Bernadette Thompson

Last updated
Bernadette Thompson
Born1969
Yonkers, New York USA
NationalityAmerican
Years active1993-present
Known for Nail art pioneer
Notable work"Money Nails" collaboration with Lil' Kim, later exhibited in Museum of Modern Art
Website bernadettethompson.com

Bernadette Thompson (born 1969) is an American celebrity manicurist and nail artist [1] known for her innovative designs and collaborations with prominent figures across the music, fashion, and entertainment industries. [2] Since the mid-1990s, she has worked with a diverse array of celebrities, including Madonna, Mary J. Blige, [3] Kim Kardashian, [4] Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Sarah Jessica Parker, [5] Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, [6] Lupita Nyong'o, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga. [7] Thompson's work has been featured in major fashion magazines such as Vogue , Harper's BAZAAR , Allure , and Essence . [3] She gained widespread recognition for creating the "money nails" design for Lil' Kim in 1999, [8] which involved embedding real currency into acrylic nails and later became a part of the Museum of Modern Art's collection, [9] the first nail art to ever be included. [10] [5] Beyond her celebrity collaborations, Thompson has worked with fashion designers like Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Louis Vuitton, contributing to editorial campaigns and runway shows. [3] Her work has influenced both street style and high fashion, playing a role in bringing creative nail art into mainstream acceptance.

Contents

Early life and education

Thompson was born in 1969 in Yonkers, New York. [9] During her upbringing, she casually styled hair and nails for friends, fostering an early interest in beauty and cosmetology. In 1993, she attended nail school part-time to formalize her skills. [7] Shortly after, she opened her first salon in Yonkers. [9] [7]

Career

Early career and breakthrough

Thompson operated her salon for approximately six months [11] before receiving an opportunity to work with Hip Hop and R&B artist Mary J. Blige. [7] The connection was facilitated through Thompson's sister, Tanya, who had recently had her nails done by Thompson. Blige admired Tanya's nails and was surprised to learn they were done by Thompson, whom she knew from their shared upbringing. Blige reportedly sent a limousine to bring Thompson to collaborate with her. This encounter marked the beginning of Thompson's associations with leading artists in the music industry. [7] [5]

Collaborations with artists

Following her work with Mary J. Blige, Thompson began connecting with other prominent figures in the hip hop and R&B scenes. [7] Through industry connections, including those facilitated by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, [7] she worked with artists such as Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé, establishing herself as a sought-after manicurist in the entertainment sector. [12] [5] [9]

Work in the fashion industry

In 1998, Thompson began collaborating with fashion brands, including a partnership with Louis Vuitton. [7] [12] Her entry into high fashion expanded her influence beyond music, allowing her to contribute to runway shows, editorial shoots, and campaigns. Her work bridged urban street styles with luxury fashion, reflecting a merging of cultural influences. [5] [9]

"Money Nails" nail art

Creation and impact

In 1999, during a fashion shoot for a denim campaign featuring Lil' Kim, Thompson created the "money nails" design. [8] Seeking to produce a distinctive and bold look, she embedded real $100 bills into acrylic nails for Lil' Kim to wear on the set. [13] Thompson told Harper's BAZAAR, "all she had were little short nails! So I went into my wallet, took money out, cut it up, and did a French manicure." [14] The design was inspired by Lil' Kim's appearance in the song and music video "Get Money" by Junior M.A.F.I.A.. [9] [15] The "money nails" gained widespread attention and became emblematic of 1990s hip hop fashion, inspiring trends in nail art and popularizing elaborate nail designs in mainstream culture. [9] [14] [16]

Treasury department inquiry

The use of real currency in the "money nails" design led to a phone call from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, informing Thompson that defacing currency is a federal offense. [13] [14] [9] She told Elle Canada magazine that no charges were filed against her. [17]

Influence on fashion and nail art

The popularity of the "money nails" contributed to the integration of hip hop aesthetics into the broader fashion industry. [5] The design inspired other artists and designers to explore nail art styling, helping to bring such styles into the mainstream fashion dialogue. [9] [15] [8] [14]

