nail designs

Fingernails painted with a watermelon design: technicians say nail art is more popular than ever despite the economic downturn. Photograph: Frank Baron for the Guardian. Nails by Sophie Harris-Greenslade/ The Illustrated Nail

It’s a trend that has dominated catwalks and New York salons alike, with pop stars such as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé embracing this expanding fashion movement. Now, amid a growing customer base on the UK high street, nail art has received mainstream seal of approval with the country’s first exhibition devoted to the world of expressive manicures.