How-To: NYFW Nails CND x Christian Cowan

CND partnered with manicurist Julie Kandalec (@julieknailsnyc) to create five chic and bold nail for Christian Cowan S/S2024.

“For Christian Cowan’s FW24 nails, we wanted to bridge the gap between extremes with a fierce shape that is both chic and bold," shares Lead Nail Artist Kandalec. "We ultimately decided on five looks  total utilizing an array of CND’s most classic shades– from solid Black Pool and Cream Puff white nails topped with silver stars, show-stopping French manis in Devil Red, Garnet Glamor and Safety Pin, as well as a set of '90s inspired gem piercing nails using Ice Vapor,”

“The brand is all about celebration and making everyone feel fabulous and fun, and this season the clothes are all about the quiet classics—think silvers, whites, blacks and what I think is the most classic of all time, red," adds Cowan. "We wanted the nails to lean into the clean look with a square tip to give it a modernized finish, while staying fun by playing with both matte and high shine finishes. I think nails are the most essential part of an outfit to make you feel polished and finished.”

To recreate the looks seen on the runway, follow the tutorials below. 

Nail Prep 

1. If not using nail tips, begin with nail prep.
2. Apply a layer of CND PLEXIGEL Bonder and cure in the CND LED Lamp using preset button 1. 
3. Using CND Future Forms with CND PLEXIGEL Builder build medium to long square-tipped nail architecture. Cure using preset button 2B. 
4. Clean with 99% IPA. 
5. Shape and refine the nail with a 180-grit file and buffer. 
6. Clean with 99% IPA. 
7. Once finished with desired nail design, apply a drop of CND SolarOil to condition the nail and cuticles.

Lone Star Design 

Lone Star DesignCourtesy of CND

1. Apply two layers of CND Shellac in Black Pool or Cream Puff. Cure each layer using preset button 2S. 
2. Apply a small silver star decal to the tip of the nail. 
3. Apply a layer of CND Shellac No Wipe+ Top Coat or Matte Top Coat to seal, and cure using preset button 3.

French Tip Design 

French Tip DesignCourtesy of CND

1. Apply two layers of CND Shellac in Devil Red or Ice Vapor. Cure each layer using preset button 2S. 
2. Using a nail art brush, create a French tip with an ultra-deep smile line using one layer of CND Shellac in Garnet Glamor or Safety Pin. Cure on preset button 2S. 
3. For added shimmer, apply one layer of CND Shellac in Ice Vapor all over the silver nails.
4. Apply a layer of CND Shellac No Wipe+ Top Coat to seal, and cure using preset button 3.

Silver Gem Design 

Silver Gem DesignCourtesy of CND

1. Apply two layers of CND Shellac in Safety Pin. Cure each layer using preset button 2S. 
2. Apply a layer of CND Shellac No Wipe+ Top Coat to seal, and cure using preset button 3.