Image Source: Allure, Cosmopolitan, undnlaqr.com
Machine Gun Kelly, who has a long-curated public image through daring fashion choices, statement-making piercings, an impressive number of tattoos, and has recently launched his very own unisex nail polish line titled, "UN/DN LAQR".
In the past year, Machine Gun Kelly has sported a matte neon space manicure at the American Music Awards, an abstract chrome, and black design during New York's Rockin Eve, and stripes of black, yellow, and white during an episode of Saturday Night Live, among other nail art styles.
Colson Baker took to his social media account to share "Un/dn LAQR" with his followers and supporters with a video and caption, "My first brand has been incubating for over a year, now it’s ready." "[UN/DN LAQR is] the Willy Wonka of what beauty is to become. I can't express enough how I want [to offer] a full experience, "he said during an interview.
While introducing the brand to the world, Machine Gun Kelly spoke to Allure and Kirbie Johnson asked the rapper about the inspiration of his beautiful looks over the years, to which he replied, "Many of the men in Greek mythology were warriors, soldiers, or gods who had used their strength, and then there was Cupid, who was poetic and beautiful. I wonder what a world of Cupids [would] look like, instead of just people falling into what they think we have to be as "men." Strength comes in how you honor your word, not what you can literally do with your hands. That's art. "
Colson recently spoke to HYPEBEAST and shared, "With the brand name UN/DN, it’s like, I’m just not done coming up with extensions of myself and my personality. First, clothes became an extension of my personality, then piercings became an extension of my personality, and then tattoos became an extension of my personality. Over the past year, I have been doing things to draw attention to my hands, just warming people up to the idea of nail polish, lacquer, and Machine Gun Kelly being in the same vein. There’s enough space for all of us, and everyone is presenting something different. "
Machine Gun Kelly further shared that his appreciation for nail art comes from his ladylove, Megan Fox, and added that he believes that nail art is a way of self-expression. He added, "That’s what is so beautiful about the inspiration I’ve gotten from my girlfriend. No matter what, she is going to take that time for herself, and by the time she leaves her get-ready station, she is who she wants to be for the day. "
In an interview with HYPEBEAST, the rapper stated that he has always tried to break down the rigid stereotypes surrounding men's beauty products. He said, "I definitely want to take the pressure and the major commitment away from beauty. This is about the freedom to draw outside the lines, to chip the paint. If you take some time to put an intention into how you want to be seen, down to the color that you put on your nails, how you design them, or if you use the detail brush to write a phrase on there, that is an extension of what you’re saying about yourself. "
Finally, Machine Gun Kelly stated that nail art is similar to writing cheats for tests: one writes down the answer on their hand, and when they look down, they are reminded of the answer. Sandstorm (Tan), Blank Canvas (White), Writer's Block (Gray), Slippery When Wet (Light Pink), Bad Tendencies (Blue), Vertigo (Purple), 25 to Life (Orange), Party Favor (Pink), Mary Jane (Green), Depressionist (Black), Nothing (Matte) Top Coat, and High Gloss Top/Base Coat are among the ten colors and five top coats included in UN/DN LAQR's debut.
The brand has also released eight curated trio sets, including the Underground Set, Never Done Set, Creators Set, Dream Crusher Set, Wet Dream Set, Bad Dream Set, Put Me On Top Set, and Lucid Dream Set, as well as three polish kits, the Essentials Kit, Therapy Sessions Kit, and Mixed Tape Kit, and two detail brushes.
In his interview with Allure, Machine Gun Kelly shared, "A lot of my music was for introverts, for people scared of being vulnerable. I know that a lot of people don't have the external courage to start conversations with strangers. I'm like that — I'm super shy when it comes to starting conversations. But when I went and got coffee, one of the first times I had my nails done, I went to the counter and the guy was like, "Wow, your nails are so beautiful." It makes you want to be open to the conversation. You spend time taking care of yourself and paying attention to detail, and then somebody else appreciates that detail. [It's] for sure a social connection. "
With "Un/dn LAQR", Machine Gun Kelly joins the list of celebrities, especially males, who have entered the industry of nail art and are constantly trying to break the stereotype by showcasing how comfortable they are with their personalities. The list includes Harry Styles, who recently launched his non-binary beauty brand, "Pleasing," and Lil Yachty, who launched his nail paint line titled, "Crete."
The debut collection of UN/DN LAQR is now available for purchase on the brand's website. Single hues cost USD 18, while trio sets cost USD 52 and polish kits cost $86 USD.
