These ain’t your mama’s manicures. Created especially for the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week by artists from CND Creative Nail Design, these looks are whimsical, fantastical, futuristic, and just plain cool. Nails like this would be sure to attract attention, but would you actually wear them?

 

Alexandre Herchcovitch Nails

 

 

The “Sugar Babe” manicure at Alexandre Herchcovitch used a shimmery transparent glitter polish to give subtle sparkle and shine. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Norman Ambrose Nails

 

 

At the Norman Ambrose show, artist Candice Manacchio used CND Sheer 24K Sparkle Effect to give these nails a glittering tip. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Norman Ambrose Nails

 

 

The Norman Ambrose look was flashy and glam—half trophy wife, half Studio 54. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Runway Makeup

 

 

Perfect for spring, the manicures at Dean Quinn used shimmery coppers on top of putty-colored shades to create looks that were anything but neutral. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Diego Binetti Nails

 

 

The nails at Diego Binetti, inspired by a masquerade ball, featured soft pastels tipped in gold and silver for a Harlequin look. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Jen Kao Nails

 

 

The deep, dark manicures at Jen Kao were designed to evoke animals like poisonous snakes and frogs. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

CND Nail Polish

 

 

CND artist Wanda Ruiz used CND Colours like Midnight Sapphire and Green Scene, combined with Inkwell. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Joanna Mastroianni Nails

 

 

The “Luminous Lucite” manicure at Joanna Mastroianni featured desert-inspired shades like ivory, shimmery gold, and dusky pink paired with clear tips. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Joy Cioci Nails

 

 

At Joy Cioci, models wore clear tips with delicate hand-painted latticework. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Kate Ermilio Nails

 

 

This reverse French manicure, seen at Kate Ermilio, has an exaggerated moon at the nail bed. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Naeem Khan Nails

 

 

The “Hematite” manicure at Naeem Khan used CND Colour in Asphalt, along with a gleaming top coat for shine. Get the look at home with a CND Shellac manicure, and the color and shine will last for two weeks. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Nicole Miller Nails

 

 

The rockin’ checkered manicure at Nicole Miller was topped off with a layer of Ice Blue Shimmer Effect, which gave the whole nail an icy glaze. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

The Blonds Nails

 

 

The tip sets used in the “Glitz & Glam” manicures at The Blonds were hand-detailed with playful patterns. _Photo courtesy of CND_

 

Runway Makeup

 

 

Some of the designs created by artist Kristina Estabrooks were inspired by stockings. This manicure features a feminine fishnet pattern. _Photo courtesy of CND_