Monarch. Makeup Assistants: Dina Drevenak, Aya Watanabe.

Gone are the days of minimalist manicures. Thanks to Balenciaga’s Spring 2017 show, ’80s-inspired talon-esque nails, in vibrant shades of purple, pink, red and orange embellished with sparkly diamantés, are having a moment. And nail artist Mei Kawajiri who counts Adriana Lima, Teyana Taylor, and Bella Hadid amongst her clients (and has supermodels like Karlie Kloss gunning for an appointment), couldn’t be more pleased. “I’m excited that top designers and stylists are experimenting with nails,” she says. “It’s fun and temporary and goes beyond simple manicures and dramatic stiletto nails.”

The Japan native, now based in New York, finds herself in high demand these days with overwhelming requests for this season’s favorite nail trend. But Kawajiri encourages her less adventurous clients, as well, to try long nails or embellishments, and to experiment with other shapes beyond square and round. “Almond is a timeless, feminine shape that looks good on almost any length nail, it’s a classic style that’s made a comeback,” she says.

So, what are you waiting for?

Demna Gvasalia Comes Into His Own with Balenciaga’s Spring 2017 Collection

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

Model and photographer Radhika Nair walks Balenciaga Spring 2017 during Paris Fashion Week.

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.

BalenciagaReady to Wear Spring Summer 2017Collection in ParisParis Fashion WeekNYTCREDIT: Valerio Mezzanotti / NOWFASHION

Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti/NOWFASHION.
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Watch W’s most popular videos here:

The 7 Best Nail Polishes for New Year’s Eve

“My childish love of gold and glitter remains discreetly strong, but it doesn’t have to with a hue that’s a sophisticated as this one.” – Mia Adorante, Assistant Beauty Editor

Diorific Vernis in Diorific State of Gold, $28, dior.com.

“I love a shiny, glossy goth shade for the holidays. So unexpected.” – Sarah Leon, Digital Director

Marc Jacobs nail polish in Midnight in Paris, $24, marcjacobs.com.

“I love a metallic hue for the holidays. This gold is neither too yellow nor too flaxen—and it’s sophisticated enough to keep on after the season has past.” – Vanessa Lawrence, Features Writer

NARS nail polish in Milos, $20, narscosmetics.com.

“I love this blue from the vegan nail polish brand. It never chips, or cracks, and there’s nothing like a deep blue to get you in the holiday spirit.” – Gillian Sagansky, Assistant Writer / Associate to the Editor in Chief

Ella + Mila nail polish in Blindfold Me, $11, ellamila.com.

“I’ve been on a strong metallic kick for the past few months. For NYE I’m kicking it up a notch with the color of the moment: rose gold.” – Sue Williamson, Digital Editor

Julep nail polish in Reiko, $14, julep.com.

“It’s a chic gold that’s chic, sleek and shimmery.” – Jane Larkworthy, Beauty Director

TenoverTen nail polish in 014 Worth, $18, tenoverten.com.

“I’m sticking with my usual black look, but this color from Essie has some shine to it.” – Emilia Petrarca, Associate Digital Editor

Essie nail polish in Belugaria, $9, essie.com.

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