Indian-inspired nail polish colours

:: By Rina ::

Just recently I was skimming through a mainstream fashion magazine when I came across an advertisement of an Indian girl in a yoga stance. I did a double take and immediately realized that it was an advertisement for O.P.I's new India Collection line of nail polish. I must admit, I was intrigued and wanted to know more about the new collection, despite the stereotypical visual in the ad. Even in this day and age, it's not very common to see an Indian girl modeling in mainstream magazines (unless it's Aishwarya Rai!!).

Soon after, I went to my regular hair salon and noticed the O.P.I India Collection display at the front counter. Each of the colours were appealing and hard to resist. However, I found most of the colour names/taglines were kind of odd and stereotypical.

Personally, I love the vibrant colours and have 4 of the India Collection shades. However, I would've preferred it if the colours didn't have such stereotypical names and taglines. Just because the colours are inspired from India, doesn't mean the words "Curry, Elephant, Chutney, Yoga, Karma and Snake-Charming" need to be incorporated into the nail polish names!!. I understand there is a level of "fun" attached to this collection and little details shouldn't be taken to heart. However, I'm curious to know if the folks who created this campaign are of South Asian descent or non-South Asian. As well, who is the target market? South Asians or the Mainstream market? What do you think?

I'd love to hear everyone else's thoughts and opinions on this topic.

Feel free to write to me at: rina@mybindi.com

Keys to My Karma Start your good fortune with this rich red	MonSooner or Later Drench your nails in this deluge of orange-red
Curry Up Don't Be Late This spicy golden metallic simmers with style!	Lunch at the Delhi Now serving a luscious shade of coral!
Charmed by a Snake A charming, disarming shade of bronze!	Royal Rajah Ruby Jeweled burgundy befitting a prince's princess!