Often using a palette of amber, dark browns or cast blue, Rudelou’s designs are like delicately crafted glassware
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“I want to keep everything. I photograph everything, I Shazam all day, I have an archive syndrome. I don’t want to lose anything,” says Lola Rudelou, a Paris-based nail artist who is gaining traction for her bold designs. This elaborate archive of references is what her work draws upon; and whether that’s a plate of oysters, bulbous glass lamps, or religious iconographs, she is able to find beauty in the subtleties and details of everyday objects.
Often employing a palette of amber, dark browns or cast blue, Rudelou’s designs are like delicately crafted glassware. As if morphed by a blowpipe, her nail sets are bulbous like molten glass. She recently created one of her signature sets for the Marc Jacobs guest edited edition of American Vogue. Rudelou has always had an interest in beauty. She tells Dazed how her earliest beauty memory is of a glittery lipstick that her grandmother gave to her years ago, when she was around three. “I would smear it on my face every day. I remember its almond and plasticity scent,” she recalls.
But despite this early interest, Rudelou’s nail art journey, like many, began in the wake of the pandemic. Graced with newfound free time, she got to work creating her first nail set. Only three months later, she was working in the best salon in the capital, crafting her signature designs. When we ask Rudelou what the future of beauty looks like, she tells us: “Break the rules. Shatter all definitions. Free yourself, open your eyes, and admire.”
We speak to Lola about her journey into nail art and her favourite beauty icons.
What is it you do and why do you do it?
Lola Rudelou: I am a nail artist. This work allows me to design my vision: to shape, sculpt, paint and imagine. I have a deep and sincere connection with my clients; their trust grants me the freedom of expression.
What are you trying to communicate through your work?
Lola Rudelou: What I want to convey is my sensitivity and aesthetic through an accessory. Immaterially, it’s about self-confidence and pride.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Lola Rudelou: My work was noticed by a designer who has inspired me since my childhood. I had the opportunity to go to New York to work with him. It will be released in December... shhh.
Which fictional character do you most relate to and why?
Lola Rudelou: Leeloo in The Fifth Element. She is pure and brutal. She has the most beautiful soul. She has a neon haircut, she wears Jean Paul Gaultier. She’s sublime.
Who is your beauty icon or favourite look of all time?
Lola Rudelou: The choice is almost impossible. I’ve always loved La robe couleur du temp from Peau d’Âne. Also the red dress of Mina in Coppola’s Dracula. The first time I watched this, I kept pausing to take photos of the screen. And then, Jibaro, the last episode of the Love, Death & Robots saga, is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my life. Not forgetting La Rosalía, she’s the ultimate human icon for me.
When do you feel most beautiful?
Lola Rudelou: When I leave Johanna’s, my hairdresser.
You’ve had an accident which causes you to lose your sense of smell. The doctors can’t return it fully but can give you the ability to smell one scent. What do you pick?
Lola Rudelou: Orange blossom.
You have the ability to live in a video game. Which would it be?
Lola Rudelou: I’m not a video game player, and I’m not very comfortable with technology. My first thought is The Sims because I played it a lot when I was younger, but the routine and real-life aspects would drive me crazy. But ultimately choose the baby tiger world in Crash Bandicoot 3, which I’ve played 7,538,290 times and absolutely love.