The Best Nail Art Moments from the 2025 Met Gala: Unforgettable Red Carpet Manicures
Discover the standout Met Gala 2025 manicures—from crystal pinstripes to tuxedo-inspired tips—setting new beauty trends.
The Best Manicures and Nail Art Moments from the 2025 Met Gala
The 2025 Met Gala once again proved itself not only as the epicenter for audacious fashion statements but also as a spectacular showcase for beauty innovation—most notably, the year’s exceptional nail artistry. As stars ascended the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art steps for this year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, their hands became canvases for meticulously designed manicures. Beauty editors and fans alike eagerly watched for the boldest, trendsetting designs, and this year delivered a masterclass in creative, on-theme, and trend-defining nails.
From affordably glamorous press-ons to dazzling 3D embellishments, the variety and artistry of nails at the Met Gala continue to set the pace for upcoming beauty trends. Ahead, explore the most unforgettable manicures, ranked by their impact, creativity, and flawless execution.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Power of Red Carpet Nails
- Countdown: The 12 Best Met Gala Nail Looks
- Dominant Nail Trends at the 2025 Met Gala
- Manicure Details: Celebrity Inspirations and Nail Techs
- How to Recreate the Looks
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction: The Power of Red Carpet Nails
No detail is too small on fashion’s grandest night. The Met Gala has always been synonymous with bold style and breathtaking beauty moments. In 2025, it was the manicure that often stole the spotlight: statement sets, intricate hand-painted designs, and one-of-a-kind embellishments transformed each celebrity’s appearance, perfectly complementing their couture ensembles. Whether elegant or edgy, every manicure was a piece of wearable art, curated to reflect both individual style and the event’s culturally resonant theme.
Countdown: The 12 Best Met Gala Nail Looks
- Tyla: Crystal Pinstripe Manicure
Tyla’s manicure was hailed as the evening’s crowning achievement. Her crystal pinstripe nails caught the flash of every camera, reflecting sophistication and modern glamour. The shimmering effect, echoing tailored pinstripe suits, perfectly encapsulated the theme with both drama and finesse.
- Sha’Carri Richardson: Signature Custom Nails
Track star Sha’Carri Richardson brought the same passion for creative nails she’s known for to the Met carpet. Her custom set featured intricate length, artistry, and sparked conversation, setting her apart in the red carpet crowd.
- Dwayne Wade: Mismatched Modernist Manicure
Wade’s nail look was widely recognized as the top men’s manicure at the Gala: a daring mix of colors and graphic polka dots, highlighting a shift toward embracing expressive nail art for all genders.
- Cynthia Erivo: Pinstripe and Tie Accents
Cynthia’s custom OPI nails featured pinstripe designs with a miniature tie motif—a playful nod to traditional menswear, reimagined with a feminine, whimsical twist.
- Ego Nwodim: Button-Encrusted Shine
Ego Nwodim’s nails, among the first to command attention on the carpet, showcased a glossy black base with vibrant, suit-inspired button decorations. The look was a bold homage to the sartorial heritage of Black style and peplum tailoring.
- Sabrina Carpenter: Stitched and Strung Louis Vuitton Nails
Nail artist Zola Ganzorigt created a standout look for Sabrina: Louis Vuitton-logo nails featuring illusion “stitching” and fine strings. The next-level 3D detailing elevated this manicure to true haute couture status.
- Tems: Playful Mismatched Spring Set
Tems bucked the convention of matching nails with a lively, mismatched set in bright, optimistic shades—a celebration of creativity and the freedom to reinterpret red carpet style for warmer months.
- Lisa: High-Fashion Nail Charms
Lisa impressed with Louis Vuitton charms that adorned each fingertip. These mini wearable accessories turned her hands into a statement piece on their own and brought literal luxury to the manicure.
- Gigi Hadid: Gold French with 3D Artistry
Gigi blended classic elegance with avant-garde flair, combining luminous gold French tips and intricate 3D art for a luxurious, editorial-ready effect.
- Chappell Roan: Pink Pony Club Fantasy
Chappell’s OPI-crafted pink nails gave playful energy to the carpet. The whimsical shade and cheeky vibe cemented her manicure’s status as a fan favorite.
- Lizzo: Tuxedo-Inspired Nails
Lizzo leaned into the night’s formal mood with tuxedo-themed nail art—possibly the most on-theme and sophisticated set of the entire evening.
- Suki Waterhouse: Everyday-Classy Press-Ons
Closing the top twelve, Suki wore understated yet chic press-ons from KISS, demonstrating that accessible glam is always in style—even on high fashion’s glitziest night.
Dominant Nail Trends at the 2025 Met Gala
The 2025 event revealed several standout nail trends:
- Pinstripe Motifs: Echoing formal tailoring and the historic dandyism celebrated in this year’s theme.
- Crystal and Chrome Embellishments: Adding dramatic flashes and a luxe, light-catching element.
- 3D Accents and Charms: Charms, stitched effects, and rhinestones gave nails depth and couture level detail.
- Polished Minimalism: Sophisticated basic shapes (soap nails, French tips) highlighted the beauty in simplicity and timelessness.
