China runway couture

Avant-garde nail art received a phenomenal showcase in Shanghai at a surprise runway show for 300 VIP guests.

Nails designed & created by Tracey Lee.

I thought I had seen it all, but nothing could have prepared me for what I walked into at the Shanghai Film Museum: the unexpected venue for what would become a world first, as the team behind Nailympia China debuted its Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show.

Nailympia international judges, influencers and business owners were invited to attend ‘something special’ by the founders of nail company, Shanghai Muzer Cosmetics Co. Ltd. However, we had no idea what we were to step into, and perhaps that’s what made it even more magical. From the moment we arrived, it was clear it would be no ordinary evening. We were gently ushered through a captivating welcome area:a beautifully curated space that set the tone for the night ahead. Along the way, a small display of Nailympia entries caught our attention, then came the signature wall: an enormous installation where we were invited to leave our names in gold ink, adding our mark to this historic event.

Nails designed & created by Yang Zai.

Next, we entered the paparazzi zone, where flashing cameras captured the excitement of the gathering crowd. Guests smiled, posed and soaked up the spotlight as the atmosphere buzzed. One of the most delightful touches? The chance to have your photo taken and instantly printed on the front page of a custom Chinese-style newspaper – a playful and memorable keepsake that kept us all intrigued as we waited to enter the building.

Once the wall was awash with names, guests made their way into the museum. We entered a dark, surreal space – rich with sensual energy, dramatic lighting and a runway setup that oozed couture theatre. Two gargantuan sculpted hands formed an enormous archway, through which 25 models would later enter onto the runway. Dominating the room, this sculpture was designed in a near clasp to symbolise the power of connection: the fusion and sharing of cultural ideals and traditions between East and West. This wasn’t just a show, but an extravagant production where nails would take the starring roles.

Scratch’s editorial & partnerships director, Helena Biggs, writing ‘@scratchmagazine’ on the signature wall.

As we took to our designated seats, wrapped around a sinuous S-shaped runway, anticipation buzzed in the air. The lights dimmed, the room hushed and the event began. Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND™, whose legacy is renowned worldwide, took to the stage to present the CND™ story, which started with her father, Dr Stuart Nordstrom, a dentist. She explained to the captivated audience how he had developed the first cross-linking polymer resin technology used in nail enhancements, which laid the foundation for the brand.

Nails designed & created by SuSu Cai.

Accompanied by flamboyant visuals, Jan delivered the compelling story of her family, career and the brand’s collaborations in the fashion realm.

Session stylist, Marian Newman BEM, was introduced after helping to get the models’ nails runway-ready. She shared some of her iconic nail designs and tales of backstage nail antics at fashion shows, as well as her contribution to the Nail Art Museum in Shanghai – set to open in 2026. She has donated her wide collection of nail tips from past fashion shows – intricately displayed on a full-face motorcycle helmet, making quite the statement piece for the museum’s archive. Marian was invited to stand under the archway to present her vast, fascinating career story to the audience, starting with when she brought nails to the runway in the late 90’s. For those not well versed with Marian’s career, they learned of the nail inventions she has crafted for Lady Gaga music videos and Alexander McQueen fashion shows, of the travelling she’s enjoyed and the life she has led: all funded by her nail creations and connections.

And so, with legacies shared, stories told and nostalgia warmly embraced, the mood of the room was set to anticipation, as the music changed and the next chapter of the evening unfolded.

Nails designed & created by Yue Ling.

One by one, 25 models emerged – each a walking work of art. Garments flowed, headpieces shimmered and the styling was exquisite from head to toe. But the nails made the room hold its breath. As the lights dropped, the wide screenslit up and zoomed in so that every angle, brushstroke and sculpted detail was displayed in full glory. For the first time on a fashion runway of this magnitude, the nails didn’t support the look – they led it.

It was a full-circle celebration of artistry, as nail design was given the front-row treatment it deserves. It was a powerful, proud and unapologetically bold spectacle, and I left the space creatively charged and deeply inspired. Shanghai didn’t just host a fashion show; it opened the door to a new dimension of nail fashion. And I’m so glad I was there to witness it.

Nails designed & created by Balloon Nail.

“For the first time on a fashion runway of this magnitude, the nails didn’t support the look – they led it.”

Nails designed & created by Catherine Wong & Stephy Pang.

Nails in the Shanghai spotlight

By Marian Newman BEM

The runway event in Shanghai exceeded all expectations. Two years ago, Alex Fox met Kimi Chang, CEO of Shanghai Muzer CosmeticsCo. Ltd, in Germany at the Beauty Düsseldorf exhibition. She expressed interest in Nailympia and a desire to elevate the nail industry in China. Kimi also revealed her vision of raising standards, sharing international knowledge and showcasing nail artistry as it deserves.

