Model, muse, TV host, author—there’s not nearly enough room on a business card to describe the multiple hats 30-year-old Alexa Chung has worn since she’s evolved into one of the most-watched It Brits on the planet. Whether it’s her wardrobe choice, her Mick Jagger-inspired hair, or her winged eyeliner, her 1 million-plus Instagram followers take note. Certainly her looks—she’s even more striking in person—have a lot to do with her rise to sartorial fame, but what sets Chung apart is her mischievous sense of humor and refreshing candor. When asked about her supposed love of flat shoes, she quickly sets the record straight. “That is a big misconception! They just put that in the magazines and it’s become a thing, but I wear heels all the time. When I do wear flats [to an event], it’s a bigger deal in America. In Europe it’s fine, but everybody here was like, ‘Oh, my God, that is not formal dressing. She’s super-quirky,’” Chung says in a hilariously perfect Valley girl accent. And once we get to an even more comfortable point during our interview, she pours herself a glass of straight Maker’s Mark and fixes me a whiskey and Coke.
Not surprisingly, many brands like AG Denim, Longchamp, Eyeko, and Madewell have sought to collaborate with Chung because of her fashion sense and girl-you-want-to-hang-out-with appeal. Her newest partner is Nails Inc., with whom she recently launched an eponymous collection of textured polishes. “With my wardrobe, there are a few cornerstones—my style is pretty well documented. Nails are the only thing that I’m a bit wackier with,” she says. Read on for Chung’s thoughts on DIY pedicures, her ultimate lipstick arsenal, and the unexpected haircut of her dreams.
What’s your favorite beauty destination in New York City?
I don’t really indulge myself in beauty treatments. I see an acupuncturist at the Lanshin spa in Williamsburg, but I haven’t been for ages. I went quite a lot last year because I had such a hectic schedule. I don’t really enjoy massages, and whenever I’ve had a facial, I get spots, so I don’t see the point. I get waxes—that’s about as beauty related as it gets.
That’s not exactly my idea of a relaxing beauty treatment.
That depends on how you look at it. You don’t love a good wax?
Who doesn’t? But what about a pain-free indulgence?
I’m not very good at treating myself. I’m very fortunate that with my job, I’m often getting hair and makeup, so I don’t feel that there is much I would want to indulge in outside of my workday. But acupuncture is one of them, and shopping is relaxing for me. I love shopping. I find it very inspiring. It’s thrilling if you go to a vintage store and you score something good. I’m terrible at online shopping!
Since you’re not big on beauty services, are you a pro at doing your own nails?
Yes! I’m good at drawing, so I’m also pretty good at makeup, hair, and nails. I could do that as a job.
Where is the strangest place you’ve painted your nails?
There have been a number of times when I’ve put on a shoe and realized that my nails were really haggard. You know, when it’s December and you haven’t really looked at your toes for a while? So I’ve done them in a car.
What inspired your fabric-themed collection for Nails Inc.?
I think it was a stab at melding fashion and nail art together. Nails Inc. is very fashion-focused in the way it shoots its campaigns. A lot of nail brands will just feature a hand, but Nails Inc. shows a full look. The [people at the brand study] what’s going on in current trends and try to reflect that in the shades. When they brought me on board, the company wanted to come up with a concept that makes sense. So the fabric theme is a literal interpretation of clothes.
Why do you think nails are important to an overall look?
It’s a quick fix; they make you happy. Maybe you’re wearing your staid old jeans, but then you get to brighten up your hands. Also nails are such a huge talking point for women. In lieu of awkward conversation when you first walk into a room, I find that nail chat is always a fantastic launch pad for some better conversation.
The Nails Inc. NailKale base coat got a lot of buzz. Naturally, I have to ask what’s your idea of a killer kale salad?
People love kale, man, especially in L.A. I like a kale Caesar with garlic and Pecorino cheese.
Are there any nail looks from the past that you think are iconic?
Edward Scissorhands had great nails, and the nails in The Aviator. Nails are romantic in my mind. I romanticize the [process] a lot because my mother didn’t necessarily pamper herself. I suppose that’s why I’m not inclined to either. But before she went out, she would paint her nails and dry them with a hair dryer. When I smelled nail varnish, I would get annoyed, like, “Where are you going? Why can’t I come?” That ritual reminds me of being a kid.
Your signature cat-eye has been discussed a lot, but I’m curious about your favorite lipsticks.
I can give you the full rundown. For a pillar-box red, Topshop Rio Rio; for a salmon-y color, Chanel Rouge Allure in number 97 [Incandescente]; and for a darker red, Charlotte Tilbury has amazing ones. I like [MAC lipstick] in Lady Danger, and NARS lipsticks. And then I also just concoct my own thing. I use Stila blusher with dabs of other stuff. People are afraid to experiment, I’ve noticed. They want to be told what to do. What’s that about? Just use your imagination!
What do you use to keep your skin looking so flawless?
I’m not particularly loyal to one moisturizer. I switch them up. Decléor body lotion is my thing, but for skin I use Chanel Sublimage, Rodin oil, and Cetaphil. Anything I can get my hands on, I’ll shove on my face.
Do you have a nightly ritual?
No. Most of my boyfriends have taken longer to get ready for bed than I have.
What products do you use to keep your hair healthy?
It’s very dry at the ends, and very flat these days. Last year I did L’Oréal Inoa hair color. They dyed it lighter; then they dyed it darker on top. This year, when I was in the sun, all the lighter bits came out and now it looks bloody dip-dyed! I don’t want to be in the dip-dye zone, but that’s what my hair naturally does.
So you’re a wash-and-go kind of girl when it comes to hair?
I’m high maintenance emotionally and clothing-wise, but beauty routine-wise, I’m pretty easygoing.
Do you prefer your hair with bangs or without?
I can’t seem to make a decision. Also, I don’t want to get in a zone where I’m too afraid to try things. I’ve noticed that no matter what I do, people think I’m wearing loafers and a bob. They’ll say “Get the Alexa Chung haircut!” The “Alex Chung haircut” is one from, like, 2007. So it doesn’t matter what I do.
If you could try any haircut for one day, what would it be?
I would go for The Rachel from Friends. That’s all I wanted when I was a kid, so I would get it for a day to see if I could kick-start layering again. I also really like Stella Tennant’s hair, but then I would I have to have Stella’s face to pull it off.
Nails Inc. Alex Chung Fabric Effect Polish in Alexa Sequin, Alexa Lace, Alexa Silk, Alexa Camo, Alexa Leather, and Alexa Cashmere, $15 each; sephora.com
