Marchesa is a name that dominates the red carpet and is arguably one of the most coveted fashion houses for its elegant evening wear, inspired by vintage silhouettes with a modern aesthetic. Co-founded by Georgina Chapman and Kere Craig in 2004, the company’s namesake and muse is the noted eccentric European style icon, Marchesa Luisa Casati. With Casati’s vision of fashion meets art in mind, Chapman has paired her expertise in design and draping to craft collections with both distinctive and iconic style.
Until now their designs have been far out of reach for the average woman. With what is sure to be the collaboration of the year, Revlon by Marchesa is a limited edition collection of intricate, textured nail appliqués is inspired by couture house Marchesa’s signature designs.
“When we were first approached by Revlon about a potential collaboration, Keren and I were really excited about the chance to partner with an iconic brand that believes, as we do, in making a woman feel beautiful while remaining true to herself. Through Revlon’s incredible global reach, we will be able to bring a little piece of Marchesa to women around the world,” said Georgina Chapman.
(left to right: Crown Jewels, 24K Brocade, Gilded Mosaic, Beaded Couture, Jewelled Noir, Evening Garnet)
An important design feature to note is that Beaded Couture and Crown Jewels are shown in the promotional and marketing images on a black background and Silk Rosette on a silver background when, in fact, those three appliqués are actually on a clear base. I much prefer that the base is clear because it allows more freedom in customization and interpretation within one’s own personal style.
Each package of Revlon by Marchesa 3D Jewel Appliqués ($8.95, drugstores) includes 18 stickers, a tiny plastic cuticle stick nail file. Unlike other nail stickers on the market, the Revlon by Marchesa versions are not made from nail polish so they have a long shelf life because they won’t dry out once the package has been opened.
I hit up my local London Drugs the morning these were released in-store and they had already been picked over with only 3 designs of the 8 on the display. I was able to find 3 more designs at a larger location nearby but have yet to find Silk Rosette or Beaded Couture in-store. My suggestion is to run, not walk to your local drugstore if you are looking to collect any of these designs. I have yet to see them make an appearance at Shoppers Drug Mart so I can’t comment on their selection.
I followed the video tutorial below and my application process was so easy! I have had my appliqués on for 4 days and they haven’t lifted, chipped or peeled at all. I think that adding a top coat and selecting a size slightly larger than your nail are key. I applied base to tip, smoothing upwards to prevent any bubbling or creasing.
(wearing Beaded Couture appliqués over OPI’s Bastille My Heart gel polish)
Enter my Thanksgiving giveaway here to win the whole collection!
Available at London Drugs in-store and online.
Grade: A
