Revealed: the 5 nations that dazzled at a nail art championship in Paris

The 2024 Nations Championship, organised by Cécilia Gimenez of NailArt France Events, brought nail professionals from across the globe together in a dazzling showcase of creativity, skill and nail artistry.

The event was held in two parts: live technical tests took place at Disneyland Paris in September 2024, and online nail art competitions were conducted in November. The 2024 Nations Championship mirrored the spirit of the Olympic Games, uniting competitors under their chosen national flags in a celebration of technical mastery and artistic innovation.

Participants from 13 major nations, spanning Europe, Asia, the USA, Australia and South America, took part. They tackled categories including Pink & White, Stiletto and Free Form Nail Style at the live competition, held at the Hotel L’Elysée, Disneyland Paris. The online component featured categories, including Poster Makeup, 3D Flowers, Flat Art and Multi-Techniques.

Organiser, Cécilia Gimenez, comments: “It was a joyful and warm experience shared between judges, organisers, sponsors and competitors. Everyone brought kindness and passion, making it an unforgettable celebration of artistry. What made this event so special was the range of creativity. Each piece of work demonstrated the incredible skill and vision of nail artists, offering judges and audiences a visual spectacle.”

The submissions – ranging from intricate 3D floral designs to bold and innovative flat art – captivated the panel of expert judges. The jury, chaired by the esteemed Tatiana Litvinov, included internationally renowned names: Elena Popova, Stefanie Lo Re, Virgnia Arleo, Olena Oezman, Mino Vo, Alex Fox,  Ivette Van Riel, Denise Ariotti, Natalya Grudinina, Lulu Desfassiaux, Arrow Queen, Tamara Baghoé, Nadia Thely and Elena Maltseva.

“These judges are not just experts; they are the pillars of the industry,” Cécilia continues. “Their rigour and professionalism ensured a fair and enriching competition. Tatiana’s role as jury president was especially pivotal, maintaining consistency and quality across all evaluations.”

The total medals received in Paris live and online categories by each country determined the ranking, with gold medals worth 60 points each, silver worth 40, and bronze worth 20.

THE NAIL ART FRANCE EVENTS PODIUM:

• 1^st – France
• 2^nd – United Arab Emirates
• 3^rd – Germany
• 4^th – Vietnam
• ^5th – Russia

A celebration of achievements & her farewell to Nailart France

The 2024 Nations Championship held special significance for Nailart France Events, marking the conclusion of the Nailart France Association under Cécilia’s leadership since 2015. “We organised this event in 2024, the year of the Olympic Games, to celebrate everything we’ve achieved over the past nine years,” she notes.

For Cécilia, this journey has been about more than just organising events – it has been about building a community and nurturing talent. “I feel great serenity and gratitude for the path I’ve taken with Nailart France,” she reflects. “My goal has always been to share knowledge and enrich the world with kindness, creating a bond that unites and uplifts us all.”

Her passion for fostering nail artistry and innovation has inspired participants, judges and audiences alike. “Art and sharing transcend borders, bringing together enthusiasts from all over the world,” she adds. “Surrounding yourself with nail artists and dedicating yourself to their craft is an intensely rewarding experience. It’s a way of life that fosters emotional richness and positive connections.”

Looking ahead

The 2024 Nations Championship not only celebrated the achievements of the nail industry, but set the stage for its future. As artists pushed boundaries with their designs, the event highlighted the potential for nail artistry to evolve and inspire.

Cécilia remains committed to supporting this growth. “With the respect and encouragement I’ve received from competitors and colleagues, I’m motivated to continue elevating the industry,” she smiles. “It’s an honour to contribute to this collective dynamic and I look forward to proposing even more spectacular events in the future.”

For now, the legacy of The 2024 Nations Championship lives on, etched in the memories of all who participated. The event stands as a testament to the power of art, collaboration and the global nail community – a true celebration of creativity without borders.

Follow Cécilia Gimenez: @cecilianailartfrance