Nail fashion is all the rave right now and even top dollar designers are taking note. Staple nail decor company MINX recently took their talents down under for Australian Fashion Week. Spring/Summer 2013 fashions from My Wild Love, Phoenix Keating, Miss Unkon, and Blesse’d are the Meek were all complimented by the nail art patterns that only MINX can provide.

It is no surprise the designers chose MINX as a nail covering for their runway shows. Not only is the accessory completely customizable, but it needs no dry time and is smudge free. The quick and frequent outfit changes mixed with the crowd of people rushing backstage could be a recipe for nail disaster, but MINX is the perfect solution.

MINX offers countless prints, patterns, and hues so the four designers had quite a task on their hands when choosing the perfect nail art for their shows. My Wild Love models wore arrow shaped nails with Rattlesnake MINX print tips. Miss Unkon went with a MinxLusion metallic gradient. Phoenix Keating and Blesse’d are the Meek each chose custom designs.

Take a peek at the hair, makeup, fashions, and most of all, nails from four of the top shows from Australia Fashion Week.

Image Layout: C_Rocka

The OPI Pure Lacquer Nail Apps adhere to nails in seconds and can be stretched for a perfect fit. Each pack contains 16 strips to ensure perfect sizing for all finger and toe nails. For best results, this product should not be finished with top coat. Simply remove with an acetone polish remover when you’re ready for them to come off.
To make your OPI Lacquer Nail Apps you can cure the nail strips with a GelColor Top Coat.

Suzi-Weiss Fischmann noted the increasing popularity of nail art as an inspiration for the OPI Lacquer Nail Apps:

 Nail art has become increasingly popular, with both consumers and trained professionals…Pure Lacquer Nail Apps provide the perfect way to get a one-of-a-kind look that simply cannot be replicated by hand. Each nail strip is made of 100% real nail lacquer for a flawless final look with easy application.

What do you think of the OPI Lacquer Nail Apps? Cute no? Especially if you don’t have the time to go to the salon to get your custom nail art done. You can find the nail wraps at Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for the suggested retail price of $11.95.

For the past few years I’ve gotten news of celebrity passings from social media like Twitter and Instagram.  Today was different.  I received a text from my mom asking if I had heard about Donna Summer passing away at 63 from cancer.  Honestly, I wouldn’t want to hear it any other way.  As a child of 70s my fondest memories of Donna Summer are listening to her over the airwaves of the car radio sitting in the back seat as my mom drove.  I remember  that whenever I wanted to ask my mom to turn on the radio, instead of just asking her like a normal person, I would belt out Donna Summer’s “On the Radio” and I would sing “Turn on the radio, woahooooo” – loudly.  Just the thought of it still makes me smile. 

She had so many other great songs. The O.G. “Bad Girl” long before Rihanna and M.I.A., the “toot toot, yeah, beep beep” and infectious whistle of “Bad Girls”, before Beyonce covered her “Love to Love You” and the hypnotic intros of “I Feel Love” and “Hot Stuff” Donna Summer was the undisputed Queen of Disco.

When I was a little older and she transitioned from disco to pop, “She Works Hard Her Money” was so inspiring. I loved seeing all of these working women coming out into the streets and dance – about demanding respect and being independent. She had so many other great songs that I love and I can never manage to sit still through them. In my eyes, Donna Summer will forever be the Queen of Disco and will always sing the last song I want to hear at a dance party.

Better late than never!

In late March I got the chance to do the nail maven herself, Kid Sister’s nails at the 10 year Sisterz of the Underground anniversary. With the help of Sisterz of the Underground, Traci Putkey, and Nail Jerk magic, we made this happen:

Complete with a nail step and repeat – and photographer for the event Amanda Lopez got some great shots. We even got a little footage courtesy of Cult of Beauty:

All of the celebrity inspiration I got insight from includes simple comfortable pieces. Something breezy, fun, and laid back. You’re going to a concert to scream your head off and dance. Feeling and looking great is important. These outfits have definitely inspired me for the Beyoncé concert I’m attending next week! It’s at night and it’s indoors so I’m thinking a sheer blouse and bodycon skirt. If it was in the daytime, I would most likely go with a simple maxi dress and statement necklace. What are your favorite looks?

Fringe Crop Top | Maxi Skirt | Denim Authentic Vans

Leopard Print Sandals | Orange Cambridge Satchel | Jagged Hoop Earrings

Striped Skater Dress | Spiked Gold Loafers | Mini Bag

Sheer Blouse | Colored Skinny Jeans | Corset Wedge | Envelope Clutch

Denim Shorts | Neon Sandals | Patent Neon Bag

German-based brand K1X recently announced a new collaboration following the success of their DCAC Sierra Leone series. The streetwear company summoned the talents of 20 young artists from Freetown in Sierra Leone to create patterned fabrics using the batik dying technique. Batik dying of fabric is an ancient art form dating back to 4th century BCE where it was used to wrap mummies in Egypt. Luckily, K1X and the *folorunsho artists revived the technique and applied it to the DCAC silhouette.

Each of the traditional designs has been customized and used to produce the series. The sneakers are available exclusively at Colette and come with a photobook to show the creative process used to create the fabric. Each pair goes for about $140 with all the proceeds going back to the artists to fund their creative visions. You can view all the colors and purchase the DCAC Batik here.

Image Layout: C_Rocka

I recently collaborated with Cult of Beauty, Founder/Editor of CLOUT Magazine & Founder/Designer of High Gloss Clothing with Nail Jerks. After getting to know her I gained respect for what Cult of Beauty is all about and why she got into the business.

According to Cult of Beauty, the name represents “Finding beauty in all things” ..an obsession with aesthetics.

Clout is the leading graffiti lifestyle magazine based out of San Jose, California, featuring street influenced art, fashion and music and their creators. Landing exclusive interviews with artists and musicians, Clout offers a unique look at street influenced culture.

I really love what Cult of Beauty is doing with her craft. It’s always admirable to find a lady underneath the veil of something that is usually run by men. I’m really happy that I got a chance to collaborate with her and bring you another view of her work.

Photographer: Rosalie Rivera

Graphics: Alex Blaise

Update 05.16.12: Chanel confirmed that the Chanel logo face stickers will not be for sale. SAD FACE.

Photos: Karl Lagerfeld