Professional Beauty chats to Orly founder and French Manicure pioneer Jeff Pink about the story behind French Manicures.
Jeff Pink is the president, CEO and founder of Orly International. He began his career in the beauty supply business in 1975 when he opened a beauty supply store in California and provided everything from nail polish to hair care to the film industry. “I was very lucky to have had an amazing mentor who taught me the business and I will always be grateful,” said Jeff.
“At first I wasn’t sure if I was going in the right direction, but Jack Sperling said, “Just give it 90 days,” and I did.”
Tell us about the history of the French Manicure, how was it created?
In the film industry nail colour would match the costume change for an actress. Long before we had quick dry products, this was a challenge every production had to face.
I was approached by one of my entertainment customers who asked me “Jeff, you have to come up with something that will look good with everything,” and this is where the French manicure began. One of the products I sold in my beauty supply store was a white pencil that women would use under the free edge of the nail to make it look clean and crisp. I started thinking, instead of putting the white colour underneath the nail; why not try it on top? I called my supplier and asked him to make a gallon of white nail polish.
After the white nail polish arrived, I began experimenting with different shades of pink that would work with the white that created a natural clean look. Originally, I called it the ‘Natural Nail Look’ but after introducing it to designers in Paris, I changed the name to French Manicure.
How did the French Manicure become so popular?
The French Manicure was created in 1976 and gained popularity in the early 80’s. Cher and Barbra Streisand were two of the first actresses who were known for the French Manicure. Both had separate appearances on the Tonight Show, hosted by Johnny Carson. Johnny commented on their nails, and from then on, our culture’s been fascinated by the look.
What does the French Manicure mean? What does it say about the wearer?
The French Manicure can be best described as natural, clean and classic. It’s a versatile look that works with every woman’s style, presenting a perfect complement to whatever she’s wearing. The woman who wears the French Manicure is effortlessly elegant – she wears it proudly from the tennis court to her office, or hit the town for an evening.
What Orly products do you recommend to create this classic look?
I recommend two essential products for the perfect French Manicure: Pointe Blanche and White Tip Guides. The Pointe Blanche is a lacquer and rubberised basecoat that comes with a precision brush. The White Tip Guides are the secret to a neat tip – we offer 52 half-moon shaped guides.
What’s the new modern take on the French Manicure?
There are so many variations of this classic look. You can definitely be very creative with it. Some of my favourites include the tuxedo looks in black and white, reverse French, multi-coloured French and styles that play around with textures, mixing matte and shiny.
Jeff Pink will be at the Beauty Expo on Sunday 25 August 10:30am for the ‘It All Started with Pink’ seminar. At this seminar, Jeff and celebrity manicurist Fiona Hay will take guest through the new French Manicure and how to get creative with clients – taking the French Manicure to new levels.
For more information on Orly visit www.orlybeauty.com.au.