CND x Libertine S/S 2025
Julie Kandalec, CND’s lead nail artist, celebrity manicurist and educator, led the vision this year at Libertine’s show, which was held at Elizabeth Street Garden in NYC. “My inspiration for Libertine nail looks came from when I learned that the designers were inspired to save the Elizabeth Street Garden, which I thought was such a beautiful initiative. Seeing the location and the designs, I envisioned the transition from day to night. The yellow moon at night, or the sun, symbolizes the constant light that shines over the garden—a guiding force of hope and growth. This vision deeply inspired our design. The yellow moon became a central element, embodying warmth, protection, and the natural beauty we wanted to celebrate.”
After prepping the models’ nails and applying the CND SHELLAC Base Coat, Kandalec applied two layers of CND SHELLAC in Whisper and then a layer of CND SHELLAC No-Wipe+Top Coat. Because these are gel polishes, they were cured under LED light between steps. Using a sponge applicator, she applied a true silver chrome pigment over the entire nail, followed by another layer of topcoat to seal the effect. Using a detailed art brush, she created a half-moon design using CND SHELLAC in Catching Light. Then, she finished the look with a final layer of topcoat. Lastly, she applied CND Solar Oil to condition the nails and cuticles.
