No outfit is complete without a set of well-groomed talons. From French manicures (now synonymous with WAGs and glamour girls) to creative nail art (Hoxtonites), and short, squared-off and glossy (high-flying business women) – a manicure can also
No outfit is complete without a set of well-groomed talons. From French manicures (now synonymous with WAGs and glamour girls) to creative nail art (Hoxtonites), a manicure can also reveal a lot about a person. Audrey Hepburn was famously quoted as saying: “I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick…” Testament to the importance of this nail treatment – rarely will you see a primped starlet or celebrity without polished nails. The always immaculately groomed Victoria Beckham believes in manicures so much so that last Halloween she dressed her pet pooch Coco up in a pumpkin outfit with a matching manicure in green and orange.
This week on AnOther Loves we too are pining after a glamorous manicure with the most loved post of the week: Chanel Half Moon nails, loved by AnOther editorial assistant Lucia Davies. The Half Moon manicure also known as “the Cuban”, “Moon” or “Gatsby” manicure, takes the typical French manicure and reverses it. Instead of white tips, the inner half moon shape of the part of the nail called the lunula (“little moon” in Latin) is left bare or painted in varnish. It is alleged that the Half Moon was invented in the 1920s by a manicurist for MGM Studio and was seen as a status symbol since spending so much time on your nails meant you were of a higher class. Popular from the 1920s to1940s, (see Joan Crawford in a set here), the Half Moon has been making somewhat of a comeback over the past few seasons featuring across numerous catwalks.
Why did you choose to Love this Chanel manicure?
Chanel is always on the mind and I have recently re-discovered my love for manicures. From Chanel’s temporary tattoos to its lifestyle range and even popcorn it’s incredible to see how the monogram can transfer onto every aspect of your life.
What does a manicure represent for you?
A manicure is a quick-fix and instant way to feel pampered and polished. I also like the variation on manicures and what they can say about a person: shape, colour, design and the more bizarre (piercings and gems).
What kind of an occasion would you get this done for, and what would you wear with it?
I think these would be great for any occasion. Although they’d obviously be perfect for a Chanel fashion show, when I would (naturally) be dressed in Chanel.
Which is your favourite designer logo and why?
The Chanel monogram is iconic and embodies everything about the high fashion brand: classic and effortlessly stylish. Other favourites would have to include Martin Margiela’s for it’s clinical and graphic simplicity. And, at the other end of the scale Versace’s head of Medusa which perfectly represents the ostentatious luxury of the brand.
What was the last thing you bought?
A Chanel black satin manicure – with the wintery months and Halloween approaching I’m getting in the mood.
What is your favourite online shop?
At the moment I am coveting nearly everything from The Last Tuesday Society and have already found some Christmas presents on there too.
Suggested Reading: The AnOther Proust Questionnaire with the Creative Director of Chanel Peter Philips.
