Pattie Yankee is known for doing the digits of celebrity clients like Katy Perry, the Kardashians, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel Ray, Giada de Laurentiis, and many more. If you've been paying attention to Fashion Weeks past, then you know that her lacquer line Patricia Nail Lacquer has been prominent for backstage manis and pedis. I tried to keep up with this nail icon through her day of four fashion shows and still don't know how she does it.

Yankee began today at 10 a.m. Although she lives in New York, she makes somewhat of a trek (in traffic and if there's a cab shortage--and there are, during peak NYFW times). She does nails for designers she has relationships with, some of which date back seven years, and in today's case that means a tight schedule spread out between four shows back-to-back. The day began with Britney Spears, then Pamella Roland, then Elie Tahari, and Skingraft. Each look used a different color from her Patricia Nail Lacquer line. Yankee exclusively pre-mixes her colors for NYFW, so each is a unique blend. For example, designer Pamella Roland has yet to name her lacquer color because Yankee mixed it exclusively for the show. The spring/summer 2015 collection was inspired by cherry blossoms and the lilac hued nails complement the ropes in the models' hair as well as the Japanese-inspired makeup design.

Yankee recruits nail technicians willing to assist her for the shows through social media. The group that joined her today were spread about between the various shows since the times overlapped. All of the techs live in New York, so they are close at hand. 

Hanging with Yankee means running from one show to the next. We struggled to get a cab in the rain, but made it to Elie Tahari, where Yankee's color Veil, was used for the fashion presentation. The designer desired a very clean look, which he has been gravitating toward for season's passed. Since this collection was shown at the flagship and not on a runway, there were many press people on the second floor. I was happy to see that TV crews wanted to interview Yankee to discuss nails. When I asked her if she thought they would remain a staple for seasons to come she answered positively, meaning many more nail techs will get the opportunity to work NYFW and hopefully beyond. 

From Tahari it was a mad dash back to Lincoln Center for Skingraft. The nail at this show was the most edgy with a silver accent nail in Divinity. For Yankee who is a meticulous planner, the hustle and bustle of Fashion Week can be her least favorite part. The veteran nail tech enjoys planning and preparation as opposed to looking for a cab last minute. But she presses on, because Yankee believes in the power of opportunity and in helping others out. She loves nothing more than connecting other nail techs who love the high-pressure world of NYFW. While at the Tahari show she even found a new employee for her salon. While so many other people (and media outlets) are fixated on the clothes, it's nice to see a group so dedicated to the well-being of the nails.

You can purchase Patricia Nail Lacquer at Ricky's NYC and bring NYFW to the hands of your clients.

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