Nails are often perceived as a mundane routine, but Japanese nail artist Mei Kawajiri defies that notion, stating, “Nails are so personal to me; they are an extension of my emotions and a reflection of my mood.” Initially, Kawajiri gained foundational skills at a nail school in Kyoto, Japan. However, it wasn’t until she went solo that she discovered her distinctive nail aesthetic, crafting dream-inspired creations and experimenting with unconventional materials such as salt and false eyelashes. Subsequently, the nail virtuoso established her own salon in Japan before relocating to New York in 2012, where she embarked on designing nail art for covers, campaigns, and editorials. Kawajiri’s hyperrealistic nail designs have garnered attention from esteemed clientele such as Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, and American Vogue. Kawajiri’s extensive roster of coveted celebrity clients includes Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, and FKA twigs, the latter two for whom she curated looks for the most recent Met Gala. In an interview with Models.com, the artist delves into her perspective on beauty, what’s she looking forward to while pregnant, and her definition of success.
Vogue Japan April 2023 Cover by Heji Shin | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management
How did you get started in the field of nail art? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you down this path?
I started nail art by wanting to wear my art on my own body everywhere I went. I found that nails were the perfect canvas for me – I love everything tiny. Growing up in Japan, I have an appreciation for things that are unique and special. Passion led me down this path – nail art wasn’t popular when I started, and I truly believe that my passion for nail art opened so many doors in this industry and beyond.
I read that you started off as a painter. Would you say your background has aided in your nail art? Did you then go to school to learn more techniques?
My art background took ‘doing nails’ to another level. There is a difference between a manicure and nail art. I am known for hyperrealistic, unbelievably detailed handpainted nails. In my opinion, it’s way more technical and difficult than using charms or other shortcuts. I attended a traditional nail school in Kyoto, where I learned basic techniques. It wasn’t until I started working on my own did I discover my own style of experimenting and creating designs from my dreams. I opened my own nail salon in Tokyo, and it was the most popular hot spot for unique and dynamic nail art.
What was your relationship with beauty like while you were growing up?
My idea of beauty has always been full of color and expression. I dyed my own hair red when I was in school, and my nails were always painted sky blue. Makeup was so much fun, and I loved experimenting with looks during Y2K. I was never into a natural and plain look. I remember even having really furry nails when I was 19.
Image courtesy of 13 Market Management
What would you say are the main differences between creating nail art for shows, editorials, and campaigns?
I’ve been a part of some of the most amazing shows, like Vivienne Westwood and Balenciaga. The designers have a specific vision and fantasy for how they want to present a historic fashion house with a strong point of view for the future. Each season is like expanding on the previous season, and I love that Demna and the late Vivienne, and Andreas are not afraid to let their trusted artist teams add the finishing touches to their point of view. Editorials are a bit more of an interpretation and abstract; they kind of exist on their own in space and time. I love working on developing the idea with the team from start to finish. Experimenting is a must in an editorial. We have fun; it’s less serious!
“I felt honored to have been seen, and it was really fulfilling to feel I helped open doors for many other future nail artists to have their work seen and appreciated as well.”
You have worked with various celebrity clients such as Dua Lipa, FKA Twigs, Gia Kuan, and Gigi Hadid. How do you adjust your approach depending on each client’s specific needs?
It’s important to research and know their style first. They have their own point of view and love nail art too. With my clients, it’s combining their style with a touch of Mei’s spice. They are trendsetters, not followers.
I noticed that your nail aesthetic is very unique, like a sculpted work of art. Where do you draw inspiration from usually?
Being from Japan and now living in New York, I have the most amazing surroundings, and inspiration is everywhere around me. I find food and architecture really inspiring. It’s important for me to challenge myself by not looking at trends or following what is popular with others online. My life experience has been the most inspirational, knowing that risks and experiments can create something unique and wonderful. I follow my moods and my mind. Some days I’ll just look at my own fingertips and decide what they should be like next, for example I created a pair of 3D and hand painted nails with loafers and loose white socks.
I loved the Hot Tips editorial for Vogue that you worked on featuring Adut Akech and Bella Hadid. What was the inspiration behind that, and what was it like working with Valentin Herfray and Gabriella Karefa-Johnson?
It was a big moment to find out that an influential and iconic magazine like American Vogue wanted to do a story on nail art, with an interview and feature on my designs. When I first started in this industry, nails were mostly nude and never the focus of a shoot. There were shoots with creative makeup looks, or big hair looks, but nails were never a priority. During this shoot, I remember being really proud of how far I had come. I felt honored to have been seen, and it was really fulfilling to feel I helped open doors for many other future nail artists to have their work seen and appreciated as well.
American Vogue editorial by Valentin Herfray | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management
Your creative nail art ranges from bold, experimental looks for clients like Heaven by Marc Jacobs to clean, simple looks for Miu Miu. Why is variety so vital to you as a nail artist?
Nails are so personal; to me, it’s an extension of how I am feeling and an expression of my mood. I love to change my nail look based on how I feel and want to dress at that time. Variety is everything, and there is not just one concept of beauty. Artists like myself are naturally moody, and we have to experiment to create.
You have entered a new chapter in your life, as you are currently pregnant. What are you looking forward to the most in this new season for you?
I cannot wait to make the tiniest press-on tip for my baby and have matching nails! It is going to be even more fun to challenge myself to paint smaller than I already do.
Miu Miu Wander Bag 2022 Campaign by Tyrone Lebon | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management
What have been some highlights of your career so far?
There are so many highlights, but I am really excited that the high fashion houses that I love have all let me bring nail art to their shows and campaigns. I remember when I first started that only a nude nail was considered chic and acceptable, especially during Paris Fashion Week. It’s been such an honor to bring nail art to the most important runways. My team and I hand painted over 100+ tiny Miu Miu logos backstage on the thumbs and big toes of models during the SS23 show and campaign. Every year, I work with Demna on so many out of this world nail art concepts for Balenciaga runway shows and shoots. We push each other’s creativity and his confidence is everything.
How do you define success in your industry, and what’s next for you in your career?
Success is having your passion seen and appreciated. So many wonderful people in this industry have given me amazing opportunities, and I am endlessly grateful to do what I love every day. I look forward to continuing to share my passion for nails with the world.
Self-portrait of Mei Kawajiri | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management
