Paint it black, or navy or red

 by Melissa Matyas
 published on Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Chelsea Kent / STATE PRESS MAGAZINE

Wild nail polish colors are sweeping over the fingernails of manicures and pedicures in the Valley. Nail polish has become one of the most versatile fashion accessories. Colors are more lavish and elegant than ever and the trends are showing up on fingers and toes everywhere.

Fashion models on runways like Christian Dior and Chanel have been sporting deep purple, navy and red for the fall and winter seasons.

OPI is the top-selling polish brand at cosmetic stores like Trade Secret. "We usually sell most of the colors for the spring and fall lines featured in magazines," says Karen Ruiz, Scottsdale Fashion Square Trade Secret sales representative.

The Russian Navy shade from the OPI Russian Collection flies off the shelves as soon as it's stocked, Ruiz says. It is a deep indigo with a hint of purple shimmer. The color is so dark it could be mistaken as black.

Dolce Salon and Spa nail specialist and education director Cheryl Wilson says clients follow the trends of fashion. "The most popular color is An Affair in Red Square [from the OPI Russian Collection]," Wilson says. Clients at Dolce request romantic reds and sophisticated deep hues more than other colors, she says.

Fashion merchandising junior Ashley Anderson says she likes to wear reds and purples all year around. "I don't really wear polish on my fingers but my toes are always painted," Anderson says. "My favorite colors are all shades of red and rich purples."

Dark colors can be worn on short or long nails. Cut fingernails short for a spunky, modern look or grow nails longer for a more sophisticated, plush look.

OPI has not released the new collection for spring/summer 2008, but bright, neon colors can be expected.

Public relations junior Elissa Villicaña says nail polish is like an extra accessory to help define oneself. "I really like Bohemian colors like hot pink and orange, very vibrant colors," she says. "They go with the Arizona climate and I'm tan, so they look good on me."

Designers have recently introduced bright clothing, accessories and shoes, which have set the stage for the cosmetic scene. Celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Halle Berry have been seen flaunting neon dresses, shoes and handbags. Bright fingers and toes would pair nicely with hot-pink stilettos.

— melissa.matyas@asu.edu