Fashion designer Phoebe Philo possesses an uncanny ability to anticipate trends, and it seems this knack now extends to nail styles.
Her latest campaign for the Phoebe Philo brand features French actress and director Mati Diop sporting square nails, each painted in a unique muted hue. A captivating image of Ms. Diop with intertwined fingers quickly became a focal point in promotional emails and on the brand’s homepage.
This distinctive manicure rapidly captivated online audiences, earning features in prominent fashion publications with one even hailing it as ‘the manicure for fall.’
However, eagle-eyed observers quickly pointed out a significant omission: the original articles failed to credit Sylvie Macmillan. This talented London-based nail artist is behind the trending look, having worked on shoots for major publications and collaborated with brands such as Miu Miu, Burberry, Mugler, and Nike. Both publications later updated their pieces to acknowledge Macmillan, with one stating they credited her after ‘everything possible’ was done to identify the manicurist.
In a recent interview, 34-year-old Macmillan expressed her disappointment over the lack of credit, noting it’s a recurring issue in her career. ‘I used to be devastated by it,’ she admitted, but has since come to terms with it as a harsh reality of the fashion industry. She clarified that while brands pay for her work, she doesn’t always ‘expect credit from them.’
With a background in technical arts and special effects, Macmillan transitioned to nail artistry after stints in set and model design. Her creations range from dramatic and playful to elegantly subtle. She explained the multi-toned manicure for the Phoebe Philo campaign as similar to how clients might experiment with various polish shades during a salon visit.
Beyond nails, Macmillan also channeled her creativity into crafting intricate table candelabras — a passion project she took up during the pandemic, a period when demand for nail artists waned. This passion project eventually led her to transition from full-time nail artist to a home wares designer.
Reflecting on her career shift, Macmillan shared, ‘I felt like I wasn’t doing as interesting work anymore.’ She found renewed passion in the challenge of venturing into home wares, describing it as reigniting her creative ‘fire.’
Fashion Bites & Brand News
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The highly anticipated collaboration, NikeSkims, a women’s activewear line by Nike and Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, launched with a star-studded campaign featuring Serena Williams, Jordan Chiles, and Sha’Carri Richardson. The collection offers sweat-wicking, body-sculpting pieces like tank tops with integrated sports bras, sheer leggings, and jumpsuits, ranging from $38 to $138.
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Reformation partnered with model and lifestyle influencer Nara Smith to launch a 20-piece collection. This range of retro-inspired dresses, cozy fall sweaters, and charming gingham pajamas perfectly embodies Smith’s signature elegant domestic style. Prices for the collection begin at $148.
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Uniqlo U, Uniqlo’s premium line directed by Lemaire designers Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, unveiled its newest collection. The line features understated tees, sweaters, and outerwear, notable for its innovative material combinations such as nylon paired with merino wool. All items are affordably priced under $150.
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A unique collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Gibson will be showcased at a pop-up event on October 5th in Manhattan. The collection includes guitars and accessories like straps and picks, all adorned with whimsical illustrations by British artist Hattie Stewart.
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Actors Dylan Sprouse and model Barbara Palvin front the campaign for the new second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These innovative glasses boast an enhanced camera and offer hands-free filming capabilities, with prices starting at $379.
Conversation with a Fashion Sustainability Advocate
September in New York City is not just about fashion week; it’s also when business, political, and technology leaders converge for Climate Week NYC, an event established in 2009.
This year’s Climate Week began on Sunday, set against a challenging backdrop of escalating natural disasters and a weakening of environmental safeguards across the United States. As part of its agenda, Remake, a leading organization advocating for climate action in the fashion industry, organized a two-day series of workshops and discussions to address fashion’s significant environmental impact.
While many fashion brands have publicly committed to ambitious sustainability targets, climate pledges, and comprehensive supply-chain reforms in recent years, the current political climate in the U.S. raises doubts. With climate science often sidelined, a critical question emerges: Will the industry truly honor these commitments? In a condensed interview, Ayesha Barenblat, founder of Remake, shares her insights on the current state of climate activism in fashion and its potential future direction.
Which companies or initiatives are truly making a difference right now?
Currently, many smaller brands, both domestic and international, are leading the charge. I’m also particularly interested in the growth of resale and rental technologies, which offer innovative ways to extend the lifespan of garments rather than simply producing new ones.
Not long ago, many brands eagerly announced their sustainability efforts and signed climate agreements. Why has this conversation become so subdued recently?
Honestly, many brands haven’t lived up to their promises. I’m quite skeptical about voluntary commitments because they often falter with shifts in political or economic landscapes. While some might launch a small ‘sustainable’ capsule collection, there isn’t a compelling overarching narrative of progress.
What encouraging developments do you see in the current fashion-climate landscape?
One frequently overlooked area is human rights and labor. The new Garment Worker Protection Act in California is a significant step, ensuring workers receive minimum wage. Previously, it was challenging for ethical brands in the state to compete with high-street counterparts who weren’t prioritizing fair wages.