Donghai craftsmen turn press-on nails into high-value art in Milan

MILAN — An Italian model slowly moved her fingers under the spotlight; green tourmaline stones on translucent, green-gradient nails glittered, drawing Milan Fashion Week attendees' attention.

The showcase was part of a special event held on Sept 23 on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week, featuring handmade nail art products — specifically press-on nails — from Donghai county in East China's Jiangsu province.

Far from ordinary disposable press-on nails, the Donghai products combine art with techniques such as crystal carving, filigree and enamel work. Some elaborate sets are priced at thousands of US dollars.

Li Xiao, general manager of Jiangsu Jingyiyi Supply Chain Management Co, said a hand-painted Sun Wukong (Monkey King) press-on nail set brought to the event proved especially popular. A local tour guide spotted it on the first day and pre-ordered one.

Li said Sun Wukong's overseas popularity gives the design cross-cultural appeal. Because Donghai is closely associated with Huaguo Mountain, the Monkey King's legendary home, designers drew inspiration from a story tied to the area and created this authentic, characteristic design.

"Handcrafting is central to the products' character," said Li. Painting, layers of carving, and the placement of inlaid crystals all reflect the maker's individual artistry. At the same time, traditional techniques such as filigree are also incorporated into modern nail art, giving the products their distinctive character and value.

"Unlike disposable options, these intricate press-on nails can be carefully removed, stored, and reused, making them a high-value alternative to traditional manicures done at a nail salon," Li notes.

According to a Chinese press-on nail company, a hand-painted set can range from hundreds to several thousand, of US dollars. A set inspired by the famous Chinese painting A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains is priced at $2,000. Some people have begun buying the nails as collectibles.

"I'm deeply drawn to Chinese press-on nail designs. I think this is something novel for Italy, since designs like these are rarely seen on the market here," said Italian fashion blogger Katerina Kutsak, adding that the motifs incorporating Chinese culture feel especially distinctive.

Behind the products on display in Milan is an industry that emerged around 2019, after investors discovered that small crystal stones could be attached to artificial nails. The industry expanded rapidly, drawing on Donghai's crystal resources. The county is globally recognized as a "world craft city for crystal".

Donghai has since become one of China's largest press-on nail production centers, with its products exported to over 30 countries and regions, according to the county government.

XINHUA