For Spring/Summer 2019, Mary Katrantzou is celebrating 10 years of extraordinary print, architecture, and dynamic color. The SS19 collection, dubbed “Collectibles,” is centered around precious objects that one treasures for a lifetime. A textile designer and architect at heart, the SS19 collection stayed true to Katrantzou’s love for print and keen understanding for structure and silhouette, showcasing the true breadth of her creativity and talent.

To properly honor Katrantzou’s designs, the CND Design Lab team of nail professionals created unique looks for catwalk runway models. As the running theme within the show is all about Mary’s “collectibles” — her keepsakes and memories, the nail designs were centered around the encasements that store these precious treasures.

Look 1:

Glass dome nails meant to evoke the feeling of precious treasures protected in glass were created with encasements made of meticulously hand-sculpted crystal-clear gel. The design was conceived by CND Design Lab nail artist Tracey Lee. When making the nails for Mary Katrantzou’s show, the CND Design Lab team used a little less than 4,000 ml of CND Brisa Clear Gel to make the most precious, expensive nails of London Fashion Week, enough to coat an entire London black cab.

“What an honor to partner with Mary Katrantzou for the very first time and for such a momentous occasion — her 10-year anniversary! Mary’s unapparelled use of color, print, and texture allowed our team to have so much fun exploring new techniques,” says Jan Arnold, CND co-founder and style director.

Look 2:

The theme of glass continues with the blown glass nail with a delicate silver tap that magically floats at the tip, created by CND nail artist Samantha Birkett-Leigh, along with the silver halo nail, a clear nail embellished with two silver half frames by CND Design Lab nail artist Tracey Lee.

Look 3:

Steven Jones, who created all the hats in Katrantzou’s show, inspired CND nail artist Sarah Linsmeier’s faceted glass nail, reminiscent of a crystalline structure that forms almost magically. All of these glass technique-inspired nails created a different illusion for the treasures within.

Look 4:

A pop of color, a nod to Katrantzou, CND® Lead Designer Shelena Robinson created velvet nails painted with CND Shellac Decadance and Winter Night — similar to that of soft cushions one might nestle their finest jewelry in.

Finale Look:

A graphic statement nail look on mannequins showcasing archived Katanrzou’s designs during the show’s finale was a wonderful way to pay homage to Mary’s signature use of bright bold color. These looks were created by the CND’s Design Lab team using the CND Summer 2019 collection and core colors Banana Clips, Electric Orange, and Cityscape.