Spring has sprung and here at Nerd Nite SF headquarters, we’re preparing – as so many critters in the natural world do – to strut our stuff in the sunshine. We’ve put together a program to help you look and feel your best as the weather warms and longer days urge us from our hibernation (and doomscrolling) to socialize once more! This month, we’re tackling the art, science, and history of nail polish and piercings, and taking a look behind the veil at some of the fashion world’s dirtiest secrets. It’s all kicking off at 7pm on March 20th, at our beloved Rickshaw Stop, so shine those shoes and break out the lint roller: it’s time to get fashionable!
Nailed it: The Science Behind the Perfect Manicure
By Julie Cushen
Ever wonder what’s in your nail polish? What’s the difference between nail lacquer, gel, and acrylics, and where did all of these products come from? Join us as we discover the history and fascinating materials science behind some of the most underappreciated highly engineered functional formulations that are both loved – and hated – by people who paint their nails.
Julie Cushen earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2013 and since then has led UV curable formulation projects at various startups for a wide variety of applications ranging from 3D printing to display coatings to nailcare. In 2021 she launched her plant-based nailcare company Lilaque, introducing the world’s first soy-based gel nail polish and plant-based press-on nails.
Piercings 101: Holes, Poles, and the Art of Stabbing Yourself on Purpose
By Teo Lin-Bianco
Let’s talk about the basics—how piercings actually heal, why placement and jewelry matter, and what’s really happening when your body decides to fight back. Is a $50 piercing really worth it, or is a dorm room safety pin just the same? (Spoiler: probably not.) Expect a history of piercing culture, a little ear anatomy, and, for the freaks, a dive into some more NSFW placements—plus plenty of audience participation.
Teo Lin-Bianco is a former piercing staff member who spends way too much time thinking about the perfect hole. Having successfully healed dozens of piercings (and just as successfully taken out about as many), Teo is an expert in both good decisions and bad ideas. When not talking about skin and steel, they choreograph dance works exploring identity, intimacy, and the weirdness of being human.
You’re Dressing Like SH*T! – The Not-So-Fabulous Secrets of Fashion
By: Corey Goodman
A deep dive into the messy, often not-so-fabulous world of the garment industry—where style meets scandal, innovation clashes with exploitation, and the price tag rarely tells the whole story. I’ll share some tips and tricks to ‘possibly’ avoid contributing to the beast we call the fashion industry.
Cody Goodman (He/They), a fashion industry insider with a BFA in Apparel Design from The Academy of Art, a Luxury Sales certificate from Parsons, and a track record of selling millions at Neiman Marcus, Todd Snyder, and APC, and wherever else my day job continues to bring me. Whether dressing San Francisco’s finest or building my own brand, I bring an eye for style and a sharp critique of the industry that shapes what we wear. Let’s unravel fashion’s dirty little secrets—together. I’m on instagram media as @cashmere.Cody
Featuring Friends of the Show: