Runway Revelations: Uncovering the Captivating Nail Art Trends at NYFW 2025

As the city of New York buzzes with the energy of Fashion Week, the streets are alive with the sartorial elite, all flocking to witness the unveiling of the latest spring and summer collections for 2025. While the dazzling gowns, tailored ensembles, and statement accessories may steal the spotlight, it's the captivating nail art that truly elevates the runway experience, serving as the ultra-glamorous icing on the cake.

Elevating the Runway: Nail Art Trends that Captivate and Inspire

Minimalist Chic: Understated Elegance at Monse

At Monse, the models strutted down the runway with decidedly understated manicures, showcasing a cool-toned, opaque taupe hue. Crafted by renowned manicurist Jin Soon Choi, the minimalist nail look effortlessly complemented the collection's refined aesthetic, proving that sometimes, less is truly more.

The Monse show exemplified the power of a subtle, yet impactful nail design. By opting for a muted, neutral tone, the focus remained on the intricate details and silhouettes of the garments, allowing the fashion to take center stage. This understated approach to nail art serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of timeless elegance, where the beauty lies in the simplicity of the execution.

Cottagecore Charm: Floral Flourishes at Alice + Olivia

In contrast, the Alice + Olivia runway embraced a more whimsical and feminine approach to nail art. Manicurist Miss Pop adorned the models' almond-shaped nails with a delightful blend of blue and white floral nail stickers, perfectly complementing the collection's lace-infused and toile-inspired designs.

The cottagecore-inspired nail art at Alice + Olivia captured the essence of the brand's spring/summer 2025 collection, which was brimming with romantic and nostalgic elements. By incorporating the vibrant blue floral motifs, the nail looks seamlessly integrated with the overall aesthetic, creating a cohesive and visually captivating experience for the audience.

Effortless Elegance: Sheer Manicures at Proenza Schouler

In contrast to the bold and statement-making nail art seen elsewhere, Proenza Schouler opted for a more minimalist approach, showcasing sheer, glossy pink manicures. Manicurist Jin Soon Choi utilized the brand's Muse Polish, a shiny sheer pink hue, to achieve this high-fashion look.

The Proenza Schouler runway demonstrated the power of a refined and understated nail aesthetic. By choosing a sheer, barely-there pink, the focus remained on the collection's sophisticated color palette and clean lines, allowing the garments to take center stage. This effortless elegance serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful nail art is the one that seamlessly blends into the overall aesthetic, complementing the fashion without overshadowing it.

Metallic Marvels: Modern Half Moons at Libertine

Libertine, known for its vibrant color, pop art florals, and sparkling denim, took a bold approach to nail art, showcasing a striking metallic silver chrome base with neon yellow half moon details. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, who has worked with A-listers like Selena Gomez and Jessica Chastain, was the mastermind behind this eye-catching design.

The Libertine runway demonstrated the power of nail art to make a statement and complement the collection's bold and eclectic aesthetic. By incorporating the metallic silver chrome and neon yellow half moon accents, the manicures elevated the overall look, creating a cohesive and visually striking ensemble. This modern and edgy nail art showcased the versatility of the runway, where the beauty looks can serve as a canvas for experimentation and self-expression.

Marbled Magnificence: Customized Nail Art at Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung's runway was a feast for the senses, with playful fringe, vibrant color-blocking, and gauzy gowns. Complementing this dynamic collection, NYC-based manicurist Gina Edwards created a customized nail look, featuring sharp stiletto tips with marbled details.

The Prabal Gurung show demonstrated the power of personalized nail art to elevate the overall runway experience. By shaping the nails into sharp stiletto tips and adding a unique marbled pattern, the manicures became a true extension of the collection's playful and experimental spirit. This level of customization not only showcased the skill of the manicurist but also highlighted the importance of nail art in creating a cohesive and visually captivating runway presentation.

Timeless Elegance: Clean Gloss Nails at Phillip Lim

In contrast to the bold and statement-making nail art seen elsewhere, Phillip Lim opted for a more timeless and understated approach. Nailing Hollywood's Mazz Hanna created a "clean gloss" nail look, achieved using Dazzle Dry's base and top coats, as well as a nude lacquer for a select few models.

The Phillip Lim runway demonstrated the enduring appeal of a classic and refined nail aesthetic. By choosing a clean gloss finish or a subtle nude lacquer, the manicures complemented the collection's sophisticated and minimalist design, allowing the garments to take center stage. This timeless approach to nail art serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful beauty looks are the ones that seamlessly blend into the overall aesthetic, enhancing the fashion without overshadowing it.