In a recent interview with Vogue, Marc Jacobs diverted the discussion from fashion rumors and runway collections to a trend gaining unexpected popularity: his nails. His fascination with manicures dates back to his childhood, inspired by his mother’s classic pink-and-white nails. “My mom and her girlfriends always had long French manicures, like Barbra Streisand-ish. I remember being very envious and wondering, ‘Why do women get to do this? It’s not fair.’” I, too, connected with nails as a child, recalling visits to the nail salon with my mom.
While the public’s attention to Marc’s nails peaked with his Met Gala look this year, he has long been a fan of nail polish. “I’ve been wearing silver chrome polish on my nails at my natural length for about the last two years,” he shares. However, for this year’s Met Gala, Jacobs went bolder, opting for 3XL square-tipped black nails adorned with green rhinestones. “There’s this joy I get from dressing up, accessorizing, and expressing myself,” he explains. This sentiment highlights the personal and expressive nature of fashion, extending to every detail, including nails.
In a July 1 Instagram post that received over 63,000 likes, Jacobs flaunted his acrylic nails and paid tribute to the Black women who inspired his nail art. “Thank you Flo-Jo, Lil Kim, Missy, Sha’Carri, and all the beautiful, creative Black women who paved the way. Flowers, admiration, and infinite respect to you,” Jacobs wrote. This acknowledgment not only showcased his influences but also solidified his connection with a community that has significantly shaped fashion and beauty trends.
Black women quickly showed their appreciation for Jacobs’ recognition, filling his post with supportive comments. One user wrote, “Damn the fact that you said this speaks volumes about you as a person and now I’m happy that I’m always spending my money on your perfumes and bags! You make us love you by just being you!” Another commented, “Thank you for acknowledging Black women, Marcquisha.” Even Lil’ Kim joined the conversation, commenting, “Awwwww my bestie this is beautiful and so are those gorgeous nails 💅 🫶.”
Jacobs’ openness about his manicure obsession and the influences behind it highlights a broader trend in the fashion industry: the blending of personal expression with high fashion. His bold nail choices and the recognition of his inspirations demonstrate a significant shift towards inclusivity and diversity in fashion. This move is not just about aesthetics but about honoring the cultural contributions that shape the industry. By openly celebrating the creativity of Black women and integrating their influence into his style, Jacobs sets a powerful example for others in the industry, promoting a culture of appreciation and acknowledgment.
