The Legacy

Inventing Color

How we revolutionized the beauty industry
nail polish zela archive

1966 Brooklyn NY

Inventing Color

Over a half century ago MODE's founder, Ike Sukljian, invented never-before-seen nail polish colors when only a dozen mundane shades of red and pink ever existed on the market. With his Nail Cosmetic brand nail polish and rule-breaking approach, he revolutionized the beauty industry forever.

Pioneering a sea of over 300 colors and finishes — from sky blue, emerald green, canary yellow and black to day glow neons, dazzling glitters and every shade in between — Ike's groundbreaking Nail Cosmetic sold out instantly at the finest department, variety, and drugstores. Nail color officially graced the fingertips of a new generation of women, coveted by celebrities and tastemakers alike.

Did we mention he also invented nail polish pens?! Yup, he did it all. Ike was the visionary with the insight and foresight to define and set the global standard for the nail color cosmetics category which remains a mainstay to this day.