UK Celebrity Nail Stylist Marian Newman Speaks on Minx , and Nail Trends, and Royal Wedding Nail Predictions..

I was fortunate enough to sneak in a few questions with  the ultra-busy world renowned Celebrity Nail Stylist Marian Newman after the release of her new signature line of MINX designs. 

 

MARIAN NEWMAN

Legendary U.K. nail stylist Marian Newman has worked in almost every area of the nail industry, and can claim well over 50 British Vogue covers to her name as well as hundreds of other magazine covers and editorial stories.
'Marian Newman Nails' have been a fixture at countless fashion shows and other events in London and Paris, such as Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Vercace, Moschino, McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Baradi, Fashion Rocks (with 150 models and 19 artists and bands) and the Alexander McQueen/Amex show.
Marian’s very first fashion show was to create 12” spiral nails for McQueen at Givenchy, and Marian also worked with Minx co-founders to create custom Minx nails for the designer’s last show, the S/S ’10 collection. Some of the celebrities for whom she has worked her nail magic include: Kate Moss, Giselle, Cheryl Cole, Nicole Kidman, Bjork, John Galliano, Liberty Ross, Sienna Miller, Rachel Weiss, Natalie Portman, Heather Mills-MacCartney, Linda Evangelista, Gwen Stefani, Cindy Crawford, Riley Keogh, Elle Macpherson, Terri Hatcher, Kate Winslet, Charlotte Rampling, Juliette Binoche, Kate Blanchette, Gynneth Paltrow, Keira Knightly, Kylie, Naomi Campbell and P Diddy, to name but a few.
Now, Marian continues her sessions work and has a ‘sessions team’ administered by her agents, Streeters.

Marian Newman Q&A:

1. Where did you draw inspiration from when creating your signature MINX collection? Was there any fashion influences? ( given your history of working with fashion designers)
The first designs I wanted to do were the ‘degrade’. I think this is a chic version of quite simple colour that is hard to achieve with polish. I was delighted when the Dior couture A/W ’11 had the exact effect! Those 2 were my ‘fashion’ designs. Designers often want nails that enhance or accessorise their collections rather than take too much focus away. These 2 designs would do that and they have the added bonus of being able to layer with them to change the look easily while still keeping the subtle fade of colour.

2. If you had to choose only one, what is your absolute favorite design from your new collection, and why?
That’s hard as I obviously love the all! I suppose it would have to be Longevity. (which I am wearing on my toes at the moment) It is the classic Minx gold that cannot be matched but then, when the light catches it, it is a prism of colour due to the Minxlusion being the symbols on the design. There is the surprise from people when this happens. But Plunge is quite special too! When you see the optical illusion that is created it is very weird!


3. Nails are very big in the UK, what are your favorite trends / designs that may have not crossed the pond over to the US yet? - It can be anything from nail shape, color, etc… Also what nail trends do you foresee for the spring /summer season?
There is a fabulous small chain of salons here called WAH and they are known for their excellent ‘street’ nails. There are also a couple of sessions technicians that are good at this type of nail (Sophy Robson and Jenny Longworth). These aren’t really my style of work but I love the inventiveness of them (http://www.wah-nails.com/). I think the trend this season is going to be anything and everything that has an ‘effect’ e.g the crackle effect polishes, glitters, magnetic nails, all forms of nails art and, of course, fabulous Minx’s


4. Do you feel that the women in the UK are more cutting edge and adventurous when it comes to their nails in comparison to women in the States, or do you think it’s a close tie?
A few years ago I would have said the exact opposite but the UK seem to be far more adventurous now! Sales of nails products have rocketed and salons are busier than they have ever been. I think it may be because we are just catching up with the US and there are so many new products and ideas.


5. If you could do Kate Middleton’s nails for the Royal Wedding, how would you do them?
The Royals are very conservative with their nails so I don’ t think this should change on a wedding day. She seems to have nice nails so I would have advised her to use a good nail oil daily for the last few weeks. For the day I would make sure they are beautifully buffed and a white pencil used under the free edge to give a clean and healthy look. I might use a clear top coat with a colour enhancer to make sure they look their absolute best but that is all.

