Teen Vogue x Coach Featuring Iris Apatow | On Set
Problem solving and creative solutions give me a thrill.
When working with the creative team to develop the nail look for this Teen Vogue x Coach special issue starring Iris Apatow, they really wanted to emphasize the iconic Coach "C" as a chrome accent on the nails.
Immediately, my wheels started spinning.
I'm a good artist, but the Coach "C" is so recognizable that there was no way I was going to successfully sculpt and recreate it out of gel. And because the details were finished in chrome powder, simply attaching metal jewelry to the nail wasn't going to work either. Chrome is a beautiful metallic finish, but it doesn't look quite the same as actual silver.
To make this nail art look happen, the real MVP was expedited shipping.
The solution? We overnighted a few pairs of Coach earrings from the outlet store and I went to work turning them into nail charms.
Using my e-file and a few bits, I removed the earring posts, filed the backs smooth, and coated the pieces with gel and chrome powder to create a uniform finish that matched the rest of the design.
The final look combined soft spring ombré colors, dimensional details, and custom Coach-inspired accents that felt playful, futuristic, and perfectly at home within the story.
Below you'll find a recreation of the look I created for the shoot, sans the custom charms.
Photographer: Lenne Chai
Hair: Kiley Fitzgerald
Makeup: Alexandra French
Nails: Rachel Messick / Celestine Agency
Stylist: Katherine Thomas
Art Director: Emily Zirimis
Visual Editor: Ana Escamilla
Production: Hyperion LA