With support from Anna Lee, a bilingual former CND™ EA based in the UK, the team began planning something bold: an Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show – the first of its kind in China, possibly the world. They even began developing a nail art museum to highlight the depth and artistry of nail design.

While the museum had to be postponed, the show took centre stage. With my 25 years in session work, I was invited not only to judge Nailympia China, but support the fashion show’s production. I couldn’t have imagined what was in store.

In early May, nail professionals from around the world descended on Shanghai. Alex and I arrived early for planning meetings, tea ceremonies with Kimi Chang and to finalise the details. My main role was to help bring the show, titled ‘A Night in Florence’, to life.

The concept? A couture runway show where nails were the main event, not an afterthought. Designers provided beautiful East-meets-West fashion, while international nail artists created masterpieces to match. Alex and I were stunned by the planning, detail and investment. It was visionary.

Backstage, I worked with the nail team to apply the nails, and offer advice on styling and technical tweaks – such as how to position hands for close-up photography and avoid nails catching on fabrics. Even down to the shade of toe polish in open sandals, no detail was overlooked.

Anna led a nail prep session – something often rushed at mainstream fashion shows. But here, we had time. We moisturised hands and perfected skin texture, and the models practiced their movements to gracefully highlight the nails. We also rehearsed our own presentations: Jan Arnold gave a beautiful talk on the history of CND™, and I spoke about session work and its relevance in our industry.

By the time the 300 guests arrived, the venue was buzzing with anticipation. Nailympia judges posed for selfies against a breathtaking backdrop before the lights dimmed, the music began and the runway came alive.

The models were radiant. They glided elegantly down the runway, pausing to show off their nails. Giant screens projected every detail and dancers entertained while the models changed looks – dresses and nails included – and yet nothing was lost or broken. It was a seamless execution.

At the finale, Jan Arnold and I presented Kimi Chang with gifts of appreciation and she returned the gesture with stunning personalised porcelain sculptures. Each Nailympia judge was also called up to receive a crystal trophy to celebrate their expertise. But the evening didn’t end there. We were whisked away to central Shanghai for a celebratory banquet, which was the perfect close to a phenomenal experience.

The generosity, kindness and vision we were shown were beyond anything we expected. We left with full hearts, new friendships and suitcases brimming with gifts and memories.

If Nailympia returns to Shanghai, I urge everyone to make the journey. It wasn’t just a show – it was a moment in nail history, and a career highlight I’ll never forget.

Nails designed & created by DiSanShi -3rd.

Nails designed & created by Kai Ainingning.

Nails designed & created by HongBen LingZhi.

Nails designed & created by Giselle Caballero.

Nails designed & created by Loi Van Nguyen.

Reflections on the Shanghai Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show

By Jan Arnold

Attending the inaugural Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show in Shanghai was nothing short of spectacular: a visual and emotional feast

I’ll never forget. From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, it was clear this wasn’t just an event; it was nail history being made.

Nail designs conceived by Jan Arnold & Tamara DiLullo, created by Tamara DiLullo & Valerie Ducharme, & painted by Shen Chen Xian.

Inside the Shanghai Film Museum, towering illuminated hands framed the stage entrance – a symbolic arch of unity, where East meets West, and tradition merges with modernity. This striking installation set the tone for an evening of bold beauty, culture and groundbreaking artistry.

The velvet runway, flanked by sleek black tuffets for VIP guests, evoked an air of couture elegance. The nails commanded attention, magnified by sweeping camera angles projected onto massive screens. Each nail style became a wearable work of art, crafted by some of the most visionary designers on the global stage.

The grand finale was a deeply personal moment for me. I had the honour of conceptualising a showstopping piece with the extraordinary Tamara Di Lullo, titled ‘Fang Shui’ – a tribute to CNDTM ’s roots and my father, a dentist & the co-founder of our brand. Together with Valerie Ducharme and Shanghai-based porcelain artist, Shen Chen Xian, Tamara brought this concept to life with hand-painted blue and white porcelain motifs and 24-karat gold gilding. The result was breathtaking: a museum-worthy, couture-level set of nails that left the audience stunned – myself included.

The Shanghai Muzer Cosmetics Co. Ltd team, led by the incomparable Kimi

Chang, welcomed 300 guests and 30 esteemed Nailympia judges, alongside award-winning nail pros and media from across Asia. The atmosphere was a celebration of innovation, artistry and cultural fusion. I was honoured to address China’s rising generation of nail professionals with a simple message: ‘the future is in your hands’. We are entering a new era: one where creativity meets science, and where nails are not just beauty, but expression, identity and impact.

My calls to action for the next-gen nail pro:

• Build on science and truth: Education is your superpower. Master your materials.

• Lead with passion: Nail artistry is a career, not a hobby. Own it.

• Commit to safe, ethical practices: Understand the chemistry. Make informed choices.

• Stay curious: Let Shanghai and the wider world inspire your vision.

• Know your worth: Price your skill with confidence. Lift others as you rise.