To view the full Marian Newman for MINX collection go to http://www.minxnails.com/

Help Plant Trees With Lavanila

In honor of Earth Day 2011, eco-gorgeous brand Lavanila Laboratories wants you to help them plant a forest! For each new “LIKE” received on their Facebook page (Lavanila Laboratories) starting Midnight tonight -  April 21^st and ending at midnight April 22^nd (Earth Day), Lavanila will plant one tree through their long-time partnership with The Nature Conservancy. Theyre also continuing this eco-initiative by planting a tree for each purchase made on http://www.lavanila.com/ . Now you can feel great about shopping, because you will be making a contribution to the environment.

Christening Gift Ideas

Cross on Pearls Necklace

With my friends daughter's Christening being a few months away,  her daughter will be receiving hers this upcoming June ( - So this topic is really really dear to me) besides what to wear, where to throw the reception afterwards, etc.. the most urgent thing that comes to mind is this… What would be the perfect gift for the little angel to wear on the baby's special day????? My pick is for christening  jewellery  in this case is something really cute, simple, and fitting for the occasion .  You can opt to gift it to the baby  a few days before, so that he/she  wears it on the day of their Christening  to Church, etc.. You can opt for a really cute Sterling Silver Heart on Pearls Necklace, or a White Topaz Gemstone Cross , or a Cross on a Pearl Necklace , boy items  are the Christening Bangle , and the Alphabet Initial Necklace . There is so many pretty options. I also think these items can be gifted “just cause” as well, some of these pieces can be worn for any occasion - whether that be Birthdays, Christmas , etc.. In a few years some of these same pieces of jewelry can be used again for the "First Communion" . It can be like some sort of keepsake "something old"  that he/ she has that will make the day all the more special.

Celebrity Nail Stylist Collections For Minx Nails

Minx Nails recently launched two Celebrity Nail Stylist collaborations with two of the hottest Nail Stylists : New Yorks very own Lisa Logan , and U.K. 's Marian Newman. “Our goal at Minx is to continually present new and unique nail fashion to our customers,” says Minx co-founder Dawn Lynch-Goodwin. “The Signature Collection lines, created by the crème de la crème in the nail profession, will enable Minx to harness the most exciting, cutting edge nail artistry and present this in a form that is accessible and wearable.” Both collections recently launching last week , April 14, 2011 .

Minx Professional for Marian Newman

Longevity

Cool Degradé

Hot Degradé

Plunge

Red Illumination

Spaced Out

Silver Hollows



MN Key


















“We have felt honored to work closely with Marian for the past few years and with over 60 British Vogue covers to her credit, it is no surprise that she’s known as the grand dame of high-fashion nails,” said Minx co-founder Dawn Lynch-Goodwin. “This line gives her a chance to showcase her creativity and artistry, and to make her favorite designs available to other nail stylists around the world.”



The eight designs in the Minx Professional for Marian Newman line reflect her work with runway legends such as Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood and Givenchy as well as her work with fashion icons including Kate Moss, Lady Gaga,Victoria Beckham and Uma Thurman. Embodying timeless elegance and class, the
collection includes:
Hot Degradé and Cool Degradé: A super chic fade using hot and cool versions that look amazing when layered over a metallic Minx base;
MN Key and Longevity: A logo-esque design created by Marian and a unique design that is personal to the nail stylist, incorporating her science background and her ten years of work experience with Dior;
Silver Hollows and Plunge: Designs that represent altered states and change the curve of the nail with illusions;
Spaced Out and Illumination: Versions of the “moon manicure” with oriental detailing.

 

Minx Professional for Lisa Logan

Daybreak

Desert Rainbow

Eclipse

Eclipse Transparent

Golden Scales

Happy Dots

Nightfall

Techno Camo  

The new Minx Professional for Lisa Logan line consists of 8 designs, created in collaboration with world renowned New York celebrity nail stylist Lisa Logan. “I’m so incredibly excited to be presenting this line,” says Logan, whose clients include Beyoncé, Katy Perry and Madonna. “I’ve been working with Minx for two years, developing custom designs requested by Beyoncé, by magazine editors, and for top designers,” Logan explains. “To be given the creative freedom to design my very own line is literally a dream come true.”

