Top nail trends look to the 1990s for their inspiration
Think chrome, square shapes and French manicure with an update
Celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards stands amid the backstage chaos at New York Fashion Week.
The seasoned veteran and KISS Brand ambassador appears wholly unflustered, being used to the buzz of back-of-house activity that includes hair styling, makeup application and manicures.
A buzz of blowing hair dryers, raucous chatter, and a lot of heat — backstage, it seems, is always hot — the models are prodded and prepared before getting dressed to walk the runways at the international fashion event.
For the collection shows of designers such as Prabal Gurung, Patbo and Sergio Hudson, Edwards creates nail designs that distil the designer's visions down to each individual nail.
“I envisioned an opulent nail with faceted stones with gold accents to reflect that era,” Edwards explains of the heavily bejewelled tips she created for the Sergio Hudson show.
With limited time between each fashion show, models often wear press-on styles in order to facilitate an easy-on, easy-off change.
Runway trends are undoubtedly still a big influence on broader nail trends overall. And, if Edwards' creations for the New York designers are any indication, 2024 is going to go big on chrome finishes, square nail shapes — and one very famous manicure colour combination.
“The '90s French,” Edwards responds to the request to pinpoint the hottest nail trend of the year. “Most trends start with reminiscing on an era. And, in fashion, we always try to modernize it while still paying homage to that time.”
The term “French manicure” dates back to the 1970s, when its said that Orly nail polish founder Jeff Pink coined the term to describe the nude or soft pink nail base paired with a slash of white at the nail tip.
Since then, the perfectly polished look has been a manicure mainstay, with a plethora of adaptations — think: tip width, shape and colour — going in and out of vogue. IMPRESS (from $18.99, available at mass retailers across Canada) offers a full range of presson French nails in classic combinations of nude and white, as well as blue, pink and even black.
“It's the French manicure, updated,” Edwards explains.
As both a celebrity artist and a brand ambassador, the nail pro is always on the lookout for the next big thing. And Edwards points to her home city as a primary origin point of inspiration for her designs.
“What inspires me are colours and patterns I come across through art in NYC,” she explains.
THREE TOP NAIL TRENDS TO TRY THIS YEAR
Hand-picked by celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards, these three nail trends are a must-try in 2024.
If you opt for a press-on nail design, Edwards offers a pro tip to give a more custom feel to the ready-made manicure.
“Find your nail style and add art as you go along,” Edwards advises. And always stay true to you. “Wanting to be on the latest nail trends are great, but stay true to your own personal style and experiment every now and then,” Edwards says. “If a trend doesn't suit you — it's fine. You can always scale back the design or wait for the next wave.”
1 Chrome
Add some unexpected shine to your nails with a chromed out, or even holographic, finish.
2 Square shapes
Skip the almond or stiletto shape this season and instead try a '90sand aughts-approved square shape. Bonus points if that shape is paired with a French tip.
3 French
There's a reason it's a classic. You simply can't go wrong with a French manicure. Customize the look by playing with the colour and thickness of the tip, or add embellishments or a statement nail to really liven up the look.