Tomboy 021: Kelly Cloud
Kelly Kristi Cloud is a multidisciplinary artist, currently based in Los Angeles and Berlin. She first exploded on social media as a nail artist, with bubbly intergalactic designs that completely transformed what we now know as “nail art.” Kelly also works as a designer and consultant, while comissioning paintings and sculptings (and the ocassional lamp) simultaneously. She humbly credits her most recent style evolution to her girlfriend Dani — who real ones might remember from ARIES 001 — but Kelly’s effortless mix of designer and street pieces have been the epitome of artist-off-duty style for years.
Luckily, Kelly had a few minutes to speak on what she’s up to (and into) lately.
Name: Kelly Cloud
Age: 38
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Where are you from + where are you right now?
I’m from San Diego, currently living between Los Angeles and Berlin.
What do you do?
I am a painter, sculptor, designer, design consultant, furniture & lighting enthusiast, and fashion enthusiast. I’m also a girlfriend, a professional napper and food & wine snob.
How were you introduced to fashion/streetwear?
I have always loved fashion, as far back as I can remember. I think I was born with the desire to dress well and express myself through doing so. I made my own clothes when I was in high school, and went to fashion design school for college. I have to say I know the most about streetwear recently and I owe that knowledge and understanding to my sweet girlfriend Dani (who is definitely an expert in that arena).
If you had to compress your personal style into one outfit, what would it be?
A white cropped little boy tee, black baggy denim pants and my Tabi loafers.
You can only wear three shoes for the rest of your life — what are they?
Margiela Tabi loafers or ballet flat
Bottega Chelsea boots
Acne cowhide slingback heel
Style icon: I've actually never had just one. I get inspired by individual items or things I see in the world. It could be an interesting building or a plant in the garden. Then create my own look from that. It’s all about feeling for Scorpios 😛.
Most recent (or favorite) Instagram follow: Rudy
Three pieces of media that shaped your personal style:
Lisa bonet in “The Cosby Show”
Mariah Carey “Honey”
Bella Baxter from “Poor things”
What’s your biggest creative/career milestone so far?
One of my biggest creative milestones has been having a HUGE impact on the nail art world, and having a hand in what “nail art” means today. Implementing fine art and fashion and the idea of using them as inspiration in a once uninspired industry. And inventing one of the most used and loved nail designs: the gel bubble or water droplet. Seeing my influence move worldwide over the years has been both beautiful and heartbreaking. Another milestone is just being an artist and making a living from creating. It is an honor and I feel lucky.
Dream collaboration?
A design collaboration between me and Gaetano Pesce would be a dream!
What are you currently working on/excited for?
I have designed a lamp and in the forever feeling process of production. Hopefully it will be ready to share in the next year or so. I’ve also been working with oil paint again and will hopefully continue to share and sell paintings.
When do you feel the most empowered?
When I'm wearing an outfit that makes me feel 100% ME.
What needs to change in the current fashion/streetwear landscape, to make it more inclusive?
MORE WOMEN!