The Minx Professional for Lisa Logan line reflects the diversity and high energy of Logan’s typical nail clients, and Logan explains that the inspiration for the designs was found within her unique work environment. “When I saw a visual that appealed to me, whether it was backstage at a music concert or on the road to a fashion shoot, I would take a photo and then work with the image to translate it to Minx,” says Logan. “As a result, the designs in this collection are quite eclectic, ranging from the classic symmetry of the Golden Scales Minx design to the funky and fun Techno Camo Minx, and the variety ensures that this collection will appeal to all types of people.”

“Selecting Lisa Logan to design the first of the Signature Collections was an easy
decision,” adds Minx co-founder Janice Jordan. “Her designs skillfully reflect the unique New York vibe and as we continue to build the Signature Collection, Minx will bring our customers an unparalleled array of nail fashion infused with fashion sensibility and flair expressed by the top nail stylists from around the globe.”

The Minx Professional for Marian Newman and Lisa Logan lines can be purchased online by nail professionals through the www.MinxNails.com website, and you can request your favorite design from the collection when making your next Minx application appointment.

About Minx, Inc.®

Minx, Inc.® is a private company that extends fashion to your fingertips®. The company’s patented Minx product has rapidly become the premiere fashion accessory for nails and has been worn by countless celebrities and fashion icons. The Minx line includes a wide array of metallics, designer styles, and graphics available to high-end beauty businesses around the world. For more information and a list of salons and spas currently offering Minx, visit www.MinxNails.com.

Wine Accessories : Perfect for Fathers Day.

Cognac Glasses

Father's Day is quickly approaching, and what better way to prepare for "His special day" than to get his gift early. There is tons of ideas to show your father,grandfather,uncle,brother, and husband your appreciation for the impeccable job they do on a daily basis. From sentimental keepsake gifts, to practical use everyday gifts, personalized gifts , etc..  There is so many options when it comes to Fathers Day Presents. I'd like to put the spotlight on the father who is a wine connoisseur - how about a wine gift set / items like a " wine in the park" set for a romantic outdoor getaway with mom??? , wall mounted wine rack - he can store his wine in style, digital wine thermometer - he can always make sure his favorite .bottle of Merlot is chilled to perfection, rechargeable electric corkscrew - is also a great gift , it makes poping that bottle of wine open a less tedious task. and last but not least, my personal favorite - the "Norman Copenhagen Cognac Glasses" - these can double as stemless wine glasses - which have a very masculine feel to them. Serving wine with a luxurious flair can also be achieved with a great gift in a "Silver Plated Wine Cooler" or "Silver Plated Jug" - if your dad has his own office maybe he can keep those in his office when he needs to offer his clients / colleagues something to drink between meetings. - Whatever you decide to go with , he will be more than pleased.

Baby Phat and Kimora Lee Simmons back together again ????



Kimora , with her latest fragrance


Not exactly ( she is still no longer the CEO of Baby Phat) , but this month marks the launch of Kimora Lee Simmons' latest fragrance in collaboration with COTY - Baby Phat L♥V ME by Kimora Lee Simmons.

This powerful, flirtatious fragrance captures the essence of feminine strength and says to the world, “LOVE ME for the essence of who I am… Admire me for my strength and spirit. Cherish me for my passion and drive. Respect me for my aspirations that DARE ME to dream. What’s most important is that you LOVE ME …for me.”

Mother, successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and style icon, Kimora created Baby Phat L♥V ME as a
tribute to young women who live their dreams and love themselves. Kimora notes, “I wanted to create a
fragrance that makes girls feel proud, powerful and ready to conquer the world. I believe you have to truly love yourself, take care of yourself, and believe in your strength before you can soar. My new fragrance embodies all of these ideals and I can’t wait to share it with my fans.”

The Oriental Vanilla Musk fragrance opens with a fresh fusion of Apricot Blossom, Tangerine, and Passion Fruit that unfolds into an exotic floral bouquet of Frangipani Blossom, Jasmine Petals and Tiger Orchid with a soft, sensual drydown of Vanilla Blossom and Sandalwood.

Baby Phat L♥V ME (1.0 oz) retails for $28 in select stores nationwide, such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Kohl’s and Kmart.  With Mother's Day around the corner , this is a perfect gift option.