As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Sopranos, it’s clear that the show’s influence continues to resonate, particularly in the world of fashion and beauty. The “mob wife” aesthetic, epitomized by characters like Carmela Soprano, has made a powerful comeback. From vintage fur coats to bold makeup, women everywhere are channeling their inner mob wives. But let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: those stunning nails. We caught up with Maria Salandra, the talented manicurist behind the iconic looks on the show, to reveal the secrets of Carmela’s fabulous nails.
From Salon to Set: Maria Salandra’s Journey
Maria Salandra’s story is as compelling as the series itself. Before becoming The Sopranos’ go-to nail artist, she was just another manicurist working in a New Jersey salon. “The thing is, in Jersey, it’s a really small world,” she explains. When the show’s head of makeup reached out to her—someone she had known since high school—it marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
“I was called in to do the cast’s nails right before the show started airing in 1999,” Salandra recalls. From that moment on, she became a vital part of the show’s aesthetic, staying on through all six seasons.
Crafting the Iconic Manicure
One of Salandra’s most notable contributions was perfecting the nails of key characters like Carmela and Adriana La Cerva (played by Drea de Matteo). Carmela’s nails were all about elegance and femininity, typically featuring a classic pink-and-white French tip. “It was a popular choice among my housewife clients back then, so it felt very natural,” she explains.
But the art didn’t stop there. For Adriana, Salandra got creative, moving away from traditional styles. “I often used deep wine colors, like Malaga Wine by OPI, and added unique nail art—everything from rhinestones to hand-painted logos,” she shares. Adriana’s nails had a playful, edgy vibe that set her apart from the rest of the cast.
The Press-On Nail Revolution
Creating press-on nails was another key part of Salandra’s role. She would often work late into the night, crafting 10 to 15 sets of press-ons for each character. This was especially useful for the strippers at the fictional Bada Bing! club, who needed nail looks that were just as glamorous as the rest of their attire.
Salandra recalls, “I would make all sorts of designs, and the ladies loved them! It became a routine for me.” Each press-on set had to be not only visually stunning but also practical for the actors, who sometimes couldn’t wear long nails off set.
The Key Elements of a Mob Wife Manicure
If you’re looking to emulate the iconic mob wife look, Salandra has some essential tips.
1. Go for Length and Shape
“The foundation of a mob wife manicure is the long, curved nail,” she emphasizes. “You need to ask for a square tip to really nail that look. Without that shape, it just won’t feel authentic.”
2. Embrace the French Tip
For those who want a classic style, Salandra says the French tip is a must. “For me, the quintessential mob wife manicure is the classic pink-and-white acrylic,” she insists. It’s timeless and adds a touch of elegance that pairs well with any outfit.
3. Add a Dash of Bling
Don’t shy away from embellishments! Whether it’s rhinestones or nail art, adding a bit of sparkle can elevate your manicure. “With characters like Adriana, I used a lot of airbrushed designs and even real dollar bills as nail decals,” she shares, hinting at how far you can go with creativity.
4. Keep the Glamour High
Remember, the mob wife aesthetic is all about boldness and glamour. Think statement pieces and vibrant colors to really stand out. “I absolutely love seeing women embrace this style,” Salandra says. “It’s all about being fierce and fabulous!”
The Return of the Mob Wife Aesthetic
As the mob wife aesthetic makes a comeback, Salandra is thrilled to see women channeling their inner Carmela and Adriana. “I’ve had an influx of new clients coming into my salon in Cliffside Park,” she reveals. “Some are even traveling from out of state just to get Sopranos-style nails!”
With celebrities like Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, and Anne Hathaway now regulars at her salon, Salandra is clearly in demand. “The mob wife aesthetic is all about being bold, glamorous, and fierce,” she states. It’s no wonder that women are reviving this look in 2024.
Conclusion: Channeling Your Inner Mob Wife
From the iconic French tips to the daring nail art, the secrets behind the Sopranos nails reveal just how much thought and creativity went into the characters’ aesthetics. Maria Salandra’s passion and expertise brought the show’s nail looks to life, leaving a lasting impact that has stood the test of time. As the “mob wife” trend resurges, you now have the insider tips to recreate these stunning manicures yourself. So, grab those pinks and whites, and channel your inner Carmela!
