Paris Fashion Week SS20: Pretty in Pink @ Ralph & Russo

Nailist, Nickie Rhodes-Hill, who scooped the Scratch Star for Session Stylist of the Year in 2018 & 2019, headed to Paris Fashion Week with a team of techs to prepare models for the spring/summer 2020 Haute Couture Ralph & Russo showcase. Here, she reveals the backstage story…

Nickie (second left)  & her session nails team; Jo Tompkins, Marie-Louise Coster, Sherrie Farris & Kay Kirsop

“My team and I jumped on the first Eurostar to Paris and headed straight the venue for the Ralph & Russo show; Carreau du Temple – close to Place de la Republique.

“The call time was 10.45am and we were the first team on site, so set up the space allocated to us before grabbing a bite to eat before the models were arrived.

“The nail colour for the show this season, CND Vinylux in Blush Teddy, was chosen to complement the sheer gossamer-like fabrics in the collection, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of brand and the 10 shapes most popular with Ralph & Russo clients over the last decade. We applied a single coat of colour followed by the Vinylux glossy long wear Top Coat to create a sheer finish.

“Signature fabrics included tweed, delicate silk, gossamer-thin organza with beaded embellishments and elaborate embroidery. Show-stopping corseted dresses also featured, alongside high class power suits and architectural ballgowns that presented a twist on the loved styles from the past 10 years.

“High profile guests invited to watch the show included Dove Cameron, Ne-Yo, Gabrielle Union and Louise Thompson and fiancé Ryan Libbey, and there was plenty of press attention for model, Winnie Harlow, who was walking the runway for the brand.

Nails by Nickie for model, Winnie Harlow

“I have worked with Winnie Harlow a number of times now. We found a common connection in that we both have vitiligo. Winnie loved the CND Vinylux shade we used on her nails and so I gifted her a bottle of Blush Teddy and Vinylux Top Coat.

“As designers, Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, are Australian, they introduced a side collection of t-shirts featuring ‘Save Australia’ across the front. The models wore the t-shirts for the show’s run through (which was filmed) and the entire collection was dedicated to the devastation in Australia caused by the bushfires.

“This show, like most, presented a few challenges but an amazing team makes for a great experience and the nail team were absolute professionals throughout.”

Show credits:

• Stylist: Elizabeth Saltzman
• Hair: Larry King – Sponsored by Dyson
• MUA: Sam Bryant (Bryant Artists) with Dominic Skinner (from BBC Glow Up) Sponsored by MAC Cosmetics
• Nails: Lead nail stylist, Nickie Rhodes-Hill, with Joanna Tompkins, Marie-Louise Coster, Sherrie Farris & Kay Kirsop. Sponsored by Sweet Squared/CND.