Prop Styling Handmodel / by Charlene Wang de Chen

I worked on a prop styling shoot where the client asked the stylists to get manicures according to reference photos so that we could double as hand models.  

the main room for manicures and the entry room where you first enter and look through manicure design styles. 

the main room for manicures and the entry room where you first enter and look through manicure design styles. 

So I took the opportunity as a chance to experience one of NYC's main nail art temples: Paintbox Nails.  Not only was the whole experience unbelievably luxe, but I was really digging the interiors and the contemporary chic way they expressed luxury with their interior choices. 

the view from my station (I'm in love with that chandelier light piece), the marble counter drying station--if you notice that white box at the end it is the "manicam", close-up of the stone, and my station and the champagne they give you. 

the view from my station (I'm in love with that chandelier light piece), the marble counter drying station--if you notice that white box at the end it is the "manicam", close-up of the stone, and my station and the champagne they give you. 

and the final product as taken from their manicam.  

and the final product as taken from their manicam.  

someone once asked me what the most fun thing I did related to set decorating/prop styling and I have to say getting a chance to experience this as part of my prep responsibilities was pretty fun. 

p.s. if you read about the whole investigative reporting series in NYTimes on the New York City nail salon industry, Paintbox had a great discussion of how they are an industry leader for fair wages and employee benefits in the nail salon industry on their blog here.