Are you ready to witness something truly magical? If you love horses, dance, and breathtaking artistry, this viral commercial is about to become your new favorite. In fall 2012, OPI nail polish partnered with creative powerhouse DAN Paris to produce Instinct of Color, a short film that would captivate millions of viewers worldwide and redefine what a beauty commercial could be.
The Vision Behind the Masterpiece
Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI’s Executive Vice President and Artistic Director, explained the creative concept beautifully: “Today, nail color can convey feelings and emotions, expressing on the outside what the wearer is feeling on the inside. In this short film, four women communicate through dance and color.” But here’s where it gets extraordinary—they weren’t dancing alone.
Introducing Lady in Black: The Star of the Show
The undisputed star of this commercial is Lady in Black, a beautifully trained Thoroughbred who steals every scene. But making a horse dance with the grace and precision of professional ballerinas? That required serious equestrian expertise. Lady in Black was trained by renowned French equestrian stunt trainer Mario Luraschi, who brought out the horse’s natural athleticism and responsiveness.
While some of the movements draw from authentic dressage training, the team didn’t stop there. They pushed the boundaries of what’s possible by combining real performance with cutting-edge technology.
Where Art Meets Technology
The magic of this commercial lies in the seamless blend of traditional horsemanship and modern animation. According to the production team: “We animated, rendered, and tracked 3-D legs into many of the shots showing the horse making a series of complicated dance moves. The goal was to have a seamless photorealistic look to both animation and render.”
Every detail mattered. The 3-D horse model was meticulously matched to Lady in Black’s actual anatomy, and talented animators worked from real footage to replicate authentic equine movement patterns. The result? You can barely tell where the live action ends and the digital enhancement begins.
More Than Just a Beauty Ad
What started as a creative campaign for nail polish became something far greater—a stunning work of art that celebrates the elegance, power, and grace of horses. This commercial transcends typical advertising by telling a story of harmony between humans and equines, all set to mesmerizing choreography and vibrant color.
Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a dance lover, or simply someone who appreciates creative excellence, this commercial is an absolute must-watch. Lady in Black’s performance proves that when you combine talented trainers, professional dancers, innovative technology, and passionate artists, you create something truly extraordinary.
Have you seen this commercial yet? Tell us what you think in the comments below—and don’t forget to share it with your fellow horse lovers!