One wouldn’t have guessed by looking at its small, unassuming facade on River Valley Road, but White Pyramid Gallery & Nail Bar is a paean to art – on the walls and on our fingertips. The gleaming new nail salon in Singapore, which opened to great fanfare in mid-September, brings to life the dreams of architecture graduate ARINAH RAHID… and her love for nail art.
The ambitious 27-year-old, who spent a sizeable chunk of her youth abroad, from France to the Far East, said she was inspired after a trip to an overseas art gallery. “I found it really cool how they turned it into a bar in the evenings. It made me want to conceive my own space, especially one that blends the art and fashion scene.”
Her vision was realised about six months later, with the launch of White Pyramid. It’s a ballsy move at a time when most entrepreneurs are scaling back on their dreams.
I paid Arinah a visit one sunny afternoon, to check out this creative, contemporary space. Here are my five key takeaways.
#1 It’s a place to geek out on art of all sorts!
“I started a nail salon in an art gallery to bring out the uniqueness of my space. Art is a form of communication, be it on the walls or on the nails,” says Arinah – and we couldn’t agree more!
The gallery has a small but solid line-up of paintings from artists such as Erick Centeno from Italy, Singapore’s Amirul bin Azman and South Africa’s Wendy P. Forsyth. You can use these as inspiration for your nail art once you’re done with shopping. (Yes, the artworks are also on sale.)
Arinah hopes to eventually expand her collection – even Salvador Dali is on her wish list! And while we might not be able to afford a painting by the father of surrealism, it would be cool to have a melting clock motif on our nails!
#2 It’s perfect for that Instagram flex.
White Pyramid may have been envisioned by Arinah, but she has roped in some help from one of the most well-known interior design companies in Singapore. Plan3 Design & Build has worked on other interesting projects such as Lady M’s flagship cafe in Orchard, and they’re the masterminds behind the nail salon’s all-white aesthetic.
Couple this with the centrepiece of the space – a chic communal nail bar with a pretty Delft Blue backdrop by Carasaven – and you’ve got the perfect setting for your next IG post. There’s also champagne available at an extra cost if you want to get all bougie; otherwise the salon’s complimentary black sakura tea is interesting!
#3 It’s the only nail salon in Singapore to offer cult brand Margaret Dabbs London.
Two words: pampering sessions. If you love these, who better to do it than podiatrist to UK’s rich and famous, Margaret Dabbs? This UK brand is well known for its results-driven, anti-ageing treatments for the feet, hands and legs.
The salon currently offers several Margaret Dabbs London spa experiences. For red-carpet-ready legs, try out Margaret Dabbs’ Illuminating and Refining Yellow Leg Masque Treatment, which is designed to revive tired legs while also working to improve circulation and skin complexion.
They also stock a range of products, including Margaret Dabbs’ iconic Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion and Foot Hygiene Cream.
#4 It even has a facial room.
White Pyramid has a single facial cabin, where you can choose from several facial treatments that are all the rage right now; these include the Korean hydra facial and luminous glass skin facial. Both use Soko Glam, a Korean-inspired beauty brand from New York.
Take your pick from 30- to 80-minute treatments (and yes, there are also facials for men!). Each session starts with a gua sha face massage and ends with a collagen mask; you can drift off to the sound of twittering birds and awaken to a more radiant version of yourself.
#5 It has nail technicians who are highly experienced in nail art!
White Pyramid specialises in nail art, and the two in-house nail technicians have a combined experience of almost two decades.
Vivian, my very own nail fairy, seemed to genuinely love what she does. She knows the latest trends, techniques and even gave my nails the pastel Mondrian makeover that I requested. Whether it’s a subtle streak or shimmer or a bold and bright motif, she’s always up for a challenge; just bring a picture of your favourite artwork and watch her bring it to life on your nails.
If you’re unsure about how to express your individuality, however, just remember Arinah’s words of wisdom: “Our signature colour at White Pyramid is white – it comes with its own interesting tone and shades and looks pretty on all skin colours.”
White Pyramid Gallery & Nail Bar is at 232 River Valley Road
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm
whitepyramidgallery.com
IG: @whitepyramidgallery @whitepyramidnailbar | FB: White Pyramid Gallery & Nail Bar