• Blend tradition with innovation: Be the bridge between heritage and the future of fashion.

To everyone who made this extraordinary event possible: the artists, organisers, judges and dreamers – thank you. You didn’t just create a show. You created a movement. Let’s keep going – one nail at a time.

My role: chief planning director of the Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show

By Anna Lee

Nails designed by Hazel Dixon & created by Cheng Yuan.

Nails designed & created by Wang Su Hong.

Nails designed & created by Ye Ling.

Nails designed & created by Jane from NicNails.

Nails designed & created by Xie Chan Ru.

I’ve lived in England since the age of six and over the past 18 years, I’ve built a career dedicated to championing East Asian nail technicians, which has earned me multiple Scratch Stars Awards. In the UK, much of my work has focused on raising visibility and respect for a community of professionals whose talents have too often gone unrecognised. Now, I’m bringing that mission home.

My experiences abroad sparked a vision: to fuse the creative flair of Western nail fashion with the deep cultural artistry of the East. It’s a dream I’ve carried for years: to return to China and use what I’ve learned to uplift nail artistry, not only as beauty work, but as a true art form.

The Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show marks a historic moment for me, Shanghai Muzer Cosmetics Co. Ltd and the evolution of nail culture in China. More than a celebration of design, this show represented identity, pride and cross-cultural connection. It was about using beauty as a bridge – one that connects East and West through shared creativity and mutual admiration.

With every detail, from artist selection to cultural storytelling, I poured my heart into making this event world-class. It’s my hope that this show becomes a symbol: a promise of collaboration, understanding and of China’s rightful place on the global nail industry stage. The towering hands at the entrance represented that vision perfectly. Reaching towards one another, they are a powerful gesture of unity – not yet touching, but as a metaphor for the friendship and future that lies ahead.

This show was more than a project. It was a love letter to China – a gift from the girl who grew up abroad and returned home with stories, ideas and hopes to share. I want to inspire a new generation of Chinese nail artists to dream boldly, create fearlessly and be seen for the incredible talent they bring to the world. Let this be the beginning of something extraordinary.

Nails designed & created by Shenyang Jiandanjie.

Nails designed & created by Wang Su Hong.

Nails designed & created by Silvia -Xuan Xuan.

Nails designed & created by Tracey Lee.

Nailympia China judges & team members.

Renaissance on fingertips

By Kimi Chang

The Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show was more than a nail and fashion spectacle and series of dazzling moments. It was a conscious decision to break boundaries: to lift nail art from being seen as a mere beauty service and into the light of true artistic expression.

When I first imagined this show, I wanted to challenge perceptions. For me, nail art is more than decoration – it’s culture, emotion, story and legacy. Each design carries meaning and each nail can hold history. I wanted the world to see that.

The idea first took shape from a poem – A Night in Florence by Xu Zhimo – and the spirit of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. There was something about the romance of those words and the rich artistic heritage of the city that struck a chord in me. I began to envision a show that married the poetic depth of the East with the creative fire of the West: a show where beauty is not just something to look at, but something you feel with your entire being.

I wanted this event to inspire nail artists to reach beyond the limits of technique. What if nails could tell stories? What if they could evoke emotion the way fine art or haute couture does? So, we brought together elements of jewellery design, fashion narrative and Eastern philosophy to push the artistry further than ever before.

Every part of this show was crafted with purpose. From the stage design to the gemstones on the nails, every detail was there to say: this is art. Nail artistry deserves to be collected, valued and respected. It’s time to recognise the creative depth behind each piece – not just the surface beauty.

My dream for China’s nail industry is to see its artists stand as equals among global creators – not only for their skill, but for the rich culture and perspective they bring. I want the world to look to Eastern beauty as a guide, to see Chinese nail artistry not just as technique, but as a visual language that speaks of history, identity and future vision. And this is only the start. From A Night in Florence, we move now into something even more expansive - the MUZER Universe: Global Aesthetic Resonance Ceremony. The Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show was never intended as a one-time event. It’s a foundation, a statement of intent and a long-term vision to bring Chinese nail artistry onto the global stage and keep it there.

The response has moved me deeply. The majority of our guests said they saw nail art in a completely new way. For many, it was the first time they considered nails as collectible art. I watched them respond to the storytelling, craft, jewels and brushwork – not with passive admiration, but with real emotion. Conversations were sparked and ideas were awakened.

When the show ended, I didn’t need to say anything. The satisfaction was already shining in the eyes of the creators and in the awe of the audience. I called it ‘a renaissance on the fingertips’, because that’s what it was – a rebirth of how we see and value beauty. To me, the future of nail art isn’t about packaging or price tags. It’s about meaning, deep cultural roots and the courage to share them with the world. That is what Muzer stands for – and this is only the beginning.

www.cynail.com /naildrillbits13

Photos courtesy of Shanghai Muzer Cosmetics Co. Ltd.