Airi Yamada is a New York–based nail artist working internationally across fashion, runway, editorial, and commercial productions, with creative projects spanning New York and Paris.
With over 16 years of experience in nail artistry, her practice brings together technical precision, material experimentation, and a fashion-driven approach to visual storytelling.
Her work includes collaborations with fashion designers and creative teams during New York Fashion Week, alongside editorial productions and fashion-related projects in Paris.
As the founder of TRADITIONAiL, she incorporates traditional Japanese craft materials—including urushi lacquer, genuine gold leaf, mother-of-pearl, Nishijin textiles, and washi—into contemporary nail artistry.
Rather than treating nails as decorative details, she approaches them as an extension of garments, the body, and the broader creative narrative. Through texture, form, and materiality, her work explores the intersection of Japanese craftsmanship, contemporary fashion, and artistic expression.
Her practice continues to evolve through international collaborations, editorial projects, and experimental material development.