Dreams Do Come Trust: Meet Suzi Weiss-Fischmann of OPI

Suzi was super tight-lipped about the colors the models will wear on their nails and toes down the runway, only saying that the color palette is neutral and Jason was very hands-on in the process.But she did let me in on how OPI chooses colors for collections, the naming process, and what she carries in her handbag.I’m dying to share with you, so keep reading!

How do you choose what polishes will make it into your collections?

I look at trend predictions out of Europe about two years before OPI’s collections are even released. I also look at fabric textures. Really, everything inspires me from music to food to everything that’s happening as far as society, what people are looking forward too. All of this helps me decide the colors.

OPI always has such cute names, how long does it take you to name your polishes?

Right, the names are what OPI is of course known for, as well as our fashion forward colors. The naming takes about 6 to 8 hours for 12 shades– a collection. 

How do you make sure that you don’t repeat a color in a collection?

I always tell everyone that I do a collection like I have never done one before.

I’m quite sure this is impossible, but do you have an absolute favorite OPI color?

They’re like all my children, I love them all. But I’m a red person, I love reds and I think they’re very classy. I love all shades of red. I love all my colors but if you asked me it would probably be a red. Any red.

What nail trends are you excited for this fall?

Red nails are in (laughs), a deep red is beautiful but I love also these grays and neutrals. The greys, the khakis, the taupes, I think they are extremely elegant.

What was your first nail polish memory?

I first designed shades in 1989, that’s when OPI rebranded nail color. We made [nail polish] sexy. Before nail polish was just a name and a number. We rebranded it and I have to tell you some of the shades I designed in 1989 are still in the line. For example, Coney Island Cotton Candy, Samoan Sand, Cajun Shrimp, and OPI Red, of course. So that speaks greatly to how people love classic colors.

If I were to take a peek into your handbag, what would I find?

I always have an Hermes scarf because I’m always cold and I hate air-conditioning on my neck, a Chanel lipgloss in the color ‘Giggle,’ and OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil To Go which is an instant makeover because if my cuticles look good, my hands and nails look good. I always have OPI Topcoat. I love to put a coat of topcoat on my nail polish, it brings the luster back and helps to keep from chipping. Oh, and I always have some almonds– they’re my great go-to snack.

Isn’t she lovely? She has the sweetest voice, too! Now I feel like I should go paint my nails ‘Suzi Says Da’ in honor of this fall weather we’re having.