LOVE YOUR NAILS, JACK

IT ISN'T EASY BEING HIP, AND NOW THAT MALE EARRINGS ARE EVERYWHERE, GUYS ARE TURNING TO FINGERTIP ART

When Wende Zomnir, creative director of the nail-polish company Urban Decay, advertised free manicures at last year's International Fashion Boutique Show in New York City, the lines stretched out the door. Part of the clamor was simply good buzz, with fashion reporters raving over Urban Decay's wild shades, like Asphalt (matte black), Mildew (organic green) and Plague (deep purple). But there was another reason for the long wait. "There were as many men as women" in line, says Zomnir.

With earrings now dangling from the lobes of stockbrokers, bartenders and truck drivers, what's a hip guy to do to distinguish himself?...

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