The Devil Wears Prada 2: Julie Kandalec creates nail looks for Emily Blunt

Celebrity manicurist, Julie Kandalec, has revealed the nail styles she created for longtime client, Emily Blunt, in The Devil Wears Prada 2.

The highly anticipated movie sequel hit screens this May, with Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all reprising their roles.

The movie’s high fashion themes called for an elegant array of nail looks, which celebrity nail pro, esteemed educator & co-owner of Star Touch Agency, Julie Kandalec, delivered for Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt.

Twenty years since the release of the first film, Julie had the big task of reimagining how Emily’s ambitious, sharp-tongued character would style her nails. “The result is a trio of distinct nail looks – each created using Essie shades – that reflect both character evolution and enduring fashion and colour authority,” reads a press release.

Let’s explore the three nail looks…

The signature shade: dark & dimensional

Blackened brown ‘with grey undertones and a slight satin sheen’, Always Morphing, was the Essie nail shade of choice for Emily Blunt throughout the majority of The Devil Wears Prada 2.

A bold switch from the jewel-toned aqua, navy and purple nail styles sported by Emily in the first film, Julie knew that a ‘more nuanced’ shade was needed, and tested dozens of nail colours, including custom dark purple crèmes and smoky charcoal hues.

“It was a very collaborative effort,” comments Julie. “We knew it would be a dark shade, but finding the right Essie polish was a thoughtful process.”

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The celebrity manicurist also updated Emily Charlton’s nail shape: switching from short nails to a soft, medium-length almond shape, showcasing Emily Blunt’s natural nails. Julie describes this as ‘more thought-out – the kind of nail that feels at home alongside Dior and haute couture’.

Commanding classic red wine

The second nail style created by Julie Kandalec for Emily Blunt showcased Essie’s Bordeaux shade. Timeless and attention-grabbing, the deep red wine crème helped to create a high-fashion, elevated overall look.

“For the scene where Emily is ultra blonde, there was only one answer for her nails: a bold, unapologetic red,” notes Julie on Instagram.

Party-ready gold glam

For an event scene, Emily Blunt’s Schiaparelli gown was used as inspiration for a glistening gold nail design. “We wanted maximum shine and texture – as bold and sculptural as her Schiaparelli gown,” Julie writes on Instagram.

The nail artist used Essie’s ‘high shine gold metallic glitter’, Good As Gold, before applying gold leaf accents in a ‘thoughtful yet random placement’.

“The nails are a little luxe with some extra flash,” Julie comments. “Emily Charlton would never do a literal nail art look, so this bridges that gap perfectly.”

Lead photo courtesy of Danya Morrison.