FASHION Magazine

Nail art’s not quite dead, but the baroque period is definitely over, as these five fresh-from-the-runways trends show. We’re in a minimalist phase, embracing subtle detailing, a more subdued palette and considerably less sparkle.

Jump to: CANDY-COATED | WHITEOUT | FRENCH REDUX | MOON PHASE | SPARKLE & SHINE

We’ve been preparing ourselves for the return of the French manicure ever since Alexander McQueen and Chanel painted the look on nails for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013, respectively. Both brands did the French manicures on clean, short nails with just a sliver of white on the tips. The message was clear: If you want your French manicure to be on trend, leave the acrylic tips at home. (Think “Kate Middleton at a royal brunch” more than “Snooki at a baby shower.”)

Unfortunately, Rihanna—always one to experiment with nail art—took the new French manicure trend one literal step too far.

Oxblood is certainly the colour of the season and from what we’ve seen so far at New York Fashion Week it’s still going strong for Spring 2013. And, like many colour/fashion/beauty trends it’s a shade that’s been in the spotlight before. Deep red lipstick definitely had its moment in the mid-’90s (hello, Drew Barrymore!) and I distinctly remember being obsessed with a special edition bottle of Wet n Wild nail polish that was a rich oxblood shade.