Fine Linen Inspires The Nail Look At Wes Gordon’s SS15 Show

Muted lips aren’t the only restrained beauty element for Spring 2015 — thus far,  the bright electric shade and punk pastel nail lacquer hues typically associated with warmer weather have been noticeably absent from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS15 in New York City. If nude manicures were everywhere for Spring/Summer 2014, then next year we can expect to see a repeat occurrence — but with a bit of a twist. In the first two days of NYFW, we’ve seen plenty of pared-down manis that, while not full-on flesh-toned or sheer, are subtle and minimalist with just a teeny touch of color or texture. Working for Essie, manicurist Rita Remark created a sophisticated but fresh-feeling nail look for the Wes Gordon SS15 show, mimicking the sandy white hue of linen fabric as well as its interwoven texture.

To create the look, Remark started by applying the Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat to clean, dry nails, so as to create an even surface free of any cracks, peeling, or indentations. Next, she applied one coat of the Essie Cocktails & Coconuts nail lacquer, a golden sand-colored shade with a hint of shimmer, and, atop it, a coat of Essie Imported Bubbly nail lacquer, a sparkling, pearlescent beige with warm undertones. When layered atop each other, the shades create a dewy skin shade that felt radiant yet effortless.

Once the sheer, understated, nude-colored lacquer pairing dried, it was time to start creating the gridded, linen-inspired pattern. To do so, Remark used  a thin striping brush and the Essie Blanc nail lacquer, a semi-opaque white. Dipping the brush into the nail lacquer, she eliminated any excess color to keep every stroke precise and mess-free. She then ran the striping brush down nails, creating thin vertical lines that were evenly spaced. Once these were dry, she added horizontal lines, again using the striping brush and keeping the look symmetrical and neat. To tone down some of the brightness created by the white polish, she applied a thin coat of the Essie Allure nail lacquer, a sheer nude pink hue and, to complete the look, she brushed on one coat of Essie’s Good To Go top coat.

Exuding the yacht-worthy ease of linen dresses and slacks, the look felt minimalist yet luxurious, like the nail equivalent of a great pair of espadrilles or a floppy straw hat.