Beyond the rich shades inspired by recognisable Italian tones, the colour story woven through this destination assortment feels especially meaningful in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionally impacted Milan’s Lombardy region.
“Last year, before the pandemic hit, we traveled to Milan to source inspiration for this collection,” explains OPI Co-Founder Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “We ate fresh pasta, spent hours walking the city streets, and drank Campari while admiring the incredible street style. Of course, at the time, we had no idea the hardships Milan would soon face. But through this collection, we pay homage to the magical city that showed its loving spirit, even at the height of the coronavirus outbreak.”
From a pearlescent blue inspired by balcony choirs to a burgundy sourced from Italian wine, scroll ahead for 12 new shades that will transport you to a balmy autumn evening in Milan, and bring some joy to your fingertips in the process.
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Fall-ing For Milan
Somewhere between a neutral brown and glittery gold, you’ll find this pale bronze, which will quickly become your autumn staple.
OPI Nail Polish in Fall-ing For Milan, $, available at OPI
This Color Hits All The High Notes
This airy pearlescent blue was inspired by the hopeful balcony singing heard around the world during the strict city-wide lockdowns.
OPI Nail Polish in This Color Hits All The High Notes, $, available at OPI
Galleria Vittorio Violet
Where a matte pastel tone might go dull after a few days, this pearlescent violet comes infused with a satin shine — no top coat required.
OPI Nail Polish in Galleria Vittorio Violet, $, available at OPI
Have Your Panettone and Eat it Too
This caramel rum orange was inspired by Panettone, a traditional Italian sweet bread native to Milan.
OPI Nail Polish in Have Your Panettone and Eat it Too, $, available at OPI
Duomo Days, Isola Nights
Like a clear night sky best seen from the top of the Duomo, this sapphire blue is autumn perfection (and already on back order).
OPI Nail Polish in Duomo Days, Isola Nights, $, available at OPI
Addio Bad Nails, Ciao Great Nails
If your scraggly cuticles haven’t seen your manicurist in four months, this shade name might speak to you in the same way it speaks to us. But after a dedicated clean-up and two coats of this pearlescent purple, we’re feeling ourselves again.
OPI Nail Polish in Addio Bad Nails, Ciao Great Nails, $, available at OPI
My Italian Is A Little Rusty
Similar to the Panettone shade, this terracotta skews a bit darker for more of a worn leather bag (from a chic Milanese vintage store) vibe.
OPI Nail Polish in My Italian Is A Little Rusty, $, available at OPI
Suzi Talks with Her Hands
If your fallback nail shade seems to be grey, make this glossy pale slate — which looks like rain-soaked cobblestones — your pre-autumn pick.
OPI Nail Polish in Suzi Talks with Her Hands, $, available at OPI
Leonardo’s Model Color
One of the sparkliest tones in the collection, this glitter purple bottle might feel unexpected now, but it’s the perfect shade to have on hand for the holidays.
OPI Nail Polish in Leonardo’s Model Color, $, available at OPI
Drama at La Scala
If you can’t get your hands on the sapphire blue, this green-toned teal is the next best thing.
OPI Nail Polish in Drama at La Scala, $, available at OPI
OPI Nails the Runway
Not only does this silver nail polish match with everything in your closet, the glitter texture makes it chip-proof for weeks.
OPI Nail Polish in OPI Nails the Runway, $, available at OPI
Complimentary Wine
It wouldn’t be an autumn collection if we didn’t have a burgundy — and a wine shade sourced straight from Italy might be the most authentic.
OPI Nail Polish in Complimentary Wine, $, available at OPI
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