Essie Weingarten backstage at Toronto Fashion Week.

No one captures how happy the perfect nail polish shade can make a woman like Essie Weingarten, founder of
essie nail polish. With her nails gleaming (courtesy of a slick of shiny red A List essie polish) backstage at the
Chloé Comme Parris show at Toronto Fashion Week, she’s getting her makeup touched up pre-show. The friendly energy buzzing around her is just as quippy, quirky and fun as her
nail polish names. “I have to say, you have the best backstage,” she says excitedly. “It’s awesome!” Since launching her first line of shades in 1981, Weingarten’s collections have set trends, created staples and helped make nails your best accessory. And I’m already dreaming about her fall 2012 collection. “Very rich, intense, I think they’re amazing,” she explains about her upcoming collection. “I think it’s the best collection I’ve ever done.” In my quick five-minute interview, Weingarten shares her thoughts on the latest nail trends.
The new neutrals Gone are the days of translucents in plain old beige and pink. Today we pick from seafoam green, taupey grays, the palest blues, lavenders and more. “Neutrals are not sheer anymore. You have more colour, but in a subtle way, and they all become a classic, basic neutral,” says Weingarten. Take the latest essie wedding collection – the palest shade of green (Who is the Boss) could easily become your new summer neutral. “It’s just a dreamy, creamy green that’s gorgeous and universally flattering. You can wear it with any colour and it really just works.” I’m thinking the remaining wedding collection (out in April) will be equally as dreamy with a white polish (Instant Hot) and a milky lavender hue (Love and Acceptance).
(more…)