5 nail trends spotted at New York Fashion Week SS26
By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 September 2025 | Events, News, Trends
Lead photo credit: Instagram.com/naominailsnyc
Autumn might be making an entrance, but it’s time to think about spring/summer, as the Fashion Week SS26 season has kicked off with New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Fashion Weeks offer an insight into upcoming styling, beauty and nail trends – and the spring/summer 2026 season does not look set to disappoint in terms of nails. Let’s check out the key trends spotted on runways…
1. Strong shapes
Nail shapes set to stun on New York catwalks, in the form of striking stilettos, distorted nail tips and feather fingertips. Yuliia Kovalchuk, part of the North America’s Star Nail Artist Top 25 for Season 2, was the pro behind unusual, extreme and ‘dramatic’ nail styles for the Guvanch brand’s showcase.
The Luar fashion house is known for its eye-catching nail looks at New York Fashion Week, and feathers were the bold choice for fingernails this season. Session stylist, Naomi Yasuda, was on hand to fashion textured tips in a range of colours for the ‘La Fantasia’ show.
2. Animal print
Staffordshire nail brand, Glitterbels, headed to New York to create impactful styles for THE BLONDS’ fashion show, in partnership with recently appointed executive brand advisor & industry veteran, Jan Arnold. Among the looks were 3D stilettos in a range of animal print variations.
Animal print also made an appearance on the Bronx and Banco SS26 runway, where Miss Pop (@misspopnails) led nail looks including golden zebra print. Using the Salon Perfect brand, the editorial nail artist created the mesmerising mani using silver cat eye and chrome products.
3. Marbling
Marble effects in various shades of purple, green and blue drew attention at L’Enchanteur’s show, thanks to Naomi Yasuda. The pro took inspiration from sea monsters to create abstract, pointed designs that matched models’ outfits, hair and make-up.
The effect, in green hues, was seen on a similar nail shape at the Grace Ling showcase, where nine nail looks were led by celebrity nail artist, Coca Michelle. The OPI ambassador used a range of the brand’s products to fashion designs, including jungle green hue, AmazON…AmazOFF, and teal, Baby Tee-l.
4. Chrome
A classic nail trend that isn’t going anywhere, it’s no surprise that chrome made an appearance at New York Fashion Week. The team at Yukie Natori NY Salon & Spa was in charge of crafting chrome finishes for LaQuan Smith models: ‘bold gold nails for some models and sleek silver nails for others’.
At the LAPOINTE show, metallic chrome was used on the tips of nails, matching gold and silver details in models’ clothing and make-up looks. Naomi Yasuda created the cool chrome claws using Addiction Tokyo nail products.
5. French tips
A classic French manicure is a timeless style that goes with everything, as proved at the Sandy Liang SS26 showcase. Holly Falcone, nail artist & creative director of soon-to-launch nail brand, Celisse, used shades, Babydoll, Vanity and Camisole, to create neutral manicures including micro French tips.
Alternatively, French tips got a funky twist for the Off-White runway, courtesy of Coca Michelle, who used OPI shades, Black Onyx, Crimp and Proper, Cargo All Out and Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet. The OPI ambassador got playful with ‘negative space and double lines’.
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