Museum of Modern Art exhibition

In 2017, the Museum of Modern Art invited Thompson to recreate the "money nails" for inclusion in the exhibition "Items: Is Fashion Modern?" [15] The design was showcased alongside iconic fashion pieces such as the little black dress, red lipstick, and Chanel No. 5 perfume. [9] The exhibition highlighted the cultural and artistic significance of her work within the context of modern fashion history. [18] [13] [19]

Legacy and public reception

Bernadette Thompson is considered a pioneer in nail artistry [20] [19] and a leader in the industry. Face2Face Africa described her as "undoubtedly the go-to consultant for many A-list artists and Hollywood stars," noting that "her name has eventually become a household brand in almost every fashion magazine." [7] Her innovative designs and collaborations have influenced trends in both the beauty and fashion industries with Harper's BAZAAR highlighting of her work with Lil' Kim that "the result, now known as money nails, became a defining moment in the history of hip-hop and beauty. The look went viral before the internet did." [14] According to Elle Decor , "Money nails became a trending topic on Google... From then on, women of color would take the lead in a cultural rebirth for nail art, considered an affirmation of themselves and their aesthetic in a Eurocentric world." [8]

Thompson's work has played a role in bringing elaborate nail art into mainstream acceptance as The Washington Post remarked, "In the beginning, the nails were part of a hip-hop style, which was a separate category from what was then considered mainstream fashion... Thompson helped to change that" and declared that her "nail art scrambled our assumptions about femininity, beauty and class." [9] Edition Magazine by Modern Luxury referred to Thompson as "the living legend behind the world's most culture-shifting nail art," noting that "the explosive popularity of modern nail art has its origins in the work Thompson started with fellow Yonkers, N.Y. native singer Mary J. Blige." [5]

Fashion Magazine credited Thompson as being "largely responsible for nails eventually becoming a major element of fashion shoots," adding that "trailblazers in the ’90s, like Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown and Mary J. Blige... introduced [blinged-out tips] to the mainstream. And the woman behind them all was manicurist Bernadette Thompson." [12] Her influence has also led to manicurists receiving official credit in fashion photography, as cited by The Washington Post. [9]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Notorious B.I.G.</span> American rapper (1972-1997)

Christopher George Latore Wallace, known professionally as the Notorious B.I.G., and formerly by the stage name Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper. Rooted in the New York rap scene and gangsta rap traditions, he is widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. Wallace became known for his distinctive, laidback lyrical delivery, offsetting his lyrics' often grim content. His music was usually semi-autobiographical, telling of hardship and criminality but also of debauchery and celebration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manicure</span> Cosmetic beauty treatment for hands and fingernails

A manicure is a mostly cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands performed at home or in a nail salon. A manicure usually consists of filing and shaping the free edge of nails, pushing and clipping any nonliving tissue at the cuticle and removing hangnails, treatments with various liquids, massage of the hand, and the application of fingernail polish. When the same is applied to the toenails and feet, the treatment is referred to as a pedicure. Together, the treatments may be known as a mani-pedi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary J. Blige</span> American singer (born 1971)

Mary Jane Blige is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and entrepreneur. Often referred to as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and "Queen of R&B", Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awards, twelve NAACP Image Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards, including the Billboard Icon Award. She has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, including one for her supporting role in the film Mudbound (2017) and another for its original song "Mighty River", becoming the first person nominated for acting and songwriting in the same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil' Kim</span> American rapper (born 1974)

Kimberly Denise Jones, better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper. She was born and raised in New York City and lived much of her adolescent life on the streets after being expelled from home. In her teens, she would freestyle rap, influenced by fellow female hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and the Lady of Rage. In 1994, she was discovered by fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who invited her to join his group Junior M.A.F.I.A.; their debut album, Conspiracy, generated two top 20 singles in the United States and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angie Martinez</span> American radio host and rapper (born 1971)

Angela "Angie" Martinez is a Puerto Rican-American radio personality, podcaster, and former rapper and actress. Dubbed "The Voice of New York", Martinez is widely known for her 28-year run at New York City station Hot 97 (WQHT). She left the station in 2014 to join crosstown competitor Power 105.1 (WWPR).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Mama</span> American rapper (born 1989)

