TanTime

Marian Newman is a world class nail artiste, with more Vogue covers to her name than any other technician on the fashion circuit. A regular on the backstage roster, the demand for her bespoke manicure services (including Minx and out-of-this-world nail art), on both high-fashion shoot and celebrity clients alike is through the roof too. Here, Marian downs tools (which doesn’t happen often) to reveal her beauty and fashion secrets to The Tantalist.

Do you use self tan?

I’m very ‘low maintenance’ and always rushing somewhere! But, yes I do when there is skin to be exposed!

What self tanning brands do you swear by?

St Tropez gives the best colour for me but I do like the slow tanners in moisturisers. There is little worry about lines with these too

What shows did you work on this LFW and what was the inspiration behind the nails?

Yes I did a few shows. Gosh, each show was different! Baradi, for example, was a soft, childlike grey but seen underwater (I mixed a colour for the sponsors, Revlon, and called it ‘L’eau de gris’. I hope they bring it out but I won’t hold my breath) Paul Smith was a strong ‘teddy boy’ look so for that I created a ‘russet teddy’. Richard Nicoll was a ‘Bowie’ inspired collection when he was ginger. For that I used the ‘ginger’ blusher Sam Bryant used on the cheeks and rubbed that into the nails. Looked fab! Daks had a ‘toffee’ so, actually, there was a bit of a coral/rust going on (great with a tan!!!) These are some examples.

Did you do New York, Milan and Paris?

I do Paris, not Milan nor NY. I did McQueen and Wunderkind. McQueen was fabulous! I had some bespoke Minx made for the show in a variety of options. A gentle, random gold was chosen for the delicate pieces and a gold leaf motif layered over a matte gold for all the main pieces (another type of ‘coral/rust’ connection? Certainly looking at its best with a tan!!!!)

What shows did you enjoy the most?

Without a doubt, McQueen but I do love the ones that I can use a bit of creativity like Baradi and Richard Nichol

What are the new trend in nails?

Well the nails are definitely longer! Not long but a very elegant oval. Simple decoration is also good. There is a definite trend that is giving the message that ‘bold can be chic’! This started with Jade from Chanel. Peter Phillips (Creative Director) has encouraged the ‘pink’ or ‘rough noir’ fashioistas to believ that it’s OK. Great!!!

What nail colours are hot right now?

Although many are bored with it, nude is still ‘in’. Blue seems to be a good one but a lovely rich blue or teal. The fabulous ‘off’ colours are the biggest news like Les Khakis or Dior’s Masai Red.

What differentiate your nail from others?

Oooh, now there’s a question! I’d like to think I have good taste and a ‘less is more’ approach. I’d also hope my attention to detail and perfection makes them that bit better. I have to create many ‘real artificial’ and I do my best to make sure they look like they grew there.

Do you think Self -tanning has become more Fashionable?

100% yes! The message is finally getting across that tanning is dangerous but people still want to look healthy. I wish I had known of the dangers when I was younger and a sun worshipper! I have plenty of sun damage that is horrible. I did try the self tanners way back then but they were dreadful!! I seem to remember excitedly buying Tanfastic and turning a streaky orange and having to stay at home for days!

If you had to pick one fashion accessory, what would it be?

Nails of course! They are the perfect fashion accessory

Name one beauty product you could not live without?

Mascara. I have no eyes without it

What Make Up Brands do you swear by?

I love the luxury brands like Dior, Lancome, Shiseido etc but am quite happy using the high street brands like Max Factor, Ruby & Millie etc. My skin care favourites are Sisley and SKII

Who is the most inspirational person you have worked with?

I have been so fortunate in working with so many of the truly inspirational people that are well known is all spheres not just fashion. There truly isn’t just one who stands out above all others. If you could see the list of people I’ve worked with you’d understand. I could name a couple but then would leave out so many more.

What are you doing after this interview?

I’ve just finished working with Kate Moss and the rest of the week will be spent with Miles Aldridge, Nick Knight and Patrick Demarchelier. Not a bad week I think.

Cab or Tube?

My car, always.