Even if you haven’t seen Wicked yet, chances are you have caught sight of some of the nails that Cynthia Erivo - the British actress who plays the iconic and misunderstood green witch Elphaba - has been wearing on the movie’s global press tour.
Everyone is talking about Wicked, also starring Ariana Grande, which has gotten the world 'holding space' for nails and nail art, drawing a huge spotlight to one nail artist in particular… Shea Osei from Essex who creates the most elaborate and much-photographed Elphaba-coded designs for Erivo.
“An integral part of her style, it’s important to Cynthia that she has a unique set and look for each premiere moment,” says Osei.
“Maintaining Cynthia’s signature long coffin shape is a must, so I use a sharp file to refine the shape and follow up with buffing to smooth the surface for a flawless finish. Before sitting down with Cynthia, I usually have a clear vision of the design I want to create, ensuring we can achieve the perfect look efficiently.”
Osei's design plans for Erivo's Wicked premier nail art...
And the finished design! [Images courtesy of OPI]
“My nails are the statement accessory or punctuation mark to these looks,” says Erivo. “Many of the sets have been done late into the night prior to a premiere or full day of press.”
“I love watching and learning from the nail artists I work with…These Wicked sets have been some of my favourite nails I’ve ever worn. The layers of colours, intricate details and embellishments have been incredible,” Erivo continues. “I’ve felt empowered and glamorous. I’ve loved the way my nails are channelling Elphaba and how each look tells its own story.”
In the movie, Elphaba’s nails are also vital to her character’s look and they develop as she progresses and builds confidence. And, if it wasn’t for long-time nail art lover Erivo, the character may never had such notable nails according to Frances Hannon the film’s Oscar-winning MUA, hair and prosthetics designer.
In order to stay timeless the film’s actors have no piercings or tattoos but Erivo insisted on keeping her nails, and we are Ozitively thrilled she did. In earlier scenes of Wicked Osei designed short stiletto nails in a green “natural ombre.” In the second look towards the end of the film as Elphaba has gained power enough to defy gravity the nails become longer and more elaborate with a rich green marble.
“The rich sets and costumes, lead character arcs, and shades of green found in nature, inspired fantastical nail looks,” explains Hannon. "I wanted the nails to help tell the characters’ stories, including Elphaba’s natural green nails as an extension of her skin colour as the film starts. Elphaba’s manicure progresses to a longer, stronger look with powerful nail art as she develops her sense of self and discovers her true potential."
Osei had to create 35 sets of press-ons in each look for the movie due to multiple daily costume changes.
Many of the nail looks have been created using a collection from OPI in collaboration with Wicked and Erivo has become an ambassador for the brand.
“We took the five themes from the movie: empowerment, equality, integrity, defiance, and sisterhood, and interpreted these through the collection’s colours,” says Jill Bartoshevich, OPI global director of colour equity. “OPI’m Phosphorescent! A glow-in-the-dark glowy green is very prominent in the movie.”