Angel My Linh on Transforming the London Nail Art Scene
And what to except at her Hypebeast Flea stall on September 9-10.
London-based Angel My Linh has nail art in her DNA. Linh got her chops in the business from an early age, spending time at her family’s nail salon and learning the craft from her mom. Her love of painting translated to nails as a canvas for self-expression and what started as a hobby swiftly became an acclimated business, Angel’s Nailz.
The nail artist, who has worked on sets from Megan Thee Stallion to Coi Leray, is set to unveil an exclusive stall at Hypebeast Flea happening from September 9-10 in London. At the event she will deliver Flea-exclusive, press-on nails as well as some of her original paintings.
Read more to hear about how Linh is transferring the nail art scene and if you’re a Londoner, don’t forget to cop your free ticket to Hypebeast Flea here.
Do you have a favorite set you’ve done to date?
Y2k sets! They remind me of the sets my mom used to do back when I was a kid. She worked in a salon in Hackney on Mare street and I would go to work with her and watch.
Having worked at Carhartt WIP, do you see a growing intersection between nails and streetwear?
Definitely, people are starting to care more about nail art and using it as an accessory to their outfits. The same way they wear jewelery, they accessorize with their nails, too.
Are there any trends you’ve seen this summer that everyone is asking for?
People have been loving 3D and hand sculpted nail art. Summer is my favorite season for nails because that’s when everyone wants wild and colorful nails.
Where are people drawing inspiration from when they bring in references to you?
Most of references for inspiration come from random things and niche interests. I’ve been sent so many different references from AI artwork, furniture, nature, vintage cakes, brands, architecture, jewelery, sculptures and even toilet seat covers.
Do you have a dream person to work on a set for?
I get this question so often and I actually don’t have a constant answer for it but for now I would say Kimora Lee Simmons. I have always loved Baby Phat, it’s such an iconic brand made and worn by iconic people.
When not doing nails, how do you express yourself creatively?
If I’m not doing nails then I’m usually painting. I love painting, I find it so therapeutic. I get so absorbed by whatever piece I’m working on and it’s a great way to focus my mind. It’s almost like meditation for me.
What’s next for you?
Retirement! Jk (but not really), I would love to go from a nail artist to just an artist. I don’t want to have limits on what type of art I do.
