Nails are stealing the spotlight at the Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 shows. Designers revealed they are moving from minimalist to maximalist styles with plenty of chrome, sculpted claws, and bold colors. There were so many showstopping nail designs that we couldn’t cram them all into a single article. Keep reading for a preview of what’s next in the nail world.
Spring/Summer Shows with Trendsetting Nail Designs for 2026
Fashion week shows for spring and summer 2026 are still ongoing. We recently had Tokyo, Seoul, Ukraine, New York, and London. At the time of writing, Milan is happening with Paris soon to follow. In each city, we saw stunning manicures prepared by trendsetting artists and their teams. Most sets were prepared ahead of time for quick changes in the dressing room.
The nail world has come a long way from the French manicure, which was created to solve the specific problem of needing to switch outfits rapidly. Last year, we saw many variations on the theme of nude nails and French tips. Now, 2026 is shaping up to be daring and beautiful in every way possible. Nail artists at Fashion Week shows are layering colors, adding unexpected textures, and sculpting extreme shapes to open the door to a new world. Let’s step through and take a look.
Tropical Decadence
Luxury apparel brand THE BLONDS collaborated with artist Jan Arnold and her team to create eye-catching manicures for New York’s shows. If you’re unfamiliar with Jan Arnold, she’s the daughter of the dentist who invented acrylic nails. Now she’s the Style Director at CND and a fixture at Fashion Week for more than two decades.
If you love this colorful ombre look, we have the perfect product to reproduce it. Lavis Pat Pat Gel Palettes each contain nine coordinated shades that are ideal for smooth gradient designs or intricate hand-painted details. They save space and money.
Lavis Pat Pat Gel
Marbled Monster Claws
Also, at NYFW SS26, we saw Naomi Yasuda’s set inspired by sea monsters. The beautiful swirl of color like marbled crystal is easy to achieve with blooming gel or Lavis Wave Gel for a flowing effect.
As for the shape, we were surprised how many times the cat claw style appeared on the runways this year. It seemed like many models were sporting raptor sets!
LAVIS Wave Gel Collection
Chrome Zebra Stripes
Miss Pop designed these "Golden Zebra" nails because no one can ever have enough cat eye and chrome designs. There appears to be a matte finish underneath the chrome, which makes the cat eye polish look like etched glass.
Stilettos and Snakes
Here's another collaboration between THE BLONDS and Jan Arnold plus many talented artists without whom the big names could never finish in time!
The scaly texture on these stilettos is achievable with non-sticky sculpting gel. But when it comes to the custom serpents, would you prefer shaping them with acrylic or poly gel?
LAVIS 3D Sculpture Gel - 00 Clear 15g
Floral Fun
We love it when designers and nail artists take the time to show off the showstopping nail designs from fashion week and credit those involved. Jan Arnold and team created these magenta floral stilettos studded with sparkles for THE BLONDS. They predict that Spring 2026 is going to have high energy and a lot of fun!
Spots On
Yes, animal prints are still very much a part of fashion for next year. It’s easy to admire how these spotted nails coordinate so beautifully with the model’s hair color, jewelry, and top. They are very much an essential part of the ensemble, the finishing touch that brings it to life.
Feathered Fingertips
Although we doubt that feathered nails will be on everyone’s fingertips, they certainly help tell the story here of LA FANTASIA’s design. Artist Naomi Yasuda trained in Japan and moved to New York City nearly two decades ago. Her innovative nail art shows up again and again at fashion shows, in films and magazines, and at events like the Met Gala. Celebrities like Madonna, Gigi Hadid, and Rita Ora keep the rest of her schedule booked.
Tantalizing Talons
Nail artist Yuliia Kovalchuk collaborated with designer GUVANCH on this tasty caramel set of talons for NYFW. She has competed worldwide in Nailympia and is an international nail judge who also educates pros and enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, GUVANCH is setting trends beyond stylish ensembles. They include disabled models on the runway because all bodies are worthy of being seen in fashion. In other words, style should be accessible for everyone.
While we’re on the topic of making beauty available to all, let’s talk about poly gel. It’s an innovative sculpting tool with an easier learning curve than acrylics. If you’re excited about 3D nail art but put off by strong odors and complicated methods, poly gel will give you a new perspective. It’s low odor and straightforward to work with. It won’t dry until you cure so you have all the time you need to perfect your piece. It’s ideal for sculpting nail shapes that you can’t find premade as press-ons or soft gel tips.
LAVIS Poly Extension Gel 1 UV/LED - Clear
Relics from the Future
Michelle Nguyen, AKA Coca Michelle, developed nine “future relic” nail designs for GRACE LING. Since she is an OPI Ambassador, she and her team relied on OPI polish colors like Black Onyx and Baby Tee-l for these one-of-a-kind looks.
Negative Space and Double Lines
Coca Michelle also created these unique negative space French tips. They were prepped ahead of time by her team for the models showing Off-White’s SS26 ensembles. Colors include OPI Crimp and Proper and Cargo All Out.
Metallic Nails
Chain mail nails take metallic manicures to a whole new level. These sets were designed for Chopova Lowena by London artist Ella Vivii who has also completed showstopping sets for celebrities and fashion magazines.
Conclusion
Are you ready for the stunning nail art arriving next spring and summer? Now’s the perfect time to stock up on the trendiest colors and essential nail art supplies in our store. We’re here year round to help you reach all your nail goals.