Nail Artist Jin Soon Choi's Guide to Fashion Week
Photo: Courtesy of Jin Soon Choi
Jin Soon Choi is one of the most prominent nail artists in the industry. She’s also one of the kindest. Born in Korea, Choi moved to New York City in 1991 and went the freelance route, earning the nickname “Bicycle Jin” since she rode her bike from client to client and painting nails all over town. As a go-to manicurist for celebrities, designers, and editors alike, Choi has the keen ability to always be one step ahead of the trends while ensuring nails always look elegant and classic.
Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa opened in New York’s East Village in 1999, and now it’s a popular chain. Choi’s own 5-free nail collection debuted in 2012 and immediately became a fashion industry favorite. But perhaps her best asset is her genuine warmth. No matter how chaotic or stressful her working environment, from photo shoots to backstage at New York Fashion Week, you can guarantee that Choi will greet you with a smile, a witty anecdote, and maybe even a quick manicure if you’re lucky. Here’s how Jin Soon Choi keeps her cool.
This season I’m doing nails at… Vera Wang, Derek Lam, Tibi, Prabal Gurung, Karen Walker, Michael Kors, Coach, Rag & Bone, and Marchesa.
I fill my bag with… RMS beloved lip2cheek, Dr. Jart+ BB cream (as part of my basic beauty regimen), clementines, sesame honey cashews for emergency snacks from Trader Joe’s, and Japanese genmai tea.
My go-to outfit is… anything that makes me comfortable. I enjoy wearing skinny jeans from J Brand, Uniqlo jeans, Tibi pants, and comfortable sweaters from Tess Giberson and Rag & Bone.
Jin Soon’s favorite Prada sneakers. Photo: Courtesy of Jin Soon Choi
The only shoes I’ll wear are… a pair of Prada sneakers and old Ugg boots since I have to be on my feet all the time.
I snack on… mostly fruits and nuts.
Four weeks before fashion week, I… work on photo shoots and don’t yet focus on the shows because I know the routine and can handle the pressure since I have been doing this for a long time.
The night before, I…. try to go to sleep early, prepare my outfit (even though there is not much style involved), and review my schedule so I’m on top of everything.
In the morning I eat… an apple and sips of raw coconut water.
If I have a minute to workout I… jump rope vigorously for a couple of minutes.
You’ll catch me reading… the newspaper or a biography.
I get around in… a taxi or a local car service.
The only way I can clear my mind is… to close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Jin Soon backstage at Rag & Bone. Photo courtesy of Jin Soon Choi
My coffee shop order is… genmai tea (green tea with roasted rice) or I bring my own genmai tea in my bag. I’m more of a tea person than a coffee person even though I love the aroma of coffee.
The product I can’t do a show without is… SK-ll Ultimate Revival Cream, which after a single application keeps my face moisturized all day.
My current favorite nail look is… simple negative nail art that people can do themselves.
The manicure I’m bored to death of is… an old style French manicure.
If I’m losing my mind I repeat…. "I can do it"
The song that pumps up my energy is… any song by Adele.
My favorite part about fashion week is… when it is over. Just kidding! My favorite part is seeing friends and catching up with them and sharing trend ideas with editors at the shows. It’s really a bit like a big party in many respects!
But I can’t handle the… cramped, hot spaces that we often have to work in while preparing the models for the runway.
I wind down with a glass of… cold coconut water. I would love to drink beer but I happen to have Asian Flush Syndrome, so I guess I’m allergic to alcohol.
When it’s all over, I can’t wait to… have a date with my husband.
Related:
Makeup Artist Dick Page’s Guide to Fashion Week
Meet Model Issa Lish: Vogue Cover Girl, Marc Jacobs Star, and All-Around Cool Girl
