Nail art. Either it’s still “in” or we’re just kidding ourselves. But one thing’s for sure, we just love us some show-stopping nail designs. This past NYFW F/W ’14 showed us a lot of diagonal patterns with icy-cool metallics, less-than-basic nudes and textured finishes — a promising feat that nail art might still be kicking. But if you think it’s dead, well, think again. The Laser Girls are bringing nail art back in full force for 2014!
We’ve seen rhinestones, diamonds, little toys glued to everyone’s fingers from Katy Perry to Lady Gaga. But this year it’s all about 3D nail art. We sat down with The Laser Girls, NYC-based digital artists, who have made a name for themselves with their nylon plastic 3D nail designs, having utilized the new Shapeway 3D printer to bring their latest nail creations to life.
The Laser Girls: Sarah & Dhemerae/Photo Courtesy of Shapeway’s Instagram
The nails can be applied with glue and have a felt-like texture to them with raised ridges. There are bountiful designs with interesting concept names like Sour Razz, Deep Space and Armored Castle. They certainly will turn heads and cause people to stare — perfect! The Laser Girls’ nail designs have been seen on runways and artist exhibitions throughout the city.
So before they explode onto the fashion scene (which they already have!), we got to chat with the gals — Sarah C. Awad and Dhemerae Ford — about how they got started, what inspires them and how to wear their designs!
BeautyStat: How did you and Sarah become the Laser Girls? How did you two meet?
LaserGirls: We met at NYU as art students two and a half years ago, and we were both hired at the university’s 3D print lab as students where we became fast friends. We have only been collaborating on projects though since August of 2013. We have to say, our partnership is really solid. We truly complete each other; we are each other’s editors. We were shocked ourselves at how well we work together! Opposites really do attract when it comes to us, and we would not have it any other way.
BeautyStat: What are some of your favorite nail art designs?
LaserGirls: In general, we’ve been really interested in the nails designs on K-Pop artists such as 2NE1 and Girls’ Generation — we think that’s where nail art is going in the U.S. over the next few years, and their particular style is definitely a visual overload.
Singer Park Bom of K-Pop group 2ne1 and her nail art
As for our own designs, we are particularly partial towards our stainless steel Kingdom Nails.
BeautyStat: Do you think nail art is going to be less or more trendy in 2014? Everyone’s wearing nudes.
LaserGirls: I don’t think nail art is going anywhere. It has come to a point where it’s so integrated into fashion spreads and runway shows now that it has become as second nature as hairstyles. A particular style may come and go but the idea itself is always going to stick around. As nail art becomes more and more of a focus piece in particular fashion trends, the styles and possibilities with what you can do with your nails will also keep growing.
BeautyStat: How do you actually make your 3D nails?
LaserGirls: We start with concept drawings and quick sketches. From there we open our blank nail model files on Zbrush or Solidworks (these are the 3D modeling programs we use). We then proceed to alter the blank file, adding designs, creating cutouts, changing the shape until we have a finished set.
Some Game of Thrones-inspired nails/Photo Courtesy of The Laser Girls’ Tumblr
After the models are complete, we adjust the sizes and prepare them for uploading to Shapeways. Once they’re available to purchase, we buy a set to test as a prototype. If we’re happy with our prototype, we post the completed models to our Shapeways shop for purchase in various materials.
BeautyStat: How do you remove one of your 3D press-on nails? How do you apply?
You can apply them using drugstore nail glue, or strong double-sided mounting tape for more temporary wear. To remove, use an acetone-based remover on a Q-tip gently underneath the nail until you’re able to pull them off. We have more specific application and removal instructions for each set of nails in different materials on our Shapeways store. We always stress to use as little glue as possible to keep them on.
BeautyStat: How do you come up with your design ideas?
LaserGirls: We both have strikingly different aesthetics and interests, so our inspirations for the designs come from a variety of outlets: fashion prints, geometry, robots, flowers, science fiction, witches, animals, weapons and so on! We want our nails to be fun, because we have fun getting inspired.
You can purchase The Laser Girls’ 3D nail designs via their online Shapeways store HERE! Follow them on their Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter to see what designs are in the works — and which celebrities will get their talons on these outrageous nails!
You can purchase all reviewed and mentioned items using our site, www.BeautyStat.com!
Are you going to embrace nail art again? Will you be wearing any of these 3D nail art designs?
Let us know by commenting below (you just might win a free sample)! Make sure to follow us on our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat!
– Theresa Romano, Managing Editor | Follow Theresa on Twitter & Instagram @there_esa
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