The Inspiration Behind the Latest Nail Trend? Wallpaper

On the New York Fashion Week runways, we saw two categories of nail trends prevail: there were the barely there, minimalist manicures (think supermodel, milk bath, beige colours) seen at the Tory Burch, Brandon Maxwell, and Proenza Schouler shows, and then there were the maximalist designs like rhinestone-encrusted tips at Susan Alexandra and, our personal favourite, “wallpaper nails.”

The nail-art trend takes inspiration from the retro prints you could find on the walls of homes back in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. The look could be spotted on models and street style stars alike and took on many different forms (just as the home-decor detail does). At Batsheva’s spring/summer 2023 show, “wallpaper nails” featured pink gingham and vintage rose illustrations. “We took inspiration directly from Batsheva’s variety of prints, fabrics, models’ personalities, and colours,” the show’s nail artist, Holly Falcone, says in a press release. “For three looks, we created nail art featuring stars, pink gingham, and vintage roses for a little camp to match the print and designs even more.”

At LoveShackFancy’s spring/summer 2023 show, we saw “wallpaper nails” in various shades of floral. “The nail look for LoveShackFancy was inspired by the great energy of the city, filled with technicolour florals based on the interiors of the home and soft femininity,” says Kiss brand ambassador and celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards, who was also the designer behind the looks.

“Wallpaper nails” are busy in the best way and can vary in intensity and colours. To get inspiration for your own patterned manicure, keep scrolling.

Related: Square Nails Are the Retro Trend That Dominated NYFW