3 Whimsical Lunar New Year-Inspired Manicures From Beata Xu

As families around the world celebrate the Chinese New Year (also known as the Spring Festival), Vogue China has invited Shanghai-based rising star of makeup and manicure fame, Beata Xu, to create custom Lunar New Year-inspired nails. The trio of dazzling designs is showcased stunningly on three Chinese stars: supermodel He Cong, actor Sabrina Zhuang, and singer Song Yuqi.

China’s leading nail-art authority, Xu is always up for a creative challenge. Her work often marries traditional Chinese elements with unusual shapes carved from plastic, metals, and other unexpected futuristic materials that challenge what we expect to see on a nail. “I like researching the customs and ancient paintings of different ethnic groups for inspiration,” Xu tells Vogue as she walks us through her custom-made creations, designed to match the characters and Spring Festival family customs of our three women. After all, a manicure is an extension of your personality, says Xu with a laugh. Especially now, as we emerge from the pandemic, people are even more outgoing in their life, fashion, and beauty choices alike.

Below, find three manicures crafted by Xu to help ring in Lunar New Year. 

He Cong: Unbreakable