5 Nail Art Trends That Reigned Supreme at NYFW

For the last several seasons we’ve suffered through no-mani manis (the nail equivalent of no-makeup makeup), with backstage manicurists touting short, clean, “naked” nails as the trend to try. But at the Spring 2018 shows, nails made major noise with looks that were anything but minimal. So kiss those nude nails goodbye and prepare to get artsy. Here are the fresh-off-the-runway manicures you’ll most definitely want to try come spring—because according to New York Fashion Week, statement nails are back!

SPORTY LOGOS

Kith

Backstage at Kith, Alicia Torello for Essie gave select models sporty racing stripes and a chic take on the Champion logo.

Helmut Lang

For Shayne Oliver’s Helmut Lang debut, Naomi Yasuda used OPI products and nail stickers (created on temporary tattoo paper) to achieve a ’90s-inspired, over-the-top logo look on squared-off nails.

Monse

Backstage at Monse, Rita Remark for Essie painted sporty stripes on models’ nails before adding a varsity jacket-inspired “M” (for Monse, naturally) on each thumb.

EVERYDAY METALLICS

Oscar de la Renta

Julie Kandalec for Essie used the brand’s Good as Gold and Penny Talk polishes at Oscar de la Renta to complement the heavily embellished pieces Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia sent down the runway. Metallic is the new neutral.

Rebecca Minkoff

A nod to the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of Minkoff’s collection, Michelle Saunders for Essie used the brand’s Dressed to the Nineties and Girly Grunge polishes to create a purple-toned metallic manicure that flattered all skin tones.

Naeem Khan

To complement the drama of Khan’s prima ballerina-inspired collection, Gina Edwards for KISS Products created a silver nail look with cascading jewel embellishments.

THE NEW FRENCH

Alice + Olivia

At Alice + Olivia, Rita Remark for Essie tipped nails in teal using the brand’s Garden Variety polish.

Sachin + Babi

At Sachin + Babi, manicurist Geraldine Holford used Dermelect’s Sophisticate shade before adding a glimmer of silver leaf to the tips.

Opening Ceremony

LeChat lead nail artist Naomi Yasuda created three unique designs for Opening Ceremony, including this black and white checker tip.

Lela Rose

Backstage at Lela Rose, manicurist Holly Falcone used 7true nail polishes to create an intricate, double French tip look.

FREESTYLE LINES

Tibi

Jin Soon Choi used polishes from her namesake brand to paint graphic stripes along models’ nails at Tibi, a nod to ‘80s street style and individuality. Some models received diagonal purple lines, while others received chic black stripes.

Self Portrait

Morgan Taylor Lacquer lead artist Gina Edwards created three ‘70s-inspired manicure styles for the Self Portrait show, including this playful shooting star look.

Tanya Taylor

Julie Kandalec for Essie created a chic “ribbons in motion” manicure as a nod to the flowing fabric art installation that served as a backdrop for Tanya Taylor’s colorful collection.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Manicurist Alicia Torello applied Côte Matte Top to create a velvety base. She then used Côte No. 92  to paint an edgy horizontal strip across the ring finger.

EXTRA “EXTRA”

Jeremy Scott

To mark Jeremy Scott’s 20-year anniversary, CND Creative ambassador Miss Pop created the most buzzed-about manicure of the season: Silver-dusted cuticles radiating from a burst of neon color. Models’ hands glittered like shiny comets streaming down the runway—the perfect finishing touch to Scott’s playfully futuristic collection.

Libertine

CND, the pioneers of backstage nail artistry, created an endless range of 3-D nail designs for Libertine. Guided by brand co-founder/creative director Jan Arnold and creative lead Heather Reynosa, the CND Design Lab team spent over 1,000 hours perfecting press-on talons adorned with Swarovski crystals, neon tassels, safety pins, barbed wire, and hand-sculpted bird skulls.

The Blonds

Backstage at The Blonds, CND creative lead Shelena Robinson took nail artistry to new heights with oversized gemstones, exotic animal prints, hibiscus flowers, and glow-in-the-dark accents. “Like the Blonds, CND has a passion for creating looks that transcend style to tell a story,” said CND co-founder/creative director Jan Arnold. Mission accomplished.

Images courtesy Julia Murphree