Black Nails Nothing New Under the Sun (or over the moon)

As you all probably know, I spend inordinate amounts of time surfing the web, and I never cease to be amazed by the fascinating (if sometimes random) things I learn. One of the things I'm particularly interested in learning more about during my virtual sleuthing is the origins of fashion and beauty looks and trends. I derive limitless pleasure from discovering everything old is new again and as Shakespeare put it, "there is nothing new under the sun." Last year, I was fascinated by a 1930s Makeup website I stumbled upon that suggested nail polish in colors like yellow, green, and blue, were actually first popularized in the 1930s.



Building on that information, I bring you my latest vintage beauty factoid: apparently, in 1932, black nail polish was a particular trend. According to a Photoplay article (reposted by Hollywood Heyday) from April 2, 1932, Robert Grandon noted, "The other night at the Embassy I saw Kay Francis with black nails. It’s the newest craze, she told me. You have your manicurist dye them to match your evening dress and remove the stain the next morning. And if it’s an afternoon party, why, silver is quite the latest thing."




Interestingly, according to the September 2009 issue of InStyle, a very 20s and 30s inspired black with white half moon manicure was again "the newest craze" last fall. HA!

Several websites related to vintage beauty suggest this black nail polish trend was only big in the year 1932? Have others heard of this to be true? If so, why? I imagine it had to do with the demise of the black and white vamp and the rise of the technicolor starlet? One way or another, although I had to share this while it was on my mind, the last color of nail polish I'm thinking of right now is black. Bring on the bright and pretty palettes of spring!