Defy Nail Polish - A Refreshing Take on Souvankham Thammavongsa’s "How to Pronounce Knife" Collection

Abstract

How to Pronounce Knife is a collection of love stories. The characters love themselves, their families, and their friends so much that they fight for them, often leading to acts of defiance. The characters know who they are, love all the parts of themselves, and defend their identity to their last breath. Defy is a brand that sets no boundaries in its target audience; its products are made for all ages and all genders. Eye-catching, no-nonsense packaging keeps it all-inclusive and mirrors the book’s blunt and frank use of language. There is no senseless decoration or flowery embellishments. It’s just nail polish. Defy’s mission is to encourage people not just to be themselves but to shout it to the world with pride and confidence. Their bright-coloured nail polish is created to be as bold as its wearer, making them feel empowered. Like the main characters in How to Pronounce Knife, Defy encourages people to be unafraid of themselves and refuse to bend to fit expectations. The strong, bold shapes of the letters mirror the ferocious, unshakeable will of the characters. Each colour in the collection represents one of the fourteen stories and the defiant character within it. Nail care is a form of self-care practiced by people who care about themselves — who love who they are and want to show it. Souvankham Thammavongsa’s characters love themselves honestly and without measure. This nail polish embodies that love.

Department: Design

Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pacher