You Read It Here First: These 5 NYFW Nail Trends Will Shape Your Manicures for the Coming Year.
New York Fashion Week stands out as one of the year's most significant and trend-setting events. With dazzling runways and lively backstage areas, there’s no shortage of discussions about the latest creations from beloved designers during this hectic week. As beauty editors, our focus remains on the hair, makeup, and nail styles, highlighting the collections prior to the shows, particularly the remarkable nail designs that made an impression. At Who What Wear, we take pride in our expertise in nail art, and the spring and summer 2026 collections quenched our eagerness for fresh trends. While some classic styles, like the timeless French tips, persist, there were also notable nail designs inspired by the individual collections, captivating our attention throughout the week. Here are five trends that fascinated our nail-loving team during fashion week.
**Fine Lines**
This season's runway shows for Spring/Summer 2026 showcased unprecedented linework. Although each designer's style differs drastically (it would be challenging to compare Off-White’s academic streetwear to Sandy Liang’s nostalgic, doll-like pieces), there was a consistent theme tying together the manicures across these shows.
**Off-White's Nostalgic Negative Space**
Celebrity nail artist Coca Michelle explored negative space for spring. This all-OPI nail design from Off-White’s Spring/Summer 26 show features unpainted elements and slender double French tips, allowing the '70s streetwear-inspired collection to shine. Michelle explains, “Off-White and I simplified the design to make it more wearable given the collection's busyness.” She notes that nostalgia and black influence were key inspirations for the “Pop Romance” theme of the show, and she observed a return of Chevron nails reminiscent of 2016 through these designs, blending trendy French tips with a nostalgic feel.
**Sandy Liang's Baby French Tips**
No look by Sandy Liang is complete without an ultra-feminine manicure, and these minimalist baby French tips are among the easiest to replicate. Celebrity manicurist Holly Falcone used various shades of glowing pinks and whites from her upcoming brand, Celisse Nails, for each model to create these short nail-friendly designs. The key is to keep the tips delicate and subtle to achieve the fine lines favored by designers this season. While specific shades may not be available yet, we’ve found similar alternatives.
**Kim Shui's Fishnet Set**
To match Kim Shui’s layered Spring/Summer 26 collection, renowned nail artist Sojin Oh created a look that echoed the themes of sheer fabrics with naked nails outlined in white fishnet-inspired lines. This design can be replicated with a steady hand and a thin nail polish brush; however, for those uncertain about their linework, semi-cured gel nail strips from Oh’s K-beauty brand, Kijibae, can achieve the same effect.
**Nail Jewelry**
We’ve often praised the charm of nail jewelry—be it gemstone-adorned tips, molten metal accents, or 3D embellishments. This fashion week reaffirmed that this trend is thriving and gaining traction.
**Grace Ling's Pierced Claws**
Michelle adapted her signature cyberpunk style for Grace Ling’s “Future Relics” collection, incorporating builder gel, dangling charms, and nail piercings to deepen the design’s edge. The base for this "pierced bone" look utilized OPI colors along with the Intelli-Gel Super Matte Top Coat and metallic accents. If a gel-curing lamp isn't available, there are DIY-friendly options we can explore.
**Kim Shui's Nail Charms**
Oh continued to develop Shui’s layered aesthetic with this elegantly adorned set. The nail artist and founder of Kijibae established a firm base with semi-cured gel nail strips before creating small holes in the extensions on accent nails and attaching delicate chains with dangling 'K' charms—signifying both Kijibae and Kim Shui. For those wishing to replicate this look without the charms, Kijibae's Midnight Butterfly Gel Nail Strips are a great choice.
**Metallic Mania**
Celebrity nail artist Patti Yankee has predicted a lasting presence of metallics this fall, which was evident in the glossy manicures displayed backstage. The metals referenced here are not just simple glazed nails; they evoke the shimmering, alloy-like finishes reminiscent of nostalgic home salon days.
**Sergio Hudson's Disco Nails**
Nail artist Erica De Los Santos drew inspiration from '80s glamour to craft manicures that complemented Sergio Hudson’s Spring/Summer 26 lineup. A vibrant mix of bold zebra and cheetah prints, structured sleeves, and retro patterns graced the runway, while De Los Santos matched this exuberance with layers of mixed metallic nail polish. The result was a “jewel-like depth” achieved with a base layer of Essie’s Good as Gold followed by two layers of Lights Lacquer’s gold-and-silver shade, Das Esspensive.
**Bronx and Banco's Brownie Bronze**
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You Read It Here First: These 5 NYFW Nail Trends Will Shape Your Manicures for the Coming Year.
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