Gotham Nail Art Interview
Nail Art Fiends Need to See Jada Pinkett Smith's Digits on Gotham
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If you haven't been watching Fox's new show Gotham, you're seriously missing out. You don't have to be a die-hard DC Comics fan to enjoy the series — in fact, all you have to be is a nail art junkie. Since the series's first episode, I've been eyeing the nail evolution of gangster lady boss Fish Mooney (played by a sexy and scary Jada Pinkett Smith). From long, dramatic claws to bedazzled digits, the manicures have been just as exciting as the show. In a late-night Instagram bingeing session, I was able to track down the woman responsible for those terrific talons. Celebrity manicurist Elle — who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, and Bella Thorne — shared what it's like to work on the show, what's in her kit, and her tricks for your trendiest tips ever.
Working on Gotham
POPSUGAR: Does the outfit come first or does your nail idea come first?
Elle: The outfit definitely comes first. I don’t do it on set, so Jada and I come together, talk about what she wants to do, and I give her ideas.
PS: How long has the most intense manicure taken?
E: Not more than an hour, including fillings. Just like getting her nails done. But after she is done shooting Magic Mike, we are really going to take it to the next level.
PS: What has your favorite nail been to create?
E: We have been really conservative — they are only going to get better! We’re definitely going to do a lot more texture work, probably different shaping. But the filigree manicure was my favorite so far.
PS: Would that filigree be wearable in real life? How do you wear that?
E: Oh, it’s a nail shield that is glued to her nail! There is a brand called Nail Veil that you can purchase it from — it’s an actual piece of jewelry glued onto your nails.
The Shades You Need to Own
PS: What is one polish every woman should have in her collection?
E: A skin-flattering neutral. For fair skin, I like Dermelect Indulgent ($12), and for darker skin, I would go for Marc Jacobs polish in Fluorescent Beige ($18).
PS: What’s your favorite topcoat?
E: I have two. And they would be Dermelect Launchpad ($16) and Nails Inc. Kensington Top Coat ($15). Those are my favorites. But I am also using a lot of Red Carpet Manicure and Gelish gel polishes.
PS: What metallic shades should we wear this holiday season?
E: Right now, I’m loving Dermelect Gilded ($14) and Dermelect Gilded ($14). And the Red Carpet Manicures Power of the Gem collection ($12 each) is unreal.
PS: What do you think next year’s hot color is going to be?
E: For Spring, I think definitely muted sunset-y colors. Summer will be a bit brighter. But definitely, the peaches, the mauves, the muted buttery yellows — like linens — for Spring.
The Best (and Worst) Trends
PS: What is your favorite upcoming nail trend?
E: Right now, I am really enjoying the art, but not the crazy aspects of art — more the evolution. You know, art being an accent, not really overtaking your personality. I love all these nail art trends on Nail’d It. My best friend Tom Bachik is the judge.
PS: What nail trend do you want to die?
E: French manicure. It's so gross. My clients know to not ask me for a French manicure — it's just not happening. The pink and white square nail, that's a no! I call it a porno nail.
PS: What do you think a nail shape says about a personality?
E: I think it definitely takes a bold woman to wear the stilettos, the coffin nail — a pointed shape with the tip cut off — I definitely think the edgier person would wear that. Someone who is a little bit more style conscious, having a little bit more fun, and willing to take it to a different level.
PS: What tools are essential to your nail kit?
E: Right now, with Jada being part of it, I have to have acrylic, stones, foils, chrome . . . there are over 300 bottles of polish in my kit at any given time. And we have been hopping back from gels to polishes. My favorite brands that have been worn on the show so far are Dermelect and Marc Jacobs.