Niatia Jessica Kirkland, better known by her stage name Lil Mama, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer. She experienced top 10 Billboard placements at 17 with her debut album VYP (2008), which debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200. The album spawned her four major singles including her staple song and dance anthem "Lip Gloss", earning her two Teen Choice Awards and Monster Single of the Year nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards. Kirkland gained further attention in pop music after a collaboration with Avril Lavigne for the remix of her hit single "Girlfriend".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Can Love You</span> 1997 single by Mary J. Blige featuring Lil Kim

"I Can Love You" is a song by American recording artist Mary J. Blige. It was written by Blige along with her sister LaTonya Blige-DaCosta, Rodney Jerkins, and Lil' Kim for her third album, Share My World (1997), with Jerkins producing the song and Lil Kim having featured vocals. The contains elements of the song "Queen Bitch," a track from Kim's debut album Hard Core (1996), co-written by Carlos Broady and Nashiem Myrick. Due to the inclusion of the sample, they are also credited as songwriters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicki Minaj</span> Trinidadian rapper (born 1982)

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter based in the United States. Regarded as the "Queen of Rap" and one of the most influential rappers, she is credited as a driving force in the resurgence of female rap in the mainstream and became the most successful female rapper of all time. Minaj is known for her dynamic rap flow, witty lyrics, musical versatility, and alter egos. She first gained recognition after releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Money</span> 1996 single by Junior M.A.F.I.A. featuring The Notorious B.I.G.

"Get Money" is a song by the American rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A., released as the third and final single from their debut album Conspiracy (1995). "Get Money," whose instrumental is fundamentally a sample of R&B singer Sylvia Striplin's 1981 song "You Can't Turn Me Away," was produced by EZ Elpee, rapped by the Notorious B.I.G. and Lil' Kim, and received a music video. B.I.G., formally, was featured, but at times was deemed, like Lil' Kim and Lil' Cease, a Junior M.A.F.I.A. member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deborah Lippmann</span> American singer

Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity and fashion manicurist who has designed nail polishes for stars such as Lady Gaga, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift and Lena Dunham. She has her own line of nail polishes with names inspired by the titles of popular songs. Her nail polishes and views on current trends in nail fashion are often reviewed in popular beauty and nail magazines and blogs. She is known for keeping up with trends in nail color and design. To supplement existing nail-polish formulations and colors, she has collaborated with a chemist to create new ones. Her eponymous line of nail lacquers, treatments and lipsticks was founded in 1999 with her husband, Jude Severin who oversees sales and operations and her brother, Mark Lippmann, who oversees marketing, creative and everything digital. Mark has been a keynote speaker at WWD Digital Forum, Digital Marketing World Forum, Fashion Digital, Brand Innovators, eTail, in New York, Los Angeles, London, Boston, Philadelphia and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anything (To Find You)</span> 2011 single by Monica featuring Rick Ross

"Anything (To Find You)" is a song by American recording artist Monica taken from her seventh studio album, New Life (2012). It features additional vocals from American rapper Rick Ross, and was written and produced by longtime contributors Missy Elliott and Cainon Lamb with additional penning from fellow R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan, Henry Fuse, Miguel "Pro" Castro, and William Roberts. The song samples 1995's "Who Shot Ya?" performed by The Notorious B.I.G. and Diddy, and uses an interpolation of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1968 hit, "You're All I Need to Get By".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nail art</span> Decoration of fingernails and toenails

Nail art is a creative way to paint, decorate, enhance, and embellish nails. It is a type of artwork that can be done on fingernails and toenails, usually after manicures or pedicures.

Sharmadean Reid is a British Jamaican entrepreneur. She is the founder of WAH Nails and Beautystack. She is an advocate for women's empowerment.

Anime in hip hop is the amalgamation of anime and hip hop music. Many rappers have been influenced by anime in lyrics and production. Hip hop has also influenced anime.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardi B</span> American rapper (born 1992)

Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper and songwriter. Distinguished for her aggressive flow and outspoken clever lyrics, Cardi B has established herself as one of the most successful female artists in contemporary music. From 2015 to early 2017, she gained recognition on Vine and Instagram, as a cast member on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York, and by releasing two mixtapes.

