Mei Kawajiri AKA Nails by Mei is one of the crucial in demand nail artists around. Maximalist, highly creative, and kitschy in one of the best, most over-the-top way, Mei’s signature aesthetic pushes the boundaries of traditional nail art and has led her to change into a viral sensation with a client roster that reads more just like the Met Gala guest list. Think Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Rosalía, Ariana Grande, and Marc Jacobs, in addition to labels including Tom Ford, Balenciaga, and Moschino. 

What her high flying success means unfortunately, nevertheless, is that for us mere mortals securing a slot in her appointment book is near inconceivable. Which is why we’re so excited with this latest launch which brings the Nails by Mei manicure straight into our homes. The Recent York-based nail artist has teamed up with temporary tattoo beauty brand Inked by Dani on a capsule collection of temporary nail art tattoos. 

The limited edition collection is filled with Y2K-inspired motifs, characters, and bubble lettering hand drawn by Mei, and retains all the weather of her trademark playful style while making it more accessible for an on a regular basis look. “Although I like excessive nails there’s something so fresh about just a transparent base and just a few cute doodles,” says Mei. “It is rather pure and straightforward, identical to drawing in your nails with a everlasting marker.”

If the 2000s aesthetic isn’t enough to invoke all that delicious nostalgia for you, the appliance process undoubtedly will – who of us didn’t spend large swaths of childhood painstakingly dabbing on damp temporary tattoos gleaned from gum wrappers? To make use of the tattoos simply apply them on to your nails and  finish with a transparent polish. Each kit also includes temporary tattoos for face and body beauty looks.

In case you’re searching for recommendations on how you can style your recent nail art, Mei says you’ll be able to go easy with only a single tattoo or load up your nails for a full look. Still need inspiration? Just try the runway nails on the Puppets and Puppets Spring/Summer 2022 show which were impossibly long, razor sharp, translucent and stacked with tattoos. Ultimately, nevertheless you style them, a very powerful thing for Mei is that you simply are doing it. “On a regular basis I receive messages about after I am going to have the opportunity to take appointments in numerous parts of the world,” she says. “In the intervening time, it is a solution to have Nails by Mei anytime and anywhere!” 

We caught up with Mei to search out out more in regards to the collection, upcoming nail trends, and what happens when two Pisces collide.

You created hand drawn illustrations for the nail tattoos. What inspired the designs? 

Mei Kawajiri: I used to be inspired by “Ani-Mei”, my very own Anime character I created in the course of the pandemic based on my crazy nail-filled life. I drew my character in numerous emotions and situations that we were restricted from experiencing in real life as a result of the pandemic. These nail tattoos are very kawaii and fantasy – exactly just like the world by which Ani-Mei lives.

The tattoos have a giant Y2K vibe. Why is that an aesthetic that interests you? 

Mei Kawajiri: Y2K is my most memorable time. I used to be fidgeting with hair clips, fake tattoos, eye shadows, press on nail suggestions – dressing up every single day with friends. It was such a fun and carefree time, I like that this vibe is back. We want it! 

Why do you think that that 2000s aesthetic is such a well-liked trend straight away?

Mei Kawajiri: I feel that the younger generation that didn’t know or experience Y2K for themselves must find it very fresh and positively fun because there are such a lot of ways to style Y2K trends. I feel they’re adding their very own twist to it, and making a recent type of Y2K.

Before doing this collection, were you focused on the aesthetic and culture of tattoos? 

Mei Kawajiri: When Dani (Egna, founding father of Inked by Dani) asked to make nail tattoos, it was too funny because I already had temporary tattoos in my beauty cabinet that I might use. I like that like nail art, it’s easy to placed on and take off, and may switch depending in your mood and outfit style. It’s at all times really entertaining to see everyone else’s reactions to my tattoos.

What was the experience of working with Dani like?  

Mei Kawajiri: Dani is a Pisces identical to me – so many Pisces are amazing artists. I could tell she was creative and so keen about the standard of this product which was very inspiring.

Do you might have a selected favourite design from the gathering? 

Mei Kawajiri: The cat paws! So cute.

What nail trend are you enthusiastic about in the meanwhile? 

Mei Kawajiri: Anime nails are trendy straight away, but for me Anime nails have been at all times and perpetually! Anime was such a giant a part of my childhood, where I come from, and where I’m inspired to go as an artist.

What do you think that the following big nail trends might be?  

Mei Kawajiri: Hand painted nail art – or using very realistic tattoos like these to attain that look.

The nail art sets might be available for purchase from November 1 at Inked By Dani and retailers including Selfridges and Ulta