Tuesday, September 14, 2010

OPI Archives

In my Internet Media Class today, we used a site called archive.org. One of the site's features allows you to view archives of pretty much any website, and of course I had to check out some nail polish websites. I thought what I found was pretty interesting, and so I'll be featuring the progressions of nail polish websites in a few upcoming posts. Today, I'm starting with OPI. In 2002, this is what OPI's main page looked like (click to enlarge any of these pics):
This only took up about 1/3 of my computer screen, and while it's a lot better-looking than some other websites from that period, I don't think it's particularly remarkable. After looking at the main page, I decided to check out some of their collections.
European Collection
Far East Collection
New York City Collection

For some reason, some of the pictures refused to show up...sorry about that. Anyway, I'm sure you can all tell that most of these colors are pink or red. I think I see about two purples? I know a lot of people complain about OPI only putting out reds and pinks; well, we've come a long way, folks. I also particularly noticed one polish in the Far East collection: Pearl of Wisdom. There is a polish called Pearl of Wisdom in the Hong Kong collection from earlier this year, and as far as I can tell from comparing my bottle and the picture, they are exactly the same. Caught you, OPI! Also, who knew OPI produced lipsticks? Not me, for sure.

And for a little perspective, here's a screenshot of the current OPI site:

Gorgeous!

What do you think of this post? Are you interested in seeing more? (I'm thinking Essie next...)

13 comments:

  1. Interesting!! :) I love archive.org, it's so fun to look at what websites used to look like. Some of them had horrible web designs, especially the ones from back in the 90's... lol

    Internet Media sounds like an interesting class... I wish my school had something like that.

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  2. This is cool! I also wanted to see the old OPI collections... maybe find out what collection Rainforest is from??? Haha I think that is high wishing :P

    I vote for more ;)

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  3. I've heard people on the OPI fan page ask why they stopped making lipsticks. It is interesting you caught the Pearl of Wisdom thing!

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  4. This is great information. I'd love to see more. I actually like the older OPI photos and promos better in the sense that they focused on the nail lacquer and not on the ideal of feminine. They still did it in some of the older photos, but I like that they showcased the lacquer...not the woman. I've done a lot of research of women and the media...I get rather crabby over many of the current promos. :P Keep them coming. :)

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  5. Deanna- I know, I love it! That's pretty much all I did in class today...lol. I feel really fortunate to have Internet Media for a class; it's pretty much the only cool "practical art" my school offers. :)

    Tasha- You could probably find it, but it might take a while. I'm pretty sure I'll do more of these, though, I think it's pretty cool! ;)

    Serena- I wonder why they did stop making them. It seems like people would buy them...I would have. And the Pearl of Wisdom thing made me want to go through the entire archives and see if I could find more re-releases - maybe that makes me obsessive? :)

    Lacquer Ware for Tips and Toes- I'm glad you liked it! I hadn't thought about the difference in the promos, but that's really interesting. I'll be eager to see what the other sites are like, and I will definitely keep them coming. :)

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  6. Wow, what an insightful post! So interesting to see what OPI's website was like back then and get a view of their old collections! Though I must say, that's funny that you mentioned Pearl of Wisdom from their Far East collection, and how there is a Pearl of Wisdom in the Hong Kong Collection...guess they thought it was okay to bring back a polish after it's been more than 5 years? Can't wait to see what website you show next!

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  7. So very interesting. I bookmarked the page so I can go back later and play. :)
    Thanks,
    Susie

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  8. Cyan- Thanks! I'm really glad I'm not the only one who thinks this is interesting. :)

    Susie- Haha, it's definitely a great site to mess around on!

    AggiePigeon- Thank you! I will! :)

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  9. OMG Thanks for showing this, this is too cool! Haha

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  10. Aurora's Nails- You're welcome; I'm glad you liked it!

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  11. Would like more on the history of OPI. IE past collections and when the came out, and brochures or lists of polishes they had and have now.

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  12. I'll keep that in mind; thanks for the input!

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