Park Eun-kyung (박은경) is a South Korean nail artist. She opened her nail salon Unistella in 2014 and has been described as by the New York Times as "arguably South Korea's most famous nail artist".

Misa Hylton is an American stylist and fashion designer. Known as a pioneer in the fashion industry, she has styled many hip-hop and R&B artists since the 1990s, most notably Lil' Kim and Mary J. Blige. Hylton's style, referred to as "hip-hop glamorous," has been credited with influencing fashion trends in popular culture. Hylton is a global creative partner for MCM and was the centerpiece of the 2019 documentary The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jenny Bui</span> Cambodian-American nail artist

Jenny Bui is a Cambodian-American nail artist known for her crystal-studded creations. She was named Nail Artist Influencer of the Year in 2019 and is known as "The Queen of Bling."

Gia Kuan is a New Zealand-Taiwanese entrepreneur, publicist and creative consultant, known for her new wave approach to public relations, as well as the intersection between art and fashion in her work. She is the founder of Gia Kuan Consulting, a boutique communications and public relations agency located in Manhattan, New York City. New York Magazine has called Kuan a "downtown press maven".

Michelle Nguyen, known professionally as Coca Michelle, is a British nail artist. She is known for her detailed style that often includes non-traditional materials and has worked with the likes of Teyana Taylor, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B. She appeared on the 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 list.

References

  1. ↑ Francombe, Amy (2024-08-14). "3D manicures are the summer's big nail craze. Will it last?" . Vogue Business. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  2. ↑ "Between Her Work on Rap Videos and Magazine Shoots, Manicurist Bernadette Thompson Knows Nails... | Vogue | JULY 1998" . Vogue | The Complete Archive. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  3. 1 2 3 Sullivan, Kate (2013-01-01). "Manicurist Bernadette Thompson on Mary J. Blige, the Man-Manicure, and More". Allure. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  4. ↑ Monaé, Ashley (2015-05-06). "Manicurist Bernadette Thompson Talks Kim Kardashian's Met Gala Nails". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Harris, Isoul (2021-11-15). "Bernadette Thompson Talks Nail Art". Edition Modern Luxury.
  6. ↑ Bangura, Musu (2017-11-15). "Lil Kim's "Get Money" Manicure To Be Featured In Museum of Modern Art Exhibition". HelloBeautiful - Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Hair Care for Black Women. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Nartey, Stephen (2023-05-11). "How celebrity nail artist Bernadette Thompson became an A-list consultant for Hollywood stars". Face2Face Africa. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "The Story of Nail Art: When Nails Became a Full-Fledged Design Accessory". ELLE Decor (in Italian). 2021-08-30. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Givhan, Robin (2021-12-03). "How Lil' Kim's most memorable manicure ended up in the Museum of Modern Art". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  10. ↑ Staff, Scratch (2020-10-02). "Honouring UK Black History Month in Nails". Scratch. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  11. ↑ "How both Black and Vietnamese women have shaped American nail salons". TODAY.com. 2024-06-01. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  12. 1 2 3 Michael, Souzan (2018-08-22). "Meet Bernadette Thompson, The Manicurist". Fashion Magazine.
  13. 1 2 3 "The Role Black Women Have Played On The Biggest Nail Trends Throughout The Years". The Zoe Report. 2024-02-20. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "Welcome to the Golden Age of Nail Art". Harper's BAZAAR. 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  15. 1 2 3 Branch, Kate (2018-05-23). "From Gigi Hadid to Cardi B, Nail Bling is Officially Badder Than Ever". Vogue. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  16. ↑ "From Estheticians to Execs: 20 BTS Beauty Icons Making the Industry Better". Byrdie. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  17. ↑ "The Origin Story of Lil' Kim's Money Manicure". ELLE Canada Magazine | Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Trends & Celebrity News. 2017-12-06. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  18. ↑ "Iconic Money Nails Now Exhibiting at Museum of Modern Art in New York". Nailpro. 2018-04-04. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  19. 1 2 "14 Black Nail Artists Making an Impact in the Beauty Industry". Byrdie. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  20. ↑ "EFOC 2024: Best Moments From Day Two At AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA". Essence. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.