As we bask in fashion month's stylish afterglow, we’re still processing what wowed us, what was underwhelming and what we’ll actually be integrating into our wardrobes. As we continue to mull that over, nails seem like an easy point of entry to the season’s most statement-making beauty trends. Everyday wearability is seldom a priority with runway hair and makeup, but runway nail art is inherently accessible—even manis of the brighter, bolder, blinged-out variety can seamlessly slip into any environment without becoming more than an ice-breaker or compliment bait. The manis that designers sent down the runway this season eschewed subtlety and embraced a more over-the-top approach with metallic hues, shimmery top coats, maximalist decals, and textured tips. In essence, the nails are a far cry from a basic French. Ahead, we’ve compiled the nail looks from New York, London, Milan, and Paris we predict (and hope) will be everywhere this fall.
Nameplate Nails
For Luar's New York show, nail artist Naomi Yasuda accessorized extra-long stiletto nails with a 3D silver decals to add texture and shine. On the runway, Yasuda opted for colors like Naked Guy and On My Brown by Madam Glam to nail down the perfect neutral, then customized the pinky appliqués for each model.
Reverse French Tips
Models at Nensi Dojaka wore an inverted French mani with a shimmery twist. In contrast to classic tips, nail artist Ama Quashie painted on tiered half-moons at the base of the nail, or 'heart bows' as Quashie described them in an Instagram caption, topping off a pearly off-white.
'Less Is More' Linework
Simple doesn't mean boring. The manis at Dion Lee were at the intersection of understated and statement-making, with bold, black linework on top of a clean base coat. To create the precise lines, nail artist Juan Alvear painted on Faculty's black shade Fader using a thin nail brush.
Transparent Textured Tips
The textured mani is nothing new, but it's typically bright and bold. Similar to the 'water nails' that Quashie designed at Simone Rocha's fall-winter show earlier this year, models topped off their almond-shaped textured manis with a clear coat. Though it's clear to see the intricacies up close, the transparent tips make it the perfect introductory option for the nail art averse. To try the textured look at home, try squeezing Daily Charme's Hard Gel in a Tube on top of a gently-buffed top coat, then sealing it all in with another layer of top coat.
Rugby Stripes
At Tommy Hilfiger, the collegiate vibes were abundant. Yasuda sent models down the runway in sleek stripes to match Hilfiger's signature colorway. For a more subtle take on the trend, try a two-tone monochromatic striped mani with pairings like baby blue and cerulean, crimson and maroon or white and cream. To create this look, Yasuda paired together navy and red polishes from The Gel Bottle Inc and Peacci.
Melting Metallic Nails
At Trussardi, the nails were metallic and molten. Though Quashie stuck to clean neutral manis for Trussardi's autumn/winter show earlier this year, she branched out with new textures and tones this season. On top of a textured stiletto base, Quashie painted on a coat of silver chrome to five a modern edge to the signature Studio 54 hue.
