Patta Selects: Daniel Smedeman

Amsterdam-based nail artist Daniel Smedeman has established himself as one of the go-to creatives in nail art culture. As the co-founder and Creative Director of Glazed Salon, Daniel has created a signature style. His work has been featured across leading publications including Vogue, Acne Papers, Carnale, Perfect Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and in campaigns for Tom Ford, Versace and Viktor & Rolf.

His creative direction sets the tone on the runway, as he leads nail design for houses such as Casablanca and Willy Chavarria. Being such a talented individual, it was a no-brainer for Patta to collaborate with him in the past. His salon, based in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, is a place we turn to whether we’re after a perfectly clean nail or a piece of art.

Fashion and beauty are becoming more intertwined than ever. How do you think nail art fits into the broader fashion narrative today? 

Just like fashion, beauty is forever changing. Sometimes it's more out there and sometimes more muted. Either way, it can definitely be seen as a form of individual expression, community, celebration or even protest. 

What was it like entering a field that’s mostly female-dominated, and how did you find your place in it? 

At 38, I wanted to be self-employed and more creative, so I was determined to succeed. For me, being a man in a space where there were few was one of the reasons for me to venture into nails. During my first day in class, I fell in love. Still, even now, I see myself being who and what I am as a plus.

You’ve created so many standout looks over the years. Is there a particular set or moment that still stands out to you? 

I mean, there have been a few; however, the one closest to my heart is doing a simple red nail for my grandmother for a story in the Dutch national newspaper, the NRC. 

What have been some defining moments for Glazed, the projects or milestones, that made you realise it was becoming something bigger than you imagined? 

My first Paris fashion show with Viktor & Rolf was for sure a pinch-me moment! Opening Glazed with my business partner Jessica van Houten, a salon that creates space for community, is humbling. Especially to stay true to our initial concept. Working together with Willy Chavarria, a brand that stands for the same things I believe in. Being able to bring my team along with me, I very much believe in sharing this experience with them.

Collaboration seems central to your world, from working with artists to fashion brands. What makes a collaboration feel right for you, and how do you make sure it stays true to the Glazed vision? 

Even though I believe in individual expression, I believe it's very important to come together. It is what creates so many more possibilities, brings knowledge and is so powerful. Making the right decisions is a gut feeling and always thinking about the long run. Believing in a constant vision, calmness and daring to swim upstream.

There have been rumours about a newspaper-like magazine you’re working on called ‘Unguis Oracle’, set to launch in January 2026. Can you tell us a bit about it? What can people expect from this release? 

The rumours are true. It's been a long-time dream coming true. It's a love letter to everything hands. A physical paper celebrating craft, care, knowledge and a whole lot of creativity. Collaborating with photographers like Paul Kooiker, Woody Bos and illustrations by Piet Paris and more.

What’s next, either for Glazed or for you personally? Any new directions, collaborations, or ideas you’re excited to explore? 

For Glazed just to stick around and dare to stay true to its core values. Collaborate, celebrate and give back. As for me, to always keep dreaming dreams that lead to creation, I hope.

Visit Daniel at Glazed Salon.