Auckland nail artist Gemma Lloyd of Studio Ten has quietly built a reputation as the go-to manicurist for visiting international stars, styling high-profile artists from Rita Ora to Olivia Dean backstage in Grey Lynn.
Gemma Lloyd Styles International Stars in Auckland
- Auckland nail artist Gemma Lloyd prepped British soul singer Olivia Dean with a short, square French-tip manicure backstage before her sold-out Western Springs Bowl concert.
- Lloyd has expanded her client roster to include international film casts and musicians filming or touring in New Zealand, such as Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, and Florence Pugh.
- Studio Ten operates out of Kenkō Studios in Eden Terrace, keeping regular client books open alongside high-profile backstage styling engagements.
Backstage at Western Springs Bowl with Olivia Dean
The British soul singer stepped out in a custom crimson gown designed by Lara Fells of Australian brand St. Agni Studio in collaboration with stylist Simone Beyene. The look featured feather-like embellishments and a soft square neckline, paired with long, loose natural curls and a custom manicure.
That manicure came courtesy of Gemma Lloyd, who runs Studio Ten out of Kenkō Studios on St Benedicts Street in Auckland’s Eden Terrace. A regular fixture backstage at the Laneway festival doing artists’ nails, Lloyd first worked with Dean when the singer performed at the festival in 2025. “One of the organisers from Laneway passed my details to Olivia’s team and the rest is now history,” Lloyd told the NZ Herald.
Choosing the First French Tip for the Stage
Working with Dean before her Saturday night show, Lloyd arrived with a fully stocked kit to provide multiple options. With no time for a briefing beforehand, Dean pulled up a Pinterest inspiration photo to guide the design. The pair selected a short, square shape with a thin French tip over a nude Builder Gel base colour that complemented the singer’s skin tone.
“Olivia said that it was her first time trying square nails, which made me a little worried in case she didn’t like it! To catch the stage lights, the design finished with subtle added gems. The understated manicure contrasted sharply with the opening act Kaait, who wore XXL acrylic nails.”
| Artist / Cast Member | Project / Event | Nail Artist | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia Dean | Western Springs Bowl Concert (2026) | Gemma Lloyd (Studio Ten) | Backstage, Auckland |
| Jenna Ortega & Amy Adams | Klara and the Sun (2026 film) | Gemma Lloyd (Studio Ten) | On-set, New Zealand |
| Florence Pugh | East of Eden (Netflix series) | Gemma Lloyd (Studio Ten) | On-set, New Zealand |
| Cast of Zombies 4 & 5 | Disney Franchise (2025–2027) | Gemma Lloyd (Studio Ten) | On-set, New Zealand |
Expanding Roster Across Film Sets and Festival Backstages
Dean is not the only high-profile figure in Lloyd’s salon chair. Since establishing Studio Ten in 2022, Lloyd has become a favoured nail artist for international celebrities filming major projects across New Zealand. Her credits include working with Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams on Taika Waititi’s film Klara and the Sun, alongside regular sessions with singer Rita Ora, who is married to Waititi. Lloyd also provided nail styling for the Disney musical franchise casts of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and the upcoming Zombies 5: Secrets of the Sea.
Meeting Florence Pugh while the actor filmed the Netflix series East of Eden stands out as a personal highlight. “The most memorable moment was when Florence Pugh made me a cup of tea because she was excited that I was also from the UK and loved tea. She made me a cup of Yorkshire Gold.”
Looking Ahead to Laneway Festival 2027
Lloyd is preparing to return backstage for the upcoming Laneway festival at Western Springs Bowl on February 21, 2027. She hopes to style Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams, whom she has admired since her teenage years.
For nail trends heading into 2027, Lloyd anticipates a split between clean, healthy natural nails and textured experiments like cat-eye and pearlescent finishes. Despite managing high-profile international clients behind the scenes, Lloyd keeps her studio books open to the public at Kenkō Studios in Eden Terrace.
