NAILS without borders

ALEX FOX shares an inside look into a trip to Shanghai, where competing, couture & culture combined in a three-day celebration of nail artistry

Kimi Zhang

Nailympia China was just a snippet of the nail industry celebration that was enjoyed in Shanghai on 20, 21 and 22 May 2026 under the umbrella event: International Nail Art Week (INAW). In a bid to bring artists together though the love language of nail art, industry veteran, owner of the Muzer nail brand & Nailympia China host, Kimi Zhang, presented an event that touched the hearts and souls of all in attendance.

It goes without saying that anyone affiliated with Nailympia is passionate about nail artistry, and will immerse themselves in it at every opportunity. Therefore, it was nothing short of a veritable feast for all to indulge in the nail craft on display throughout the Nailympia arena, awards ceremony and afterparty, as well as the second Nail Fashion Runway and opening of the Global Nail Art Museum. The former saw esteemed nail artists, Elena Popova and Elena Maltseva, craft extreme nails for a sophisticated catwalk showcase, which both mesmerised and delivered the respect they deserve.

Enchanting, beguiling and utterly beautiful, my time in Shanghai with Kimi Zhang’s team was one of those rare experiences where wonder, curiosity and admiration unite. I found myself in a place unlike any other: where nail artists are celebrated with the same reverence afforded to painters, sculptors and designers, whose work is recognised as an important part of contemporary artistic culture. I want to thank Kimi Zhang for her vision and dedication. In Shanghai, the nail industry and its artists are celebrated at the highest possible level – and their creativity, innovation and legacy are preserved for future generations. The nail industry has found its place on the beauty world map, allowing us to stand together with a stronger feeling of pride.

“The events of International Nail Art Week were stunning celebrations of the talent and opportunities within our sector. Kimi Zhang and her team have ensured that nail art – and the skilled professionals behind creative works – are recognised, and I am excited by the celebrations that are forecast to continue.

“It was a delight to represent Scratch and cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the museum alongside notable industry names. I revelled in seeing copies of the magazine housed in the museum library, and that our North America’s Star Nail Artist and Nailympia competitions were recognised alongside the works of nail artists across the globe.

“The events in Shanghai not only inspired individual artists to push their craft further, but strengthened the global nail community – helping the industry continue to grow, evolve and gain the recognition it deserves.”

Helena Biggs, editorial & partnerships director at Scratch

INSIDE THE GLOBAL NAIL ART MUSEUM

A new chapter in nail industry history has begun with the opening of the Global Nail Art Museum in Shanghai. A world-class destination dedicated to the art, culture and evolution of nail design, the museum officially opened its doors during the inaugural International Nail Art Week, attracting nail artists, educators and industry leaders from more than 10 countries, including the UK, Italy, Japan and Russia.

More than a celebration of contemporary nail artistry, the museum is a space in which creativity, education and cultural exchange can thrive. By positioning nail art as a recognised artistic discipline, the museum aims to bridge geographical and cultural boundaries, while showcasing the highest standards of design, craftsmanship and innovation.

One of the museum’s most significant attractions is its International Masterpiece Collection, which highlights landmark works that have shaped the development of nail art around the world. Among the featured exhibits is Fang Shui, the renowned L&P acrylic nail concept by CND™ co-founder, Jan Arnold (sculpted and designed by Tamara Di Lullo and Valérie Ducharme). Creator in honour of Jan’s father, Stuart Nordstrom – a dentist who went on to launch the CND™ brand, the piece combines exceptional technical skill with a deeply personal story, making it one of the museum’s most powerful exhibits. The Global Nail Art Museum also houses professional archives and career documentation from influential industry educator, Marian Newman BEM, and award-winning fantasy work by world-renowned nail artist, Hazel Dixon.

Alongside the museum opening, International Nail Art Week featured industry summits, educational presentations and live demonstrations delivered by leading international artists. Speaking at the event, museum founder & director, Kimi Zhang, described the venue as ‘a highly influential centre for global nail art dialogue and a premier showcase platform for the industry’.

Looking ahead, plans for international artist residencies, educational programmes and travelling exhibitions will further strengthen the Global Nail Art Museum’s role as a hub for global collaboration. This will ensure that the unique sanctuary of artistry continues to inspire future generations of nail professionals.

FACT FILE: Global Nail Art Museum

• Size: 1,200 square metres of interactive exhibition space.

• Collection: 261 artworks from 12 countries.

• Global representation: Contributions from nail artists, educators and pioneers across Europe, Asia and North America.

• Signature attraction: An exclusive collection of winning works from Nailympia, the world’s leading nail competition organisation.

• Exhibit overview: Historical artefacts, contemporary masterpieces, avant-garde nail art and cultural collections documenting the evolution of the nail industry.

