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# Luxe Manicure Museum Exhibits
These Manicure Money Nails Featured in MoMA Were Inspired by Lil Kim

By Ell Smith | Published 2017-11-17 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/money-nails
References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2017/11/lil-kim-money-nail-polish-applique-museum-of-modern-art) & [themuse.jezebel](https://themuse.jezebel.com/lil-kims-money-manicure-is-in-the-museum-of-modern-art-1820474834)

The celebrity manicurist Bernadette Thompson, who has create one-of-a-kind nail art for the likes of Beyonce, Solange and Missy Elliott, is having one of her most famous designs, referred to as '[Money Nails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coin-money-bank)' commemorated in [MoMA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-campaign) new exhibit “Items: Is Fashion Modern.”

The nails were created on the set of Lil Kim's fashion shoot which aimed to promote her verse in the Junior M.A.F.I.A. single “Get Money." The jaw-dropping design required the manicurist to cut up pieces from real $100 bills, strategically applying the bill to the rapper's acrylic nails. The accessorized look, which had a massive impact on fashion and design in the mid 1990s, is now accessible to the public, through MoMa's collaboration with the artist. Visitors of the museum's exhibit are welcomed to purchase the recreated nail look, through the [money-clad nail stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tipzy), available in the gift shop. Each sticker pack comes with 16 unique strips, which allow for mix and matching.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.9/10
- Popularity: 81% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Celebrity Nail Art:** The trend of celebrity-inspired nail art creates opportunities for nail salons and beauty product manufacturers to develop innovative designs and collaborations.
- **Fashion-inspired Exhibitions:** The rise of fashion-inspired exhibits in museums opens up opportunities for artists, designers, and curators to create disruptive installations and experiences.
- **Nostalgic Fashion Revivals:** The resurgence of iconic fashion trends from the past, such as the 'Money Nails,' presents opportunities for fashion brands to capitalize on nostalgia and create modern interpretations.

### Where This Applies

- **Nail Salons:** Nail salons can offer exclusive celebrity-inspired nail art services to attract customers seeking unique and trendy designs.
- **Museums:** Museums can collaborate with fashion designers and artists to create exhibitions that showcase innovative and iconic fashion moments, attracting visitors with a passion for fashion history.
- **Fashion Brands:** Fashion brands can take inspiration from iconic fashion trends to create new collections and collaborations that tap into nostalgia, appealing to consumers seeking a modern twist on classic styles.

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