Beautiful! That looks really like a lot of work, this artwork on your nails! "Gold × Camellia," designed for kimono occasions by Megumi Furukawa of "1st Choice Nails."
The Japanese nail art scene is presumably one of the most vibrants in the world. Why? Look at the hordes of Shibuya garu that practically live to care about their looks! It has to be more than just nail stickers for casual nail fashion; salons are dotted all about town to enhance you with the most elaborately designed nail chips. Today, PingMag had our nails done by Megumi Furukawa of 1st Choice Nails and asked her all about creative stereoscopic nail art!Written by Ryoko
Translated by Natsumi Yamane
Nail chips habitually used by many women (and some men, of course) are artificial nails with stylish designs that only need to be glued to your natural nails to glam up the fingertips. Many of Megumi’s nail chips are designed with a sense of season or with different styles to suit a variety of fashions just like jewellery and accessories.
White (plastic) wedding! A set of made-to-order nail chips called “Real Lace × White Rose.” Apparently, very popular for this special occasion.
To Match the Overall AppearanceMegumi says: “When I think of a design, I’m most inspired by large-scale needlework shops, where I can expand my images just by looking at laceworks and needlecraft supplies. For made-to-order nail chips, I usually ask for a photo of the actual dress or kimono the client is going to wear and then think of the image, colours, and the overall design to suit the client’s request.”
Kawaii! Goldfish swim in softened water colours - over your fingers.
Intricate Sakura, cherry blossoms, all together with a cloisonné nail piece. Oh my!
A traditional pattern based on the colour purple, a noble colour in Japan.
A motif with dolphin illustrations carried over all of the nails.
Wow! Another beautiful, Japanese hydrangea-themed design on a stylish black background.
No Nail Art BoundariesMegumi Furukawa: “These days, there is no stereotypical thinking on what nail art should be. I usually design something that basically looks cute or something that makes people want to try it on rather than anything eccentric or unique and artistic. Moreover, I would be even happier if men appreciate more women wearing my nail chips and regard that as sexy, charming and sophisticated.”
A walking Christmas tree! A set of Christmas nail chips in a strong festive red. Look at those tiny, delicate frost patterns!
Gorgeous crown jewellery to go with your ball gown!
The Science of Making3d nail art with stereoscopic designs is made by quickly applying a paint-like substance called ‘mixture’ over the nails and forming the shape you want before drying. When creating designs such as flowers, each part is made individually in advance, then put together and glued on to the nail chip.
Watch the making of a 3d blossom on a nail chip! Much faster than you might imagine…
Megumi: “3d art takes about three to four minutes to make but more detail requires around twenty minutes. However, a 10-piece set of nail chips with rhinestones and lots of other decorations requires about two hours to make, more elaborate designs even take around three hours to finish.”
“Pink × Black with Cherry” to bring out the beauty of cherry blossoms! Colourful!
This is definitely for a kimono occasion: “Purple × Pink Japanese.” Unfortunately, already sold out!
Megumi Furukawa’s uber stylish designs can instantly change the ambience of people’s hands - what a titillating attraction for feminine psychology! Do the guys agree on that?
Roses! Roses! Roses! How romantic! Need we say more?
Megumi Furukawa of 1st Choice Nails, thank you very much for your time! You absolutely have to show us more of your beautiful creative nail art.