Olympic Nail Designer: Sophy Robson

She’s done acrylics for Freja Beha, marked Cara Delevigne’s 2m Twitter followers with a custom design and adorned the fingers of Jessie Ware with glorious tortoiseshell. And you know those monochrome talons Georgia May Jagger is sporting in the latest Rimmel advert? She did those too.

The lady in question is Sophy Robson – London’s top nail aficionado who has designed finger based creations for shoots in Vogue, Elle, Grazia and more.

But we’re not talking glossy fashion mags today. We’re talking sports. You probably noticed last summer that the Olympic athletes had rather snazzy nails. Well that was all down to Sophy Robson and her team. Boris Johnson and Bruce Jenner even stopped by for a cheeky manicure and a look at the designs – the half Union Jack being one of the most popular (and most copied!).

Unsure why sport and beauty seem to be mutually exclusive, Robson has taken the concept further and partnered with London Netball to create seven nail designs created especially for short, sport-friendly nails. Don’t expect anything girly though – there may be a bit of diamante involved but the designs are strong and graphic – Sophy’s signature.

‘Sport should be seen as feminine and empowering to women and not a turn off,’ says Robson of her quest to dispel they myth that women can’t play sport and love beauty. Agreed.

We chatted to Sophy about the sportswomen she’d love to work with in the future and she mentioned the Williams sisters, gymnast Gabrielle Douglas and some talented female footballers. Jamaican athlete Sanya Richard (who received a medal in Chanel earrings!) is also on Sophy’s radar as a perfect example of women who embody sporting and beauty confidence, just like Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, who Robson has recently collaborated with.

So what should we be doing with our nails right now?

For the brave (and skilled) there’s white. But don’t just whack it on and hope for the best. ‘The nails must be prepped properly for white to go on smoothly and streak-free. They must be smooth, clean and grease-free,’ says Robson. Also on the up for the summer is ombre, animal print and tie dye which you can find on Sophy’s Youtube channel.

For nail inspiration visit Sophy’s youtube channel and see more on the collaboration at Netball Nails.