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Watercolor Dreams
The nails at Rebecca Minkoff's New York Fashion week runway show were pure artistry in a lightwashed messy-on-purpose way that fashion experts pull off so well.
The Technique:
The true technique here -- don't be afraid if it doesn't look perfect. Essie manicurist Michelle Saunders started by applying Essie Nail Polish in Blanc for a bright base. Next, beginning at the nail bed, apply one coat of Essie's Bikini So Teeny to half of the nail. On the other half of the nail, apply one coat of Turquoise and Caicos (clearly a must-have shade for spring if you don't already have the cult favorite). Allow the two shades to overlap each other slightly. Then dip a striping brush in the shade Lollipop and draw a thin horizontal line between the two shades. Note: this needs to be done when the polish is still wet to get that bleeding color look.) Finally, blend Essie Good to Go Top Coat over the polishes, sweeping the brush toward the tip of your nail.
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Here, There & Everywhere
The pastel nails at Charlotte Ronson's spring/summer show alternated every other nail from a half moon manicure to an extended French tip manicure, leaving the rest of the nail with negative space.
The Technique:
OPI nail artist Miss Pop used OPI Base Coat, followed by OPI Nail Lacquer in That's Hula-rious! (out in February 2015 as part of the brand's spring/summer collection). Until the new shade comes out, try OPI polish in Gargantuan Green Grapes. Editor's tip: If you've never done a half moon manicure before, it can be tricky to keep the edges neat. A fine-tipped paintbrush can be easier to use than the brush nail polish comes with. Finish with OPI Top Coat for a shiny finish.
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On Cloud 9
The blue and white gradient nails at Nanette Lepore were inspired by the way foamy sea water washes up on shore and are, surprisingly, easy to recreate.
The Technique:
This nail art look requires two shades of polish, a top and base coat and your secret weapon -- a makeup sponge. Kandalec started by applying Essie First Base Base Coat, followed by two coats of Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple. Once your first shade has dried, dip the makeup sponge in Essie's Blanc polish and blot the sponge lightly over the tip of your nail. Apply the Blanc polish lighter and lighter as you blot toward the base of your nail.
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Sneak Peek
Okay, technically this isn't nail art -- just a really pretty color we have to have. But it was one of our Fashion Week favorites.
The Technique:
The deep glossy nails at Karen Walker's fashion show were created using Jin Soon Power Coat Strengthening Base and a yet-to-be-named color from Jin Soon's spring 2015 collection. We're counting down the days until it's released, but in the mean time you can try Jin Soon Nail Polish in Heirloom, a chrome finish deep turquoise shade.
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Simply Chic
Clean and sophisticated, the minimalist nail art at Erin Fetherston mirrored the collection's clean lines.
The Technique:
Manicurist Gina Edwards shaped nails into a smooth oval shape before applying white nail polish. To create the metallic stripe, use the gold foil tape from Kiss Products Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit, trimmed with a pair of cuticle scissors. (We used a business card as a stencil to keep the line straight across.)
Us trend spotters go back and forth on whether nail art is in or out, and whether it should be minimalist or bold and graphic. Regardless of what's in vogue, we'll always be fans of statement-making nail art -- and the nail looks at New York Fashion Week are some of our favorite designs yet. Fashion Week debuted gorgeous nail polish colors we're anxiously waiting for come spring, the new negative space manicure trend and a whole lot of intricate designs we're dying to DIY. Here, 12 Fashion Week nail art ideas to try at home.
