That's a Nail Biter!

Loyal readers of The Fashionomist will recall a previous post I wrote on the hemline index, where hemlines were used as indicators of the overall health of an economy.  Might I introduce you to the nail polish index?

Yes, there is now a nail polish index.  The New York Times posted a debate (http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/06/30/why-did-wild-nail-polish-go-mainstream-10/nail-polish-is-the-new-lipstick) on why it had taken so long for classic reds and pinks to turnover to the latest fashion trend on everyone's fingertips, namely, anti-classic hues such as neons, darks, and unusuals.  Bold nail colors have seen a resurgence, harking back to the beloved 1980s, that time when funky colors were in and anything remotely odd was trendy (thankfully, The Fashionomist spent her awkward growing up years in the '90s).

The author of this article, a nail lacquer chemist, describes two economic phenomena driving the anti-classic trend in nail color.  First, nail polish is an inexpensive way to update your style.  Perhaps a person of modest means (ahem, a graduate student like The Fashionomist?) may fawn over the latest luxury items that hit stores, but realistically, those goods will remain in dreams and never materialize.  A swipe of purple or crackle or whatever suits one's fancy on one's nails, however?  Affordable, quick, on trend, and a pocketbook friendly treat.  Second, celebrities have injected a certain dose of cool in wearing non-ordinary nail polish, particularly our "Teenage Dream," Katy Perry.  Who can forget her manicure sporting Prince William montages in honor of the royal wedding?  Or her shocking blast of neon?  In short, nail polish an economically friendly way to jump on the bandwagon.

 

Personally, The Fashionomist is a bit opposed to the terminology used in describing this trend as an "index."  An index refers to varying degrees in describing a certain phenomena, as the hemline index does.  Switching from standard red to Christmas tree green does not point to an index, per se.  Trend or fad seem more befitting of the nail polish fascination.  Additionally, The Fashionomist thinks the quickness of the author in pointing to the recession as a reason for the popularity of nail polish is a bit hasty.  Nail polish might have had a bit of a spike in popularity and has a new thing for strange colors, but it would be a stretch to say it was ever out of style.

So paint away this 4th of July weekend!  You may just be making an economic statement in addition to your fashion one.


*The Fashionomist*

(In the name of new beginnings, The Fashionomist will be resuming regular posts starting today.  The Fashionomist was beset with a longer-than-anticipated trip abroad and then contracted a delightful little infection, delaying her return to the world of fashionomics.  But fear not, dear reader.  The Fashionomist has been itching to post for awhile now and finds this to be a perfect time to relaunch her online rambling.  Enjoy!  As always, comments/suggestions/constructive criticism are always welcome.)