- Mismatched Sets: From playful spring colors to polka dots and alternating hand designs, individuality reigned.
Spotlight on Materials and Tools
Nail artists used a variety of products—from affordable press-ons and gel polishes to custom 3D embellishments. Many techs incorporated well-known brands:
- Louis Vuitton (logo and charms)
- OPI (custom color work and durable finishes)
- KISS (cost-effective press-on options)
- DND and Après Gel (sheer bases, bold art liners, long-lasting shine)
Manicure Details: Celebrity Inspirations and Nail Techs
Red carpet manicures are more than polish—they’re the product of artistic vision and technical expertise. Here are a few behind-the-scenes spotlights:
- Lizzo: Tuxedo nails by Eri Ishizu using Après Gel’s Cloud Nine and Birnam Wood.
- Joey King: Custom set with Après Gel colors by Thuy Nguyen.
- Halle Bailey: Dramatic navy and white French with rhinestone details by Temeka Jackson (DND’s Rose Palais, Whipped Cream, and Magic Night).
- Vittoria Ceretti: Sleek black French tips on a soft pink base by Kim Truong, mirroring her pinstripe ensemble.
- Ego Nwodim: Rainbow button nails, a playful nod to tailored details, by Thuy Nguyen.
- Lala Anthony: Classic soap nails, letting her structural gown do the talking.
- Emma Chamberlain: Wine-red, short square nails complementing her pinstripe gown and sultry glam.
- Zuri Hall: Almond-shaped French tips for understated chic.
- Sydney Sweeney: Rose gold cat-eye French with hand-painted gold accents.
- Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union: Coordinated mani moments by Thuy Nguyen—soap mani for Gabrielle, mismatched polka dots and chrome for Wade.
What others are reading
Table: Nail Artists and Their Met Gala Celebrity Clients
| Celebrity | Nail Artist | Signature Look |
|---|---|---|
| Lizzo | Eri Ishizu | Tuxedo-inspired gel manicure |
| Joey King | Thuy Nguyen | Creative, multi-hue custom gel set |
| Halle Bailey | Temeka Jackson | Navy French with rhinestones |
| Vittoria Ceretti | Kim Truong | Sleek, thin black French manicure |
| Ego Nwodim | Thuy Nguyen | Rainbow button nails |
| Sabrina Carpenter | Zola Ganzorigt | Louis Vuitton stitched logo nails |
| Dwayne Wade | Thuy Nguyen | Mismatched polka dot and chrome |
| Gabrielle Union | Thuy Nguyen | Classic soap manicure |
How to Recreate the Looks
- Crystal Pinstripe Nails: Use a fine nail brush and a line of crystal embellishments along each nail for a sparkling effect. Recommended: Self-adhesive crystals and pinstriping tape.
- Tuxedo-Inspired Manicure: Start with a neutral base, then add black tips, buttons, and lapel details with a nail art pen.
- Button-Encrusted Designs: Apply glossy black polish as your base; use tiny colorful studs or metallic decals for the “button” effect.
- Mismatched and Polka Dot Styles: Alternate pastel polishes for each nail. Use a dotting tool or a bobby pin to add polka dots in contrasting shades.
- 3D Logo Nails: Secure small charms or crafts-store embellishments with nail glue; seal with a gel topcoat for long-lasting wear.
Tips from Celebrity Nail Artists
- Prep nails with a nourishing cuticle oil to keep hands red carpet ready.
- Use a high-shine top coat for a glass-like finish, as seen on multiple 2025 Met Gala manicures.
- Layer sheer pink or nude polish for a soft, natural-looking base before adding bold details.
- For press-ons, choose snug sizes and use quality adhesive for a salon-quality finish at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was the biggest nail trend at the 2025 Met Gala?
The most prominent trends were pinstripe designs, crystal embellishments, and upscale 3D details such as logos, charms, and button motifs, all inspired by the gala’s tailoring theme.
Q: Is it possible to recreate Met Gala nail designs at home?
Yes, many designs, especially press-on options or polka dot/mismatched sets, are achievable at home using dotting tools, nail art stickers, and high-gloss topcoats.
Q: Which celebrities had the most talked-about nail art?
Tyla, Sha’Carri Richardson, Dwayne Wade, Cynthia Erivo, and Sabrina Carpenter led the conversation with their highly original nail looks, intricate craftsmanship, and adherence to the gala’s fashion-forward spirit.
Q: What products or brands did celebrity nail artists use?
Popular choices included OPI, DND, Après Gel, KISS press-ons, and custom nail charms—ranging from affordable to luxury tier for accessible inspiration.
Q: Are designer nail charms a growing trend?
Absolutely—designer charms and logo details, seen on stars like Lisa and Sabrina Carpenter, are gaining traction and signal a move toward highly customized, miniature luxury accessories for nails.
Q: Can short nails look as chic as elaborate designs on the red carpet?
Yes. Short nails, including soap nails and polished French tips seen on Lala Anthony and Zuri Hall, offered timeless elegance and practical glamour, making them a perennial favorite for any event.
References
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