Oh Popularly Inspired

‘Step right up’, ‘In the spotlight pink’, ‘So many clowns so little time’ and ‘Juggle men’. They are not just smart little wordplays but the names of that ‘thing’ which has the ability to give us girls that extra boost. Maybe just an added ingredient to that infectious smile J. I am talking about nail polish (and the above mentioned names are just the neutral colours) (see picture below) [1]. Then again, I am not going to discuss just any nail polish. This you might have already been able to deduce from the title. Yes, I am going to talk about the brand OPI and how it is unique in its use of popular culture to inspire a wide colour pallet.   

To illustrate my point four examples come to mind. The foremost example is probably the rush of teenage girls for ‘The One Less Lonely Girl Collection’[2] in association with Nicōle by OPI. One less lonely girl is first and foremost a Justin Bieber hit. In other words, it is a collection inspired by the teen idol himself. Surprisingly enough he also helped mastermind the colours. Needless to say the female ‘beliebers’ went crazy over this collection and I remember reading that the collection only needed a day after release to be sold-out pretty much all over America. Nevertheless, it seems to me that the media has been neglectful in mentioning that the money made from this collection is not for Bieber’s personal gain but goes to the non profit organisation Pencils of Promise. This is an organisation which builds schools in the developing world.[3] [4] Justin Bieber hopes the organisation can build more schools with his help and of course that of his fans and just people that like nail polish ;)  It seems crazy that a boy triggered such a rush. It gives new meaning to never say never!

                 Here you can see the full collection with names like ‘I’ve got Bieber Fever’, ‘I’m a Belieber’ and OMB!.[5]

A classic example is of course the collection designed around international superstar Katy Perry. A collection described as dazzling, colourful and totally unique on their website.[6] Not only are the colours totally inspired by the candy colours Katy seems to be so fond of but they can be spiced up with a black colour you can apply over the base which then simulates a ‘shattered’ effect.

Both Katy Perry and Serena Williams have worked with OPI[7]

Game, set, match for Serena Williams this season! After all, who needs a grand slam when you have a Glam Slam? (the name of her OPI collection). She will soon have three more glam slam collections of which the release will cleverly coincide with the three remaining tournaments: The French Open, The U.S. Open and of course Wimbledon.[8] However, whether it is her nails, her interesting outfit or simply her presence on court, she’s ‘simply smashing’ (name of her Australian Open colour)! Now Serena is already assured of her upcoming glam slams!

                It does not stay with popular personalities. Also cities and places have proven to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration. For example the spring/summer 2010 Hong Kong collection reflects the edginess of this trendy, cosmopolitan city with colours such as ‘Red my fortune cookie’, ‘Dim Sum Plum’ and ‘Panda-monium Pink’. There was also the Swiss collection and for spring/summer 2011 OPI has released the Texas collection with lovely ‘sorbet’ like colours ‘Do you think I’m Tex-y’ and ‘Suzi Loves Cowboys’.

                I am also at liberty to say that since I was not a fan (I thought it was quite overrated) I felt it necessary to also personally test this nail polish. I was pleasantly surprised. Although it has an above average price of 13.95 euro (this is what I payed for one bottle of OPI’s ‘Hot and Spicy’ from the Hong Kong collection) I noticed the difference. First of all, OPI has an amazing array of colours, with equally irresistible names, to choose from.  No other current brand can quite equal this feat.  Secondly, it was easy to apply (thanks to the lid which actually proved to be very comfortable to hold), it was quick to dry and it does not seem to lose its effect after a day or two (something which irritates me with other brands who actually advertise the fact that their nail polish is long lasting). Last but not least, you also get more polish than in an average bottle, namely 12ml. Yet, what really distinguished OPI is that this nail polish signifies a lifestyle. Basically, I noticed that I not only felt ‘hot and spicy’ but that thanks to the great colours and equally catchy names I could really choose something to match my personality and mood and at the same time allow myself to feel a little glamorous like Katy Perry or Serena Williams or in a weird way even close to Justin Bieber J The fact that OPI can successfully translate popular culture to its brand is what sets them apart from the rest. It keeps the brand fresh and it keeps people coming back for more. In spite of their popular image they still manage to retain a professional and exclusive image by keeping their price a little above average and only selling their products in beauty salons. So be popularly inspired!

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[1] http://www.opi.com

[2] Interesting fact: In his shows he always picks a girl from the audience to sing this song to. He then ends by giving her a hug and a rose J

[3] http://pencilsofpromise.org/who-we-are

[4] http://www.nicolebyopi.com/collection/one-less-lonely-girl-collection

[5] http://www.nicolebyopi.com/collection/one-less-lonely-girl-collection

[6] http://www.opi.com/

[7] http://www.opi.com/

[8] http://www.opi.com/