The birth of the natural nail manicure dates back to 1975, a time when Hollywood’s movie and television industry was in its prime. Picture The Rocky Horror Picture Show with its intricate production design and the cast’s elaborate set of costumes—directors back then wanted a versatile nail style to compliment an actor’s entire onset wardrobe.
The answer to this dilemma came to Orly founder Jeff Pink in a form of a nail lacquer with a natural base color and white crescent tips which resembles au naturel nails. In 1978 the Los Angeles-based cosmetics company trademarked the term “original French manicure” for the first home French manicure kit. Four decades and 113 custom blended hues after, Orly was established as one of the leading nail-care manufacturers in the world.
As the brand celebrates 43 years in the beauty business, it has chosen to shy away from the signature manicure that made Orly what it is today and focus on its ongoing “Strength in Color” campaign: a movement celebrating individuality in recognizing extraordinary women who combine talent, style and uniqueness in their respective fields.
Persie Torregoza of Sprint Asia Logistics Inc., the official distributor of the Orly brand in the country, said that since the Philippines is one of its strongest markets in Asia, it’s only fitting the campaign be brought here.
“Strength in Color is just a few days old and we’re very lucky to have it here,” said Torregoza at the launch of the campaign.
To represent Orly’s wide color palette, six “extraORLYnary” women were invited to a panel discussion to share their personal journeys in acing in their respective trades: Abbey Sy (arts), Soleil Ignacio (design), Georginna Desuasido (beauty), Sanya Smith (music), Ornusa Cadness (music), and Shaira Luna (photography)—women who create masterpieces using their bare hands. Tim Yap hosted the talk, with Orly International Brand Ambassador Amy Oung and Sprint Asia President Paul Yap gracing the launch.
The campaign also coincides with the a new product offering, called Orly Breathable Treatment + Color, a set of nail polish with a one-step system (no top base) and a 13 “free” formula, meaning these have been formulated without toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and other harmful chemicals. It is also Halal-certified, which means the ingredients are vegan and have been certified by Islamic Society of Washington Area.
In addition, the brand introduced during the event its newest innovation in hard gels and nail extensions: Builder in a Bottle. The formula has a self-leveling quality that allows for effortless application and consistency, with less need for filling and minimizing heat spikes.
“Orly has set the professional standard in nail care worldwide, and we’re very visible to the beauty market in the Philippines,” Torregoza said, addding that the brand will always be at the forefront of nail care globally, whether in producing timeless nail looks like the French manicure, or developing brand-new colors that embody today’s modern women.