5 New York Fashion Week nail trends set to become the beauty industry’s next obsession
By Jess Watts | 17 September 2026 | Art & Technique, North America News
From 10-15 September 2026, New York Fashion Week returned for its 166th seasonal edition, with designers unveiling their Spring/Summer 2027 clothing and accessory collections. But the glamour extended far beyond the runway: backstage, nail artists were hard at work creating manicures designed to complement each look.
Let’s explore the standout nail trends from NYFW that are set to make a major impact on the industry…
1. Vertical stripes
Women’s clothing designer, Stacey Bendet, brought her brand, Alice + Olivia‘s Wonderland-inspired SS27 collection to the runway, accompanied by playful nail art created of celebrity nail artist, Pattie Yankee™ (@pattieyankee).
The fun red-and-white vertical stripes were reminiscent of classic candy canes, adding a whimsical, graphic finish that perfectly complemented the collection’s fantastical aesthetic.
2. ‘Sunglass’ nails
Luxury fashion brand, Diane von Furstenberg, paired its vibrant SS27 collection with manicures created by nail artist, Simcha Whitehill (@misspopnails). The brown-toned nails were finished with chrome glazes using products from nail brand, Essie, creating a sleek, reflective effect. Simcha dubbed the look ‘Sunglass Nails’ in an Instagram post, capturing the trend’s softly tinted, high-shine finish.
3. Purple polish
Pops of purple shimmer brought a touch of iridescence to the nails at designer, Christian Cowen‘s SS27 showcase.
The artist behind the design, Gina Edwards (@ginaedwards_) explained her inspiration on Instagram: “I created a sculpted black curvature across the nails to echo the curves of a woman’s body – feminine, powerful and unapologetically strong. Beneath it, a subtle cat eye effect adds depth and movement.”
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4. Pearl finishes
Nail artist & owner of nail brand, Celisse, Holly Falcone (@hollyfalconenails), was behind the pearlescent nail looks at designer, Sandy Liang‘s SS27 show.
The manicurist took to Instagram, explaining: “The nail looks were created for the sporty princess…shimmering pearl shades inspired by jerseys and spandex and always paying tribute to the satins and moirés of Versailles. Every season, no nail look has ever been just a color! It always tells a story or stems from something in a Sandy girl’s world – a secret superpower, a subtle hint that one is a princess or a reference to a moment in girlhood.”
5. Cherry red
New York-based nail artist Naomi Yasuda (@naominailsnyc) is known for creating standout manicures for celebrities including singer, Dua Lipa, and girl group, KATSEYE. During NYFW, Naomi’s talents were in high demand as she contributed to nail looks for multiple designers.
Cherry red nail looks were sported by models wearing denim designer brand, 7 For All Mankind‘s SS27 collection – offering a bold yet wearable indication of the nail styling trends set to shape the Spring/Summer 2027 season.
Another NYFW project showcased less wearable – but certainly show-stopping nails courtesy of Naomi. Showpony is a ‘fashion project and creative universe’ founded by New York-based hairstylist and designer, Evanie Frausto.
The nails for the runway featured products from The GelBottle Inc, while accompanying hair extensions added an extravagant, theatrical edge to the overall look.
