With a lineup of experimental collaborators and a reverence for obscure flora and fauna, the California nail artist has become her own force of nature.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF LOOKING AND FEELING YOUR BEST The GOLDEN AGE of NAIL ART If art holds up a mirror to culture, then nail art does the same, albeit on a tiny canvas. Here, how intricate manicures infiltrated fashion, social media, and society at large. The nails pictured here were designed by artist Mei Kawajiri, who goes by @nailsbymei on Instagram, and pulled from her archive of famous looks. As one of today’s most influential artists, Kawajiri joins a growing list of international…

Thomas Cristiani - Photographer Morgane Camille Nicolas - Fashion Editor/Stylist Eri Narita - Manicurist