TIPPY TOES
Lisa Xavier, co-owner of the new Frank.Studio at Bergamot Station, shouts to no one in particular: “Will someone call Dolphina and see why she’s running late?”
“Dolphina!” a chorus of delighted stylists chimes over the Moby-blaring sound system a few seconds later as a wispy blond walks through the frosted glass doors. Dolphina, a professional belly dancer, is paraded past a row of Philippe Starck chairs, specially designed for the studio--”We’re a studio, not a salon,” is a frequent rejoinder--to a wood recliner in the back.
Dolphina is here for a “fabric gel,” a new process developed by manicurist Hayley Alexander that involves applying fabric remnants to fingernails or toenails in place of polish. Alexander hands Dolphina a small plastic bag filled with scraps of silk fabric: white polka dots on a background of hot pink, leopard and zebra prints, a pretty purple and lavender zigzag. (Some women supply their own vintage $200 Pucci scarves for tearing up.) Dolphina is hosting a geisha party this evening, so she chooses a fluid checkered pattern in blues to match her kimono.
This is no ordinary pedicure. Yes, there’s filing and buffing and the usual trimming of cuticles. But there’s also the $65 to $80 price tag, complimentary sour apple martinis or special reserve Frank.Studio bottled water and an ultraviolet light box right out of “E.T.”
“Stick your foot in this light,” Alexander directs Dolphina after she applies a high-tech gel that will ensure nearly six weeks of glorious pedicure existence.
“I feel like we’re making pottery or something,” Dolphina jokes. Toward the end of the hour-plus process, Alexander trims Dolphina’s chosen fabric to fit the nails of her big toes. The other nails will settle for Liquid Foil blue polish to match. After more quality toe time in that slightly scary gray box, Dolphina’s feet emerge, a walking canvas. “They’re so fabulous,” Dolphina coos. “I’m going to be the envy of all the geishas.”
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Frank.Studio, 2525 Michigan Ave., Building J1, Santa Monica; (310) 998-1920.
