CND & Julie K. for Christian Cowan S/S2024, Paris Fashion Week.

“This collection is incredibly expressive and flamboyant, but chic and tasteful — think giant faux furs, silk gowns, and opulent shirts adorned with flowers. I wanted the nails to be traditionally fabulous, but with a modern twist. Strokes of vivid color beautifully complemented the clothing with a hint of sparkle on each nail, and a soft stiletto shape that gives fierce but is still wearable day-to-day!”

— Christian Cowan

“The nails for Christian Cowan SS24 is a compilation of looks with varying minute details, including shifting smile line details, playing with velvet/glossy finishes, and crystal adornments in a well-planned out way," added Julie Kandalec, Lead Nail Artist. "We loved that the nail collection was cohesive, yet each of the seven looks we sent down the runway was different in its own way.”

Nail Look Breakdown

1. If not using nail tips, begin with P.E.P.

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 stiletto nail architecture. Cure using preset button 2B.

4. Clean with 99% IPA.

5. Shape and refine the nail using a 180-grit file & buffer.

6. Clean with 99% IPA.

7. Choose a CND Shellac shade: Powder My Nose, Satin Pajamas, Quartz Correct, Climb to the Top-az, Black Pool, Absolutely Radishing, or Steel Kisses.

   1. Lone Crystal Design

      1. Using the brush in the bottle, polish the nail bed with two layers of a CND Shellac shade of your choice in an exaggerated oval shape. Cure each layer using preset button 2S.

      2. Outline the free edge and the smile line of the nail with the same shade, or CND Shellac in Cream Puff for a crisp look, leaving the center of the tip entirely clear, and cure on preset button 2S.

      3. Using CND Plexigel Builder, adorn the top-center of the nail with a single round crystal, and cure on preset button 2B.

      4. Apply a layer of CND Shellac No Wipe+ Top Coat or Matte Top Coat to seal, and cure using preset button 3.

      5. For a chrome finish: using a sponge applicator, immediately burnish in CND Over The Top Effects in Off the Chain over CND Shellac No Wipe+ Top Coat evenly to the surface of the nail. Apply another layer of CND Shellac No Wipe+ Top Coat and cure on preset button 3 .

   2. Crystal Line Design

      1. Using the brush in the bottle, polish the nail bed with CND Shellac in Steel Kisses in an exaggerated oval shape, and cure on preset button 2S.

      2. Using a thin brush, outline the free edge of the nail with CND Shellac in Steel Kisses, and cure on preset button 2S.

      3. Using CND Plexigel Builder, adorn the smile line of the nail with round crystals, and cure on preset button 2B .

      4. Using CND Plexigel Builder, adorn the top-center of the nail with a single round crystal, and cure on preset button 2B .

      5. Apply a layer of CND Shellac No Wipe+ Top Coat to seal, and cure using preset button 3.

8. Apply a drop of CND SolarOil to condition the nail and cuticles.