The inspiration behind catwalk nails often gets more play than the manicurist who created the look, but not so at Raul Penaranda’s Fall 2014. The reason: The lead nail artist is 13-year-old Alanna Wall, founder of Polished Girlz, a nonprofit organization that brings lively mani parties to kids in hospitals. At the tender age of 8, Wall determined to knit scarves for every girl diagnosed with cancer. A love of drawing and design led her to nail art instead, and now her foundation has painted the paws—and lifted the spirits—of thousands of children, with the help of over 800 volunteers. For her second season at the helm of nail looks for Penaranda, Wall is partnering with Sally Hansen to craft nail art that steals the show. “Sally Hansen is proud to partner with Polished Girlz,” says Joanna Businelli, senior VP of color cosmetics at Coty Beauty (Sally Hansen’s parent company). “Wall’s extraordinary talent, entrepreneurial spirit and devotion to helping others make her a true inspiration and role model for her generation.” Sally Hansen Blue My Mind and Silk Onyx hues (part of the Complete Salon Manicure and Satin Glam collections, respectively) create four distinct looks via the addition of gold foil, gold studs, natural stones and crystals.
“My creations are inspired by Penaranda’s beautiful fabrics in metallic gray and blue shades,” reveals Wall. “His clothes have so much life, and for me these colors are a perfect reflection of their beauty.” New life, or evolution, is in fact the theme of this season’s show: a collection driven by the simple fact that the designer feels he has matured as a person and artist. “It is my own metamorphosis to share with the world,” muses Penaranda. Hair kept pace, with lead stylist Margarita Febres crafting futuristic faux Mohawks. Strands get slicked back at the sides and a bump of height is built into the crown with Scruples High Definition Shaping Spray. Tresses hang loose and natural in back, all excess oil removed after a spritz (or several!) of Matrix Clean Remix Instant Dry Shampoo. To complete the lustrous look, Febres and her New Jersey-based Vito Mazza Spa & Salon team employ the powerful antioxidant properties of Scruples Hypershine Repair Spray to smooth and seal for silky shine.
Hairdos this cutting-edge call for equally bold makeup, so guru Josephine Fusco brings home the bang with big, can’t-glance-away peepers, courtesy of Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes Navy Blue E113 blended both over lids and under the bottom lash line, and Creamy Eyes Deep Black E103 used to contour creases. Luxury Faux Lashes lend additional volume, while brows are filled in where needed. To balance, lips remain nearly nude, glazed only in a swipe of Sheer Soft Pink L308. “It’s a funky, edgy cosmetics combination—yet also easy for any woman to achieve in 15 minutes or less,” promises Fusco. —Francesca Moisin
[Photos by Lisa Ramsay Photography; courtesy of Raul Penaranda]
