In recent years, the world of nail art has witnessed a renaissance, with various innovative designs and techniques taking center stage. From textured chrome to air-brushed auras and sculpted seashells, the possibilities are seemingly endless. One of the latest trends to capture the imagination of nail enthusiasts is the use of 3D flowers, crafted from gel, acrylic, and even rhinestone glue. These floral nail designs have breathed new life into the classic salon experience, transforming it into something hyper-realistic and captivating.
Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe SS23 collection, featuring sensual anthuriums, became the ultimate accessory worn by celebrities like Zendaya, Taylor Russel, Adwoa Aboah, Dakota Fanning, and Emily Ratajkowski. Roses, a symbol of love and beauty, made their presence felt, adorning outfits and accessories. Whether stuffed into sheer Simone Rocha gowns or woven into a Sandy Liang little black dress, these flowers added a touch of elegance and charm. This trend represents a cultural return to innocence and a longing for simplicity, perhaps in response to the complexities of the modern world.
Fake Hating
The acceptance of femininity in a post-Barbie era is like a breath of fresh air, offering a stark contrast to the era of “fake hating” the color pink and perpetuating discord among women. The trend of floral nail designs, in all its beauty, can be seen as a reclamation of bodily autonomy in a world where even the possession of a vagina is a political statement fraught with challenges.
While the concept of flowers on nails is not entirely new, the current trend brings fresh interpretations to the table. Here, we explore three distinct variations: 3D orchids, wire copper flowers, and gothic hand-painted orchids.
The Blooming Orchids You Can Touch
For licensed nail technician Evelyn Robles, the inspiration for her floral nail designs came from her love of orchids. Orchids, often associated with the feminine anatomy, symbolize purity and grace. Robles wanted to create something that would leave people in awe and exclaim, “You thought of that!” Her journey into nail art began when she was just fifteen and seeking independence while living with her boyfriend. Eventually, she decided to attend nail school to obtain her license.
Robles’ unique approach involves creating 3D orchids using only six acrylic colors. After applying the base layer, she meticulously sculpts each petal by picking up small beads of acrylic and allowing them to dry before painting them for a more realistic appearance. Her design quickly gained recognition and became synonymous with the 3D nail flower trend. The replication of her work by other artists, such as California-based nail artist @shynebychelle and Paulina Sanchez, further demonstrates the trend’s influence and reach.
Hot-Wire Leads to Hot Nails
Nail artist Elise Nguyen notes that we are in a unique era where both clean, minimalist nails and bold 3D designs are trending simultaneously. The 3D flowers, such as the wire copper method, represent the opposite of clean girl nails. They celebrate individuality, artistry, and the desire to express oneself uniquely through nail art.
The wire copper method, inspired by Adriana Casas, involves shaping wire copper into petals and covering them with builder gel. Afterward, a bubble is gently blown to create a gel sheet between the wires, which is then cured. The petals are assembled to form a flower and painted with intricate details. This method emphasizes width rather than height, providing a striking visual effect.
The Deliciously Gothic Sexy Orchid Vibes
In a departure from the sweet and ethereal floral nail designs, Cindy Lieu offers a design that exudes a more robust and exotic vibe. Her inspiration came from a black poster featuring rare orchids on Etsy. The contrast of vibrant flowers against a dark background ignited her creativity.
Lieu’s nail design, which took two days to create, involved painstakingly hand-painting each orchid on her square GEL-X extensions. She referenced images of orchids saved online and used Le Manoir’s Gelcare collection for the design. To give the flowers dimension and height, she applied JIN.B Coolear Non-Heating Builder Gel. The result is a unique 3D flower style that stands out from the crowd.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 3D floral nail design inspiration is a captivating twist on a classic nail art concept. It not only celebrates the beauty of flowers but also serves as a creative expression of individuality and a reclamation of the feminine in a world that often challenges it. This trend’s variations and the collaboration and inspiration it has sparked among nail artists exemplify the ever-evolving and innovative nature of nail art.
So, the next time you visit a nail salon, consider embracing this trend and taking a piece of summer with you into the fall. Whether you opt for blooming orchids, wire copper flowers, or gothic orchids, these 3D floral nail designs are sure to elevate your nail art to new heights and make a bold statement.