• Special events: Rotating exhibitions, guest artist showcases, educational programmes and international master demonstrations.

• Mission: To preserve, celebrate and promote nail artistry as a recognised global art form, while inspiring future generations of nail artists and educators.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm Admission: Free entry

Address: Floor 9, No.599 HuiWang Dong Road, Jiading District, Shanghai

Kimi Zhang comments: “The journey to creating the Global Nail Art Museum was filled with challenges, but I always believed that nail art deserved a sanctuary of its own – a dedicated space to preserve, showcase and celebrate the depth, history and cultural significance of our profession.

“Every piece within the museum’s collection carries a story. They come from different continents, cultures and eras, yet are united by one universal thread: humanity’s enduring pursuit of beauty at our fingertips. Regardless of language or geography, nail art has the power to connect people through creativity, self-expression and craftsmanship.

“This is the true purpose of the museum. It allows the world to discover the roots of nail culture while creating a source of inspiration for future generations. I hope nail artists, educators and creators can draw strength from these works and feel the richness of the culture that has shaped our industry.

“Psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of ‘flow’ suggests that genuine aesthetic pleasure comes not from simply understanding something, but becoming completely immersed in it. That is my wish for every person who enters the museum. I hope they experience more than an exhibition, and become immersed in the stories, emotions and artistry behind each piece.

“These works transcend time and place. They carry the passion, dedication and vision of the artists who created them, and I hope visitors leave feeling inspired by their enduring vitality.”

“Attending the grand opening of the Global Nail Art Museum was a deeply moving experience. Launching it on 20 May, a date celebrated in China for meaning ‘I love you’, felt incredibly fitting, because the museum is a true love letter to our profession. To see Kimi Zhang and the team at Muzer create a permanent home that preserves and honours the history, craftsmanship and evolution of nail design is monumental. For me, it signifies that our craft is finally receiving the global respect and recognition it deserves as a legitimate, high-end art form. Walking through the exhibits filled me with immense pride for our global community, and it is a milestone that will inspire generations of nail artists to come.”

Jacqueline O’Sullivan, award-winning educator & judge

“What an incredible and inspiring week. A heartfelt thank you to the Nailympia China team for creating such an unforgettable experience. The events: from the catwalk show to the dinners and artistic showcases, created a true sense of care, excellence and community. Nailympia China was also far more than a competition; it was a celebration of artistry, culture, human connection and creative passion from all around the world.

“One of the most powerful moments was witnessing the opening of the Global Nail Art Museum. Seeing nail artistry elevated and recognised as a legitimate artistic medium was emotional, inspiring and incredibly important for the future of our industry.

“What touched me most was the passion behind the people. Mentors spoke proudly about their students, judges encouraged competitors to grow, and artists shared their cultures and creativity with one another. It was beautiful to witness. These nail events have created spaces for competition, creativity and kindness to co-exist, and for artists from different countries to connect.”

Valérie Ducharme, award-winning nail artist, educator & judge

THE NAIL FASHION RUNWAY: A story of multi-cultural nail styling & couture

“The opening of the Global Nail Art Museum felt like a milestone for the nail world, celebrating nail artistry on an international stage. Then, the Nail Fashion Runway brought a new energy to the event – blending beauty, editorial fashion and nail design in one unforgettable experience.

“Nailympia continues to raise the standard of the nail industry by creating a platform where education, creativity and artistry come together. What inspired me most was witnessing artists from different countries express their culture, identity and imagination through nails.

“The museum, runway and competition floor created an atmosphere where nails were truly recognised as an art form.”

Stephy Pang, nail professional, director of Momo Academy Malaysia & judge

“This was not just an event – it was a dream I spent years nurturing, finally taking root in China. Seeing nail artists from around the world standing alongside Chinese nail artists, exchanging ideas, celebrating each other’s artistry and inspiring one another was profoundly powerful. It became a symbol of connection, understanding, respect and collaboration: different cultures united through creativity and art.”

Anna Lee, award-winning educator & judge

“The Nail Fashion Runway was an absolute triumph and a real highlight of the three-day event. Seeing nail artistry elevated to the catwalk in such a high fashion, dynamic format was incredible. It perfectly demonstrated how nails are not just a beauty treatment, but a powerful, defining extension of couture, culture and personal style. The creativity on display was breathtaking, and the organisers did a phenomenal job of showcasing our industry’s talent in a way that felt fresh, glamorous and deeply inspiring. It’s exactly the kind of innovation that pushes the boundaries of what we do.”

Jacqueline O’Sullivan

“The Nail Fashion Runway blurred the lines between fashion, performance and nail artistry. It showcased nail art not simply as beauty, but wearable artistic expression with emotion, identity and storytelling behind every creation.”

Valérie Ducharme