As we bid farewell to the end of the fashion frenzy that has taken over Lincoln Center for the last eight days, I looked back at all the inspiring and creative look that left us speechless, and decided that not all of them were from the runway (though, more on New York Fashion Week “Best Of” looks and trends is still to come). There were too many faboo-looking celebs sitting front row at the Fashion Week shows to pick just one who looked the best, so I chose more than one…a few more than one. And even one, twice (I mean, Rashida Jones really rocked it this week).
It turns out that the sweetest person in showbiz works behind the scenes: Kimmie Kyees, celebrity nail technician (take that how you want—she has worked with Rihanna, Katy Perry and a number of other famous names, but is also a celeb in nail tech circles), has spent 20 years nailing her craft and shooting to the top of her industry. Interviewing her was a joy, as she was so genuinely excited to discuss nails. We were thrilled to find out her thoughts on upcoming fall trends for both polish colors and nail shapes and get her recommendation on how to spot a quality nail salon.
What do you love most about being a nail tech?
Getting my girl fix! Chatting with my clients and experimenting with colors and designs.
Do you have a polish brand that you prefer to use, or have you ever thought about developing your own nail polish line?
I love different things about all kinds of different lines—right now I am loving Morgan Taylor. I really like new lines, I have thought of doing my own … especially after a friend of mine who does a blog was telling me how much people make selling nail polish! Plus, I have always had a dream of naming my own colors thanks to OPI‘s amazing color names!
Kimmie (left) and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger
What are the upcoming nail trends for this fall?
I am seeing a lot of square nails on the carpets again …. I think there might be a shift back into that shape—as far as trends, texture nail polishes are big for the fall and a lot of jewel toned colors.
Kimmie worked with Zooey Deschanel for the cover of Complex.
You work with a number of celebrity clients—how did you steer your career in that direction?
When I moved to L.A., I learned about mobile spas, [talent] agencies and house calls [for celebrities], which was all new to me!
Who all have you worked with?
I have been really fortunate to get the opportunities to work with all kinds of celebrities. My career has moved more into the music side of the business, working a lot with Katy Perry and Rihanna.
Do you have a favorite client?
I love my clients and for all different reasons, I can’t pick just one!
Rihanna, Kimmie and friends
Many people outside of the nail industry don’t always know what to look for when they visit a nail salon as far as quality, cleanliness, etc.—what’s important to know when we’re choosing a new place?
Make sure you see them cleaning after the client before you—no dirty files or rings around the tubs. And make sure the implements are submerged in sanitizer or coming out of a sealed package!
You guys, OHH EMM GEE, don’t you just love what’s happening at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week? Just absolutely amazing stuff that makes me want to skip fall—and the boots I’ve been so excited to wear—and jump right into spring. Tomorrow I’ll bring you a roundup of the trends and the best of each (hint: We’ll be wearing crop tops and wide-leg pants next year, count on it), but until then, let me bring you a few of my favorites from the runways this week.
Last night’s 10th Annual Style Awards kicked off Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, and though, to be honest, a lot of the looks from the red carpet were a bit boring and easy, some were downright gorgeous. My favorite look came from Designer of the Year Zac Posen and his arm candy for the night. I also included some runners up below.
You guys, guess what? After looking all summer for just the right shade of bubble-gummy pink, I found it. I feel kind of silly because it was pretty much under my nose the whole time, but, you know, bygones and such. The Dermelect ME Fearless Beauty collection, whipped up in collaboration with the fabulous Karie Frost of Fear No Beauty and celeb manicurist Elle, is so cute and just right for a slow transition into fall. I chose Moxie pink to show off, but there is also Renegade green, Buzz-Worthy yellow and Fearless blue.
Oh, you think I’m covering my face with sunglasses and hands to be cool and mysterious? Ha! No. Just trying to be in a picture without actually being in a picture.
Tanya Taylor 
Josie Natori 
Tome 
ICB 
Mark and Estel 
Donna Karen 
Zero Maria Cornejo 
Tory Burch 
Sass & Bide 
Rachel Zoe 
Carolina Herrera 
Libertine 
Reem Acra 
Michael Kors 
Helmut Lang 
Oscar de la Renta 
Jonathan Cohen 
Badgley Mischka 
Holmes & Yang 
Steven Alan 
Giulietta 
Kaufmanfranco 
wild pieces 