Pia Momo, the artist behind viral Erling Haaland nails, is redefining how we think about beauty. Her designs, spotted across social media feeds, are satisfying to see, as she transforms references from one medium into her own unique creations.
Momo is responsible for some of the best nail inspiration on the internet, recreating designs from top fashion brands like Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, and Comme des Garçons. She’s carved a space for herself in a class of beauty professionals who turn fingernails into full-blown canvases.
During the summer’s World Cup, Momo went viral for her nail designs based on Erling Haaland memes – think playful, yet surprisingly accurate, miniature sculptures of the football star’s funniest moments. This showcase of her creativity has earned her a spot in the beauty community.
The 32-year-old grew up between Tokyo and Stockholm, to a Japanese mom and Swedish dad. She credits her upbringing between the two cities for shaping her beauty interests. “Growing up in Japan had a huge influence on me – nail art is such a normal part of the beauty culture there,” Momo says.
To Momo, beauty is about reflecting your inner world, which is why she feels most beautiful when she is living in alignment with what she loves, surrounded by the people she loves. “Beauty, to me, is self-expression, but it’s never just surface. It’s subjective and shouldn’t have a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’,” she explains.
Momo’s vision of beauty is unique, and she continues to build it through her work. As a nail artist and content creator, she loves to create simple but striking designs, fun and cute designs, and designs inspired by her favorite films and fashion pieces.
For Momo, nails are canvases that hold fashion, references, and craft on the same level as makeup or hair. What she wants to communicate through her work is that something as small as a nail can carry an enormous amount of creativity and storytelling.
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The name “Seisai Kōbō” comes from the Japanese for ‘star’ and ‘radiance’, evoking the brilliance or shine of a star. It can also refer to the star-shaped shimmer seen in gems, which Momo loves for its connection to tiny, jewel-like art. “Kōbō” simply means ‘atelier’ or ‘workshop’.
Momo’s career highlight so far has been working with Paula Canovas del Vas, a brand she’s been a big fan of for a long time. She finds inspiration in many women in her life and believes that everyone is meant to inspire each other.
They are into transparent jelly nails, Dr. K, and her two beautiful cats. She thinks the future of beauty is radical individuality, where people can express themselves without feeling pressured to conform to a homogenized ideal.
In 30 years, Momo hopes to catch a reflection of a thriving, healthy, fulfilled version of herself, with wrinkles and grey hair, but a beauty that comes from the inside.
As the editor of a time-traveling beauty journal 100 years from now, she would report on nail colors that change depending on stress levels, like a health monitor band.
With her unique perspective and creative approach to beauty, Pia Momo is making a name for herself in the industry.
Her ability to transform simple ideas into stunning works of art has earned her a spot in the hearts of many beauty enthusiasts.
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