New York Fashion Week Showcases Diverse Nail Trends

From natural looks to bold acrylics, the fall 2026 shows featured a range of innovative nail designs.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Fashion Week's fall 2026 collections showcased a diverse array of nail trends, from the return of natural and naked looks to the continued popularity of bold acrylics and gradient tips. Celebrity manicurists like Jin Soon Choi and Mei created unique nail designs for shows like Marc Jacobs, Khaite, and Proenza Schouler, reflecting the latest aesthetic preferences in the industry.

Why it matters

Nail art has become an increasingly important part of the fashion landscape, with designers and brands using unique manicures to complement and enhance their runway looks. The variety of nail trends on display at NYFW highlights the creativity and innovation happening in the nail industry, catering to a wide range of personal styles and preferences.

The details

At the Marc Jacobs show, celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi was instructed to keep the nails short, while at Khaite, nail artist Mei created dramatic, pointed "arrow talons" that were twice the size of normal nails. Proenza Schouler featured muted earth, sea, and fire clay nail colors, while Christian Cowan showcased gradient "aura" tips. The nail designs at Elena Velez took on an apocalyptic, "Dune"-inspired look with sharp chrome tips propped on metal rods.

  • The fall 2026 fashion shows took place in New York City in February 2026.

The players

Jin Soon Choi

A celebrity manicurist who created the nail looks for the Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler shows.

Mei

A New York-based Japanese nail artist who designed the dramatic, pointed "arrow talons" for the Khaite runway.

Marc Jacobs

The renowned fashion designer who gave strict instructions to Jin Soon Choi about the length of the nails for his show.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I got yelled at by him [Jacobs]. He told me, 'It's too long, cut it,' five minutes before the show.”

— Jin Soon Choi, Celebrity Manicurist (WWD)

“These colors are so popular. All these are good for all different skin tones. Some of them are sickly, some of them tulle in a sheer color, and then some of them chilling.”

— Jin Soon Choi, Celebrity Manicurist (WWD)

The takeaway

The diverse range of nail trends showcased at New York Fashion Week's fall 2026 collections underscores the growing importance of nail art in the fashion industry. Designers and brands are increasingly using unique manicures to complement and enhance their runway looks, catering to a wide variety of personal styles and